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Milestone VMS Configuration

Overview​

This comprehensive guide covers Milestone XProtect VMS integration with GCXONE, including basic configuration and advanced alarm management with I/O triggers.

What you'll accomplish:

  • Configure Milestone XProtect for GCXONE integration
  • Enable and configure Mobile Server for cloud access
  • Set up user permissions and network settings
  • Configure advanced alarm management with I/O triggers
  • Add Milestone to GCXONE platform
  • Configure cameras, events, and PTZ
  • Verify all integration features

Estimated time: 60-90 minutes

Prerequisites​

  • Milestone XProtect (2020 R1 or higher) installed
  • Administrative access to Milestone Management Client
  • Network connectivity to GCXONE platform
  • GCXONE account with device permissions
  • Cameras configured and recording in Milestone
  • Static IP or DDNS for Milestone server

Configuration Workflow​

  1. Basic Configuration - Configure Milestone server, Mobile Server, users, and network (Steps 1-6)
  2. Advanced Alarm Configuration - Set up I/O triggers, alarm definitions, and rules (Steps 7-11, optional)
  3. GCXONE Integration - Add Milestone to GCXONE and configure integration (Steps 12-15)
  4. Verification - Test all features

Part 1: Basic Milestone Configuration​

Step 1: Access Milestone Management Client​

Objective: Access Milestone Management Client to begin configuration.

  1. Launch Milestone Management Client on Windows server
  2. Log in with administrator credentials
  3. Verify XProtect version is 2020 R1 or higher
  4. Check system status for any errors

Milestone Management Client

Expected Result: Successfully logged into Management Client.

Step 2: Enable and Configure Mobile Server​

Objective: Enable Mobile Server for GCXONE cloud integration.

  1. In Management Client, navigate to Servers → Mobile Server
  2. Click Enable Mobile Server
  3. Configure Mobile Server settings:
    • Port: 8081 (default) or custom
    • Enable HTTPS: ✓ Recommended
    • Authentication: Windows or Basic
  4. Click Apply and Start Mobile Server

Mobile Server Configuration

Expected Result: Mobile Server running and accessible.

Step 3: Configure Network Settings​

Objective: Configure network for cloud access.

  1. Navigate to Tools → Options → Network
  2. Verify server IP and network settings
  3. Configure firewall for ports 8081, 443, 554
  4. Test external connectivity

Network Configuration

Expected Result: Network configured, Mobile Server accessible.

Step 4: Create Integration User​

Objective: Create dedicated user for GCXONE.

  1. Navigate to Security → Users
  2. Click Add User
  3. Configure:
    • Username: gcxone_integration
    • Password: Strong password
    • Role: Administrator or custom with full permissions
  4. Enable mobile access, playback, PTZ, events

User Configuration

Expected Result: Integration user created.

Step 5: Configure Cameras​

Objective: Verify camera configuration.

  1. Navigate to Devices → Cameras
  2. For each camera verify:
    • Enabled and recording
    • Streams configured
    • Motion detection enabled
    • PTZ settings (if applicable)

Camera Configuration

Expected Result: All cameras configured and streaming.

Step 6: Configure Recording Storage​

Objective: Verify storage settings.

  1. Navigate to Recording → Storage
  2. Verify:
    • Available disk space
    • Retention period (7-30 days)
    • Recording schedules

Storage Configuration

Expected Result: Storage configured with retention.

Part 2: Advanced Alarm Configuration (Optional)​

Step 7: Configure I/O Hardware​

Objective: Set up I/O devices for alarms.

  1. Navigate to Devices → Input/Output
  2. Add I/O hardware devices
  3. Configure inputs (e.g., "Door Contact")
  4. Configure outputs for alarm responses

I/O Hardware

Expected Result: I/O hardware configured.

Step 8: Create Alarm Definitions​

Objective: Define alarms for events.

  1. Navigate to Alarms → Alarm Definitions
  2. Click Add Alarm Definition
  3. Configure name, priority, category
  4. Enable alarm

Alarm Definitions

Expected Result: Alarm definitions created.

Step 9: Configure Alarm Triggers​

Objective: Set up alarm triggers.

  1. In Alarm Definition → Trigger tab
  2. Add trigger source (I/O input, analytics)
  3. Configure conditions and schedule

Alarm Triggers

Expected Result: Alarms trigger on events.

Step 10: Configure Alarm Actions​

Objective: Define alarm actions.

  1. In Alarm Definition → Actions tab
  2. Add actions:
    • Record video
    • Trigger outputs
    • Send notifications
  3. Configure delays and durations

Alarm Actions

Expected Result: Alarm actions configured.

Step 11: Configure Automation Rules​

Objective: Create automation workflows.

  1. Navigate to Rules and Events → Rules
  2. Click Add Rule
  3. Configure event, condition, action
  4. Enable and test rule

Rules Configuration

Expected Result: Rules configured for automation.

Part 3: GCXONE Platform Integration​

Step 12: Add Milestone in GCXONE​

Objective: Register Milestone in GCXONE.

  1. Log into GCXONE web portal
  2. Navigate to Devices → Add Device
  3. Select Milestone VMS
  4. Enter details:
    • Device name
    • IP address
    • Port 8081
    • Username/password
  5. Test connection and add

Add in GCXONE

Expected Result: Milestone added, status "Online".

Step 13: Configure Camera Mappings​

Objective: Map cameras to GCXONE.

  1. Navigate to Milestone device in GCXONE
  2. Click Configure Cameras
  3. For each camera:
    • Assign to site/location
    • Enable cloud streaming
    • Enable event forwarding
    • Enable timeline
  4. Save configuration

Camera Mapping

Expected Result: Cameras mapped and accessible.

Step 14: Configure Events and Notifications​

Objective: Set up event forwarding.

  1. Navigate to Event Configuration
  2. Enable forwarding:
    • Motion detection
    • Alarms
    • Analytics
    • System events
  3. Configure notifications
  4. Set event actions

Event Configuration

Expected Result: Events forwarded with notifications.

Step 15: Configure PTZ and Advanced Features​

Objective: Enable advanced features.

  1. Configure PTZ presets in Milestone
  2. Verify PTZ controls in GCXONE
  3. Configure PTZ tours
  4. Enable Genesis Audio if needed
  5. Test bookmarks and timeline

PTZ Configuration

Expected Result: Advanced features functional.

Verification Checklist​

  • Cloud streaming works
  • Playback functional
  • Timeline shows events
  • Alarms trigger correctly
  • Notifications sent
  • PTZ controls work
  • Mobile app access works
  • Device status "Online"

Advanced Configuration​

Multi-Server Setup​

  • Configure multiple Milestone servers
  • Set up federation
  • Add each server in GCXONE

High Availability​

  • Configure failover server
  • Set up database mirroring
  • Test failover scenarios

Analytics Integration​

  • Add analytics plugins
  • Configure analytics rules
  • Forward events to GCXONE

Troubleshooting​

Mobile Server not accessible:

  • Check port 8081 open in firewall
  • Verify service running
  • Test external connectivity

Connection fails:

  • Verify IP and credentials
  • Check Mobile Server enabled
  • Review Milestone logs

No playback:

  • Verify recording enabled
  • Check storage space
  • Confirm retention period

See Troubleshooting Guide for more.

Need Help?

Contact support for Milestone VMS assistance.