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Installation

This guide walks through the steps required to set up and install cameras for the Arvist platform.

Setup Steps​

Follow these steps to ensure proper installation of your camera infrastructure:

1. Start Services​

Start the required Docker services:

docker compose up -d

This command will start all necessary services in detached mode, allowing them to run in the background.

2. Verify Status​

Verify that all services are running correctly:

docker compose ps

Check that all services show a "running" status. If any service shows an error, review the logs with:

docker compose logs <service-name>

3. Configure Network​

Configure your network to allow the following ports:

  • RTSP (Port 8554): Real-Time Streaming Protocol for camera video feeds
  • MQTT (Port 1883): Message queuing for event communication

Ensure your firewall or network security rules allow traffic on these ports between your cameras and the Arvist server.

4. Assign IP Addresses​

Cameras need consistent IP addresses for reliable connectivity. Choose an appropriate strategy:

Configure static IP addresses directly on each camera through its web interface:

  • Pros: Simple, no external dependencies, consistent addressing
  • Cons: Requires manual configuration per camera
  • Best for: Small to medium deployments (up to ~50 cameras)

Steps:

  1. Access the camera's web interface (usually via browser at the camera's current IP)
  2. Navigate to Network Settings
  3. Set static IP, subnet mask, and gateway
  4. Document the IP address for each camera

Option 2: DHCP with Reservations (Enterprise)​

If your network has a DHCP server with reservation capabilities:

  • Pros: Centralized IP management, easier for large deployments
  • Cons: Requires network infrastructure control, external dependency
  • Best for: Large deployments (50+ cameras), managed networks
Network Infrastructure Required

This approach requires a DHCP server on your network (router, dedicated server, etc.) with MAC-based reservation support. Arvist does not provide DHCP services - you must configure reservations on your existing network infrastructure.

Steps:

  1. Identify camera MAC addresses (usually printed on camera label or in web interface)
  2. Configure DHCP reservations on your network's DHCP server
  3. Set cameras to use DHCP (in camera network settings)
  4. Verify assigned IPs match reservations

IP Planning Best Practices​

Regardless of method chosen:

  • Use a dedicated subnet for cameras (e.g., 192.168.100.0/24)
  • Document all camera IPs in a spreadsheet or IPAM system
  • Use consistent IP ranges (e.g., 192.168.100.10-99 for cameras)
  • Reserve IP ranges for future expansion
  • Keep gateway and DNS settings consistent across all cameras
Best Practice

For most deployments, static IP configuration is the simplest and most reliable approach. Use DHCP reservations only if you have existing network infrastructure and expertise to manage it.

Network Requirements​

  • Ensure cameras and the Arvist server are on the same network or have proper routing configured
  • Cameras should have stable network connectivity with minimal packet loss
  • For optimal performance, use a dedicated VLAN for camera traffic
  • Consider using PoE (Power over Ethernet) switches for both power and network connectivity

Post-Installation​

After completing the installation steps:

  1. Test camera connectivity by pinging each camera's IP address
  2. Verify RTSP stream access using a tool like VLC or FFmpeg
  3. Proceed to the Configuration section to add cameras to the Arvist platform

Troubleshooting Installation Issues​

If you encounter issues during installation:

  • Verify Docker services are running: docker compose ps
  • Check service logs: docker compose logs -f
  • Ensure required ports are not blocked by firewall
  • Verify network connectivity between cameras and server

For more detailed troubleshooting, see the Troubleshooting guide.