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Remote webcam access. How can I share my webcam between two computers?

Olga Weis Olga Weis Jul 10, 2022

Remote webcam sharing is a valuable asset in the post-2020 world of remote work. After all, the fast pace of the modern-day office environment often requires employees to swap seats, desktops, laptops — and lunches, sometimes (accidentally or otherwise). It goes without saying that having physical access to our devices (be they smartphones or desktops) isn’t always possible.

The COVID-19 pandemic taught such a lesson to businesses all over the world.

This meant that the limitations of the humble extension cord were blaring and detrimental to productivity. For example, perhaps you need access to a webcam located at a workstation on the opposite end of the office — or across town. Herein lies the core of this article.

How does one obtain remote web camera access no matter how far away they are from the webcam device?

Not to worry, because we’re here to share a variety of methods to:

  • Share USB webcam over LAN
  • Share webcam over WiFi

As well as the best webcam server software/apps to help you do it!

How to access remote webcam with USB Network Gate

One exceptional solution is provided by Electronic Team, Inc.— a company always on the cutting edge of what the modern remote workforce needs to be successful. It calls USB Network Gate, enables users to effortlessly share USB cameras (as well as other USB devices and hardware) over any network (like LAN, Ethernet, or WiFi).

USB Network Gate eliminates wire clutter and allows users all over the office to enjoy remote webcam access from any location (as long as they operate on the same network).

How to use USB Network Gate to remote access webcams: A step-by-step guide

The ideal method to access a USB webcam remotely is by sharing via LAN or WiFi network. Below we’ll walk you through the steps to accomplish this:
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Step 1: Download and install USB Network Gate on the computer physically connected to the webcam (called “servers”), as well as the computer requiring remote access (referred to as the “clients”).
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Step 2: Run the USB Network Gate app on the “server” computer.
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Step 3: Find the webcam peripheral from the device list.
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Step 4: Hit the button beside the webcam’s name.
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Step 5: Run USB Network Gate on the client computer (the one needing remote access), and locate the shared webcam from the list of available devices.
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Step 6: Hit the button to connect button.

“I work in IT support, and sometimes require access to webcams throughout my office. Before it used to be a hassle for both myself and the end-user.

But when I discovered USB Network Gate, it was the perfect solution. In just a few clicks, I can quickly and easily connect to remote webcams — and other USB devices — whenever I need!”



Or watch video tutorial:

ung

Why choose USB Network Gate?

  • USB Network Gate makes it fast, easy, and simple to access remote webcams from any location!
  • USB Network Gate is an excellent option thanks to its cross-compatibility. Mac users can connect to Windows or Linux operating systems effortlessly (and vice versa).
  • Users can create callback connections (a connection with a client-initiated from the server machine).
  • The software offers a powerful and secure connection with (optional) embedded traffic encryption. Users can also set password requirements to restrict and control remote access.

Supported Platforms:

  • For Windows run on 32-bit and 64-bit: XP/2003/2008/Vista/7/8/10, Server 2012/2016/2019.
  • For Mac OS 10.9 and higher.
  • For Linux was tested on: Ubuntu 14.04-18.04 and Centos 7.

Price:

  • You can try a 14-day trial period and test all the features of USB Network Gate.
  • License for USB Network Gate starts from $159.95.
USB Network Gate
Access your webcam remotely now!

How to share a webcam over Wi-Fi with Yawcam?

Easy remote access web camera capabilities aren’t restricted to just one app. Yawcam remote access software is another great option.

But what is Yawcam?

Yawcam is a webcam software for Windows operating systems, coded in Java. The main concept behind Yawcam was simplicity and ease of use — without sacrificing a flexible suite of features.

For those needing to share a camera between two computers on Windows (and over a network connection), Yawcam is a great open-source solution. Yawcam stands for: “Yet Another WebCAM software”. So, along with being great developers — they even have a sense of humor.

Please note: This “share webcam software” functions via WiFi.

How does Yawcam works?

In this section, we’ll show you how to use the Java-scripted webcam app: Yawcam. Yawcam allows individuals to make use of any camera attached to their PC computer to capture and publish live transmissions from an internet-connected computer.

  1. Step 1: Download the Yawcam installer and follow the wizard to complete the installation process.

  2. Step 2: Ensure all shared webcam(s) are physically connected to PCs, and all drivers are installed/up-to-date.

  3. Step 3: Once all hardware is hooked up and running, start Yawcam. Yawcam control panel screenshot

Yawcam Features:

  • Provides video streaming capabilities;
  • Take image snapshots;
  • Built-in webserver;
  • Has Motion detection;
  • Password protection;
  • Offers online announcements for communities;
  • Scheduler for online/live time;
  • Allows for time-lapse movies;
  • Can run as a Windows service.

Supported Platforms:

Unlike the software solution we discussed above, Yawcam can’t run on computers using different operating systems. For those operating Macs, Windows, and Linux machines simultaneously in a network, this may cause issues and frustration.

Yawcam review:

"...My goal was to build a DIY home security system. YAWCAM is the most intuitive one. It works without fuss. Records video, sends e-mails, streams, executes exe... etc....The interface is clean and uncluttered. The most important feature is the following: Yawcam is easy to understand and bug-free." ( -Alis).

Yawcam price:

Yawcam is completely free.

The remote access webcam software: WebCam Monitor

Now let’s discuss yet another specialized “webcam share” application called: WebCam Monitor.

WebCam Monitor helps users remotely access their webcams to monitor an area (like their office or home). If you’re someone who frequently travels for work or pleasure, this is an excellent resource since it lets you keep an eye on important locations in your life — from any location you’re currently stationed at.

What’s additionally awesome about WebCam Monitor, is its noise and motion-detection surveillance (which means you don’t have to constantly log in to check your cameras at all hours of the day and night). Such environmental events trigger alerts that users can set up to set off alarms, record audio/video, and send email and text notifications to the user.

This remote web camera access software also provides users with the capability to trigger recordings at set time intervals — allowing them to document events falling inside the webcams’ viewfinder.

Just attach a webcam to the PC located in the destination of your choice, and then you can check on things from anywhere in the world.

WebCam Monitor features

How to use WebCam Monitor?

What’s great about WebCam Monitor is how fast and easy it is to use. In just two simple steps, you can monitor important areas effortlessly.

Step 1: Connect your preferred webcam device to a PC.

Please note: Users can establish surveillance systems in minutes via the intuitive setup wizard.

Step 2: Decide whether you’d like 24-hour active monitoring, or configure it to your preferred set of active hours.

Please note: The scheduler function allows users to start and stop the application via any timetable of their choice.

And it’s just that simple! Now you can freely access and stream live webcam feeds from anywhere.

Users can choose from — or take advantage of all — three unique use cases of WebCam Monitor. Take a look below and select the option that suits your situation best.

  • Use the webcam to watch live broadcasts

    WebCam Monitor allows users to receive a continuous live stream from webcams. Through a reliable Internet connection (as well as adequate bandwidth), users can add remote IP camera access — allowing them to monitor all activity the webcam captures via live feed.

  • Get email notifications with photos of webcam activity

    Users can set up email notifications to incorporate photo attachments either when motion is detected, or based on regularly-scheduled intervals.

  • See uploaded photos and video recordings via your website

    Preserve webcam-generated photos and videos by saving and storing them onto an FTP server. Users can send data at either predefined intervals or when WebCam Monitor detects activity.

    Utilizing a server to store webcam images provides users with added data protection in the event that the webcam or computer gets stolen. It also keeps all recordings in one place, ensuring it’s always easy and fast to access and analyze files — if and when necessary.

Key features:

  • Motion-triggered start actions;
  • See all camera activity and alert history;
  • Stops false alerts;
  • Highly secure access.

Supported Platforms:

Microsoft Windows 10 / 8 / 7 / Vista / XP / 2012 / 2008.

WebCam Monitor review:

“I had to move my USB plugs around a little to get all 4 cameras working. Windows doesn't like it when you use identical camera models on the same USB bus, so I had to plug three into the rear ports of the PC and one into the front port. I use it for overnight monitoring in my small office with inexpensive cameras. Works well.” ( -MelissaMagic).

WebCam Monitor price:

$69.95 USD.

Stream video from the remote webcam

Once users share their web camera over a network, they must configure the video signal. This requires specific web platforms (such as one-click software options or online hubs like YouTube).

How to stream video from the webcam

Follow the steps below to stream videos over a network connection via YouTube:

Step 1: In order to stream, log in with a Google+ ID while on the YouTube platform.

Step 2: Navigate to the Features page.

Step 3: Locate ‘Live Events’ and click ‘Enable’ (be sure to read the Terms and Conditions before clicking ‘I agree’).

Step 4: After hitting the "Create Event" button — define a name for your stream, and add tags and a description.

Please note (1): Users can decide if they want to start streaming right away, or schedule streaming for a later time/day.

Please note (2): Users have the ability to configure privacy preferences (public or private) on the Settings page. In the event of a private preference, users must specify the accounts they wish to share the stream with.

Step 4.2: Install the Hangouts plugin (if not already installed).

Step 5: Enable Google Hangout on Air.

Step 6: Choose the ‘Quick’ option instead of ‘Custom’.

Step 7: Hit ‘Go Live Now’, and you’ll see the Hangouts window open (it usually takes — roughly — a minute for the video feed to buffer.

Step 8: Select “Start Broadcast”, then hit “OK” to confirm.

That’s it! Now you’re officially broadcasting from your webcam. Broadcasts can run continuously for up to eight-hours.

How to share webcam broadcasts with others

For users who wish to share video streams with other viewers, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Hit ‘Links’ (located at the bottom of the Hangouts window).

Step 2: Copy the link and share it as you wish.

Now the stream is automatically visible on your YouTube channel.

Please note: There is an option (called “Control Option”) to manage viewers. Users have the ability to evict or mute viewers you don’t want participating in your broadcast.

FAQ

Yes. Using a dedicated software solution will allow you to set up webcam networking, and view it from anywhere via Internet connection.
Install WebCam Monitor and find the webcam by searching for its IP address. This allows you to view it remotely.
There are a multitude of methods to locate webcam IPs. See below for two common solutions:
  • Solution 1: Utilize the camera’s setup software, as it commonly displays information (and lists) about the cameras on your network.
  • Solution 2: Many webcams use webpages to configure the device. The IP address is part of the URL. For example, http://10.0.1.2 shows that the camera’s IP address is 10.0.1.2. Log in to the camera by using the IP address from the URL to check if it’s correct.
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