You need to have a PC fitted with a network card to connect it to a router. This will be necessary to view images from any cameras connected to the same router or network.

What they do

Network cards allow the PC to communicate with the other equipment on the network. In a simple one-PC-and-one-printer situation the PC and printer are plugged into each other directly and no network card is necessary. However, if the PC is part of a larger network (such as one with cameras) it needs a network card to interpret the electronic conversations between the different elements of the network and the PC. IP cameras and network printers all come with the equivalent of network cards built in as standard - otherwise they would be useless!

How to tell whether you already have a network card

There are a number of ways to determine whether or not your PC is already fitted with a network card.

a) If your PC is connected to a router, then you have a network card and need read this no further.

b) Click on 'Start', then 'Control Panel'. Find 'System' and double-click on this. At the top of the displayed box are a series of tabs. Click on the word 'Hardware'. On the next screen, click on 'Device Manager'. There will be a short pause and a list of the installed hardware devices will be shown. Under 'Network adapters' will be listed the names of any modem or router installed. Look under the heading of Network Adapters: are there any devices listed? Unless the device is a modem associated with a broadband provider then it is probably a network card, but also check the other methods below. (Note that any device with a red cross through it is not currently connected to your PC but has been installed in the past. If you are in any doubt, contact us by phone or email and we can help determine what you have).

c) Look at the double screen icon at the foot of the screen. Put the mouse over the icon. If the message says 'Local Area Network' or 'Local Area Connection' then you already have a network card and router.

Most PCs purchased in the UK since around the start of 2004 have network cards fitted as standard.

If you do not have a network card then it will be necessary to have one installed by your local computer dealer, although as the computer is likely to be several years old it may be more cost effective to replace it.

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