SADP application - LAN tool for organising CCTV systems based on Hikvision devices

SADP (Search Active Device Protocol) is a free and simple to use utility for searching Hikvision IP cameras and Hikvision DVRs/NVRs in the local network. The online device search tool can also be used for modification of network parameters of the Hikvision devices, including the change of passwords or recovery of default passwords (when the user lost/forgot a password). It can eliminate problems with duplicated IP addresses (occurring after connecting a number of devices), even in the same network class. The software is available for Microsoft Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows 2008 - 32/64-bit, Windows XP, Windows 2003 - 32-bit.
1. Installation
The SADP software is available HERE. After downloading it onto HDD, the program has to be installed.
2. Searching for active devices
When the programme starts, SADP automatically scans the local network for newly connected devices, which are then displayed in the programme's main window. The list of newly connected devices, is refreshed every 1 minute, while the list of disconnected devices, is updated every 3 minutes. It is also possible to manually refresh the list using the Refresh button in order to immediately update the information on available devices in the network. The programme's main window displays basic information about network parameters, such as device type, IP address, communication ports, mask, gateway, MAC address, etc. Additional information is also available - firmware version, device name and serial number, and device activation information. To view all available parameters, move the slider available in the lower programme window.
By double-clicking on the IP address of the available device, you will be automatically redirected to the login page via a web browser.
View of the main window of the SADP application
3. Saving basic information about available devices.
With SADP, you can export to your computer's hard drive a file with the extension *xls, which stores all network information accessible from the programme. To export the file, you need to:
  • tick the device whose parameters you want to save
  • click the Export button in the main program window
  • enter a file name and indicate the save path
  • confirm to export the file
View of the export window for network parameters of available devices
3. Activating devices with the use of SADP app.
Before the devices can be used and network parameters modified, they must be activated by assigning a password for the "admin" account. When a recorder or camera is connected to the network for the first time, the devices are detected by the SADP as Inactive. To activate the device in question, a password must be established for the user "admin". This can be done using a web browser when logging in for the first time, the iVMS-4200 client software, the SADP application or from the recorder. To activate a device using the SADP application, you must:
  • select the non-activated device in the SADP (it is also possible to select several devices in order to activate them simultaneously and give them the same password)
  • enter the new password for the non-activated device and confirm with Activate
A window from the SADP application. The red line shows the password and activation area.
The program automatically checks and displays the strength of the entered password. A strong password must be composed of 8 to 16 characters, among which there should be at least three of the following types: digits, lowercase letters, uppercase letters, special characters.
5. Export of GUID file, setup of security questions.
When you activate the recorder with a newer firmware version using SADP, a window will appear where you can generate a special GUID file or set security questions on the recorder. The file or questions can be used in the future to reset the administrator password in case it is forgotten or lost. If the file is not exported or the questions set, this can be done in the future by logging into the recorder from the administrator account.
View of the GUID file export window from the SADP level after activation of the recorder
View of the security questions setting window from the SADP level after activation of the recorder
6. Switching on Hik-Connect service.
The required steps:
  • mark the device on which the service should be enabled
  • mark Enable Hik-Connect
  • create or change an existing verification code
  • confirm changes with Confirm button
  • enter admin password in main program window and confirm changes
View of the verification code change window in a Hik-Connect connection
4. Modification of network parameters of a device.
To modify network parameters of a single device, the user should:
  • Select the device in the list whose network parameters will be modified (the list of network parameters available for modification will be displayed on the right side of the program). If DHCP is selected, only the available parameters can be modified, such as SDK Port (default 8000) and HTTP Port (default 80). Other network parameters (e.g. IP address, mask or gateway) are assigned automatically by the DHCP server. If IPv6 addressing is used, this must be supported by the device. The same is true for the DHCP function, which must be supported by both the devices and the router on the network to which they are connected.
  • If the DHCP function is not activated, it is possible to manually modify all available network parameters (e.g. IP address, mask, gateway, etc.).
  • In order for all settings to be saved, an access password must be entered and confirmed with the Modify button.
View of the SADP programme window. In red is the area for configuring the network parameters of the selected device, with DHCP disabled.
It is also possible to modify the network parameters of more than one device at the same time. To do this, you need to:
  • select from the list the available devices whose parameters will be modified
  • from the parameters that will be available for editing on the right side of the configuration window, enter the initial IP address (e.g. if three devices are selected and the initial address is 192.168.1.64, the devices will be assigned the addresses 192.168.1.65, 192.168.1.66 in turn), SDK port (default for Hikvision 8000 devices), mask, gateway and HTTP port
  • it is also possible to select the "Enable DHCP" function in order to automatically assign network parameters such as IP address, mask and gateway to the selected devices
  • to save all settings, enter the password to access the devices and confirm with Modify
View of the SADP programme window. In red is the area where, with the options active, it is possible to assign network parameters to a group of devices.
8. Resetting password (restoring factory settings).
Depending on the firmware version of the DVR or camera, there are different methods available to restore (reset) the password. If after selecting the device and clicking on the Forgot Password tab, a window looking like the one in Figure 1a appears, follow the procedure described in point I. If a window looking like Figure 1b appears, follow the procedure described in point II.
1a - view of the Restore Default Password window in the case of devices with the older firmware version
1b - view of the Reset Password window in the case of devices with the new firmware version
Procedure I.
Before proceeding with the password reset procedure, the device must be restarted. After restarting, select the device in the available device list (1) and click on the Export tab (4). Save the exported file to your computer's hard drive and send it to DIPOL technical support. An unlock code will be sent back, which must be pasted under Security Code (3) and confirmed with Confirm. The default password for the admin user will be restored: 12345.
View of the SADP window
Procedure II.
If you click on the Forgot Password tab (2), and a window looking like the following screenshot appears, there may be three methods available to reset the administrator password (5), depending on the firmware version:
  • export/import secret key (Export/Import Secret Key Mode)
  • by GUID File (GUID Mode)
  • with Security Question Mode
Reset Password window with optional modes
1. Resetting password with key export/import, QR code.
After selecting Export/Import Secret Key Mode, press Export or QR code (6). When Export is selected, a window will appear in which the path to save the file to the hard disk must be indicated. If QR code is selected, the QR code available in the top right corner of the window below will appear. The exported file or image of the QR code should be sent to DIPOL technical support. A return e-mail will be sent back with the file or special code. If a code is sent back, select Input Key (7) and paste the code received. If a file is sent back, select Import File and indicate the file path (7). After completing the above steps, a new password for the admin account must be entered twice in New Password and Confirm Password. After confirming with Confirm, the new password will be assigned. If the device for which the password is being restored is an IP DVR, when the Reset Network Cameras' Passwords (7) option is selected, the password for all cameras that were previously added to the DVR will be changed to the one currently assigned.
Note!

After exporting the file to be sent to technical support, the device must be connected to the mains power supply at all times. Do not switch it off or export a new file before resetting the password. If any of the above conditions are not met, the unlock code or file that will be sent back will not work.
View of password reset window using Export/Import Secret Key Mode
2. Resetting password in GUID Mode.
Depending on the firmware version on the recorder, a password recovery option using a GUID file may be available. If the user (installer) has previously exported such a file, the GUID Mode option shall be selected and the file path shall be indicated. After entering the new password and confirming with Confirm button, the new password will be set in the recorder. When the Reset Network Cameras' Passwords option is selected, the access password for all cameras that were previously added to the DVR will be changed to the one currently assigned.
"Reset Password" window in "GUID Mode" option
3. Resetting password with security questions.
Depending on the firmware version on the recorder, there may be an option to restore the password using pre-established security questions. If the user (installer) has previously set such questions, the Security Question Mode option should be selected. After the user correctly enters the answers to the selected questions, enters the new password and confirms with Confirm button, the new password will be set in the recorder. When the Reset Network Cameras' Passwords option is selected, the password for all cameras that were previously added to the DVR will be changed to the one currently assigned.