The Camera CSV upload function can be used to bulk upload cameras. There are two connection types available:
Gateway (Cloud or Edge).
Camera-to-Cloud (C2C).
Each connection type has its own CSV format and its own set of steps, covered separately below.
For Gateway uploads, the CSV function can also be used to bulk update the IP address and/or name of cameras already added, and the bulk function can only process one gateway per CSV upload. The upload time is dependent on the driver and/or other variables, and can range between 3 to 20 minutes for 200 cameras.
Note: The new password must be set on the device before updating the password in Arcules web portal. Web portal does not update the password on the camera.
Note: The information above about upload time and device passwords applies to Gateway CSV uploads. Camera-to-Cloud devices connect directly to the cloud and are not configured with a gateway-managed password.
Requirements
Gateway CSV Format
The following formats apply to cameras connected through a Gateway (Cloud or Edge).
Template 1 - If the utilized port is set to the driver default (usually port 80), then the port can be excluded.
Example:
Template 2 - If the utilized port differs from the driver default, the port needs to be included.
Example:
Camera-to-Cloud (C2C) CSV Format
Camera-to-Cloud devices connect directly to the cloud and don't go through a gateway, so their CSV format is simpler. Instead of an IP address, port, username, and password, you only need each camera's MAC address and a name:
MAC Address,Name;
00:11:22:aa:bb:cc,Sample Camera;
Note: Adding a Camera-to-Cloud device to Arcules happens in two manual stages:
Preparation: Unbox the camera, connect it to power and your network, and complete the on-device setup. See Onboarding a Camera-to-Cloud device. This must be done for each device before it can be claimed.
Claiming: Log in to the Arcules portal and add the device to your organization using its MAC address and a name. Once claimed, Arcules automatically finishes setting up the device and brings it online.
The CSV Bulk Uploader only automates claiming. You still need to complete preparation manually for each device before including it in your CSV file.
Bulk Update/Change
Note: Bulk update/change via CSV applies to Gateway connections only. Camera-to-Cloud devices are claimed, not updated, through the bulk uploader.
To bulk rename cameras without removing and re-adding, type in IP Address:Port (if different from 80), username, password and the new name in a CSV file and upload it to the gateway.
Examples:
10.0.0.1,admin,password,New camera name;
10.0.0.2:8000,admin,password,New camera name;
Notepad/Text Editor:
If the content should be formatted and if edited in “notepad” / “texteditor” rather than a Microsoft Excel then the format would be similar to:
127.0.0.1:XXXX,admin,1234,Camera Name;
127.0.0.1,admin,1234,Camera Name;
Note: If the CSV file is not in the correct format, it will cause the uploader to fail. Potential issues may include:
Wrong IP address.
Wrong ports.
Duplicate entries.
Missing semicolons at the end of an entry.
Steps to perform the Bulk Upload
Go to the Sites page.
Click on the Location.
Click on All Devices.
Click on the '+' symbol.
Select Add Cameras via CSV.
Select your camera connection:
Choose Gateway (Cloud or Edge) to bulk upload or update cameras attached to a gateway.
Choose Camera-to-Cloud to bulk claim Camera-to-Cloud (C2C/D2C) devices.
Next Steps
Select the site and location to which the cameras should be added. If you chose Gateway (Cloud or Edge), also select the gateway.
Click on Continue.
Upload the CSV file. Click Download a sample CSV template first if you need an example of the format required for your selected connection type.
Click on Add to start the upload process.
The status and progress of the upload will be displayed.
Note: Gateway CSV uploads and Camera-to-Cloud CSV uploads use different file formats. Download the sample template for the connection type you selected rather than reusing a file from the other type.