DHCP automatically gives devices an IP address, subnet mask, gateway and DNS servers when they join a network. On a camera system it keeps addressing manageable at scale, but a camera or recorder whose address changes can break bookmarks, port forwarding and integrations, so critical devices usually get a reserved address.
Addressing is unglamorous until it breaks. One changed address can take a recorder off a viewer’s list and leave an integration pointing at nothing.
Leases and reservations
A lease gives a device an address for a period and renews it, which suits laptops and phones. Recorders, controllers and cameras are better served by a reservation: the device still uses DHCP, but it always receives the same address. That keeps configuration stable without typing settings into every device.
DHCP on a camera network
Decide early whether cameras use reservations or fixed addresses, and write it down. Keep the scope inside the subnet the recorder expects, and make sure the server never hands out an address a fixed device already uses. An address conflict shows up as an intermittent camera, not an obvious failure.
Related:Glossary: NVRGlossary: VMS