Direct answer
Start with DHCP and Bosch Project Assistant. Without DHCP, firmware 6.32 or later uses 169.254.1.0 through 169.254.254.255. Firmware earlier than 6.32 may use 192.168.0.1. Bosch deprecated IP Helper 1.00.0008 and older after a security advisory and directs users to Project Assistant.
Address rule by firmware
| Condition | Firmware / generation | Expected address |
|---|---|---|
| DHCP available | Current generations | Address assigned by the DHCP server |
| No DHCP | Firmware 6.32 or later | Link-local 169.254.1.0 through 169.254.254.255 |
| No DHCP | Firmware earlier than 6.32 | May use 192.168.0.1 |
| Exact product manual | Any generation | The model manual takes precedence |
Which Bosch tool should you use?
| Tool | Best use | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Project Assistant | Initial installation, LAN scan, QR/MAC identification, password and basic setup | Bosch's recommended IP Helper replacement |
| Configuration Manager | Deep configuration, recurring network scan, multiple devices and certificates | Use for administration and larger systems |
| IP Helper | Historical IP discovery utility | Versions through 1.00.0008 are deprecated; do not install for a new setup |
Safe commissioning workflow
- Record the exact model, platform and firmware family from the label and product documentation.
- Power the camera on a trusted LAN or isolated camera VLAN and check the router's DHCP leases.
- Use the current Project Assistant for guided commissioning or current Configuration Manager for a full network scan and advanced administration.
- If DHCP is absent, apply the firmware split: 6.32+ uses link-local; older firmware may use 192.168.0.1. Connect legacy devices one at a time to avoid duplicate-address collisions.
- Assign the production IP, subnet and gateway, or create a DHCP reservation.
- Set a unique service-level password during first access. Do not search for or publish a supposed universal Bosch camera password.
- After commissioning, verify the model-specific RTSP media path and add the camera to SmartRTSP by ONVIF or exact URL.
Troubleshooting by symptom
| Symptom | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No DHCP lease | No DHCP server or different VLAN | Use Project Assistant/Configuration Manager and check the link-local network. |
| 192.168.0.1 does not answer | Current firmware uses link-local | Search 169.254/16 instead of assuming one fixed address. |
| Several legacy cameras collide | Same 192.168.0.1 fallback | Commission one device at a time and change each address. |
| An IP Helper download appears | Archived utility | Do not install it; use Bosch Project Assistant. |
| ONVIF scan finds nothing | Commissioning or network is incomplete | Finish Bosch setup first, then retry on the same LAN. |
Continue in SmartRTSP
Once the Bosch camera has a stable local IP, a commissioned password and a supported media endpoint, SmartRTSP can display it on iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV through ONVIF discovery or a manual RTSP URL. Bosch media paths vary by model and firmware, so do not copy a path from an unrelated camera.
Security: Keep commissioning and camera access on a trusted LAN or isolated camera VLAN. Use a VPN for remote viewing instead of exposing camera ports publicly.