How to set up camera using the Soft AP (Soft Access Point)?

Overview: This article will introduce how to set up a Foscam camera via the Soft AP process. This covers the FosBaby series and the C1 cameras. This method will allow the user to directly connect to the camera on its own wireless access point.
Before proceeding with the connection directions verify the following is completed:
1)    The camera is powered on.
2)    The computer/device is powered on and ready to connect to a Wireless Access Point.
3)    Maintain approximately 2-3 meters (6-10 feet) distance between the computer and camera.

Step 1: Download and install the Equipment Search Tool.

Navigate the web browser to http://www.foscam.com/download-center/software-tools.html and download the Equipment Search tool.
Note: Two versions of the Equipment Search Tool exist; one for Windows and one for MacOS. Be sure to download the correct version.
Technical Note: BEFORE launching the program verify no virtual network drivers are installed on a Windows based computer. Oracle’s VirtualBox installs these drivers upon installation and they will prevent the software from accessing the LAN. These drivers can be found under the Device Manager and temporarily disabled.
Step 2: Activate the Soft AP (Access Point) mode of the camera.
1)    Locate the Soft AP button on the camera and press it for 4 seconds. Release the button after 4 seconds; the camera will announce the Soft AP mode is activated.
  
2)    After the camera announces the Soft AP is activated the WAP within the camera will broadcast an unencrypted wireless signal with the model number of the camera. (Example: Fosbaby_xxxxx, C1_xxx) Also the status lights of the camera will quickly flash indicating it is in Soft AP mode.

Step 3: Connect the computer to the camera via the Soft AP being broadcast by the camera.
1)    Using the Wireless Networking indicator normally located on the lower right corner of the task bar use the computer to connect to the Wireless AP point broadcast by the camera. There will be no password for this Access Point.

2)    Open the Equipment Search Tool on the computer to search for the IP Address of the camera.

3)    Double click on the IP address of the camera to open the default web browser setup in Windows. Note: Disable any Pop Up Blockers which may be running on the web browser. These programs block the necessary web browser plugins from being executed by the web browser to properly view the video feed from the camera. They also block any plugins that may need to be installed to the web browser. The alternate method is to manually open Internet Explorer and type the address into the address bar as shown above. Example: https://192.168.1.1:88
4)    If this is the first time the camera is being logged into after opening the login window the user will be prompted to install a web browser plugin. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the web browser plugin. It is normal for the web browser to be closed during the installation process. Follow the instructions given in the Installation Wizard to complete the necessary installation. Once the installation of the program is completed simply double click on the IP Address displayed in the Equipment Search tool again to re-open the web browser to take you back to where you began. Note: If this is the first time the camera is being logged into a new camera account and password will need to be established before viewing the video feed. Be sure to note this information for future login attempts to the camera.
For information on how to log in to the camera with a web browser click here.

On Foscam VMS

1)    Open the Foscam VMS on the computer to find your camera in device list.

 
2)    Double click the add button to add your camera to VMS. 

Step 4: Configuring the camera for use on a WIFI network.

On PC browser:

Note: If this is the first time the camera is being logged into or the camera has been reset to factory settings follow the instructions in the Setup Wizard to setup a WIFI connection.

WIFI Setup Instructions

1)    After logging into the camera navigate to Settings → Network → Wireless Settings  Click on the Scan button to scan the WIFI networks in the area.

2)    Select the wireless network of the router and input the password for the network the camera is supposed to connect to; click the Save button.

3)    Navigate to Settings → System → Reboot   Click on the Reboot button to reboot the camera. After the camera re-starts it will connect to the WIFI network.

4)    The computer will disconnect from the SAP of the camera after it re-boots. Using the WIFI network controls located on the lower right corner of the task bar connect the computer to the local WIFI network. Use the Equipment Search Tool to find the camera again. The IP Address of the camera should appear again after a few minutes once the camera connects to the WIFI network it was just configured for.

5)    After the camera appears on the window double click the IP Address of the camera to open a web browser in order to view the video feed. You will need to login to the camera with the credentials used during the initial setup. To open a different browser rather than the default manually launch the browser and type the enter address of the camera and port into the web browser address bar. Example http://192.168.15.207:88

On Foscam VMS

Note: If this is the first time the camera is being logged into or the camera has been reset to factory settings follow the instructions in the Setup Wizard to setup a WIFI connection.

WIFI Setup Instructions

1)    After logging into the camera navigate to Settings → Network → Wireless Settings  Click on the Scan button to scan the WIFI networks in the area.

 
2)    Select the wireless network of the router and input the password for the network the camera is supposed to connect to; click the Save button.
3)    Navigate to Settings → System → Reboot   Click on the Reboot button to reboot the camera. After the camera re-starts it will connect to the WIFI network.

4)  After your camera reboots, you can find it in your VMS.