Lorex Failed To Find Network Host? (Try This Quick Fix!)

PoE camera users often encounter the Lorex failed to find network host error, a problem that rarely affects non-Ethernet connected Lorex cameras. 

In most cases, the problem is caused by a network issue, cable faults, or an address conflict specific to PoE setups. 

This guide will help you diagnose and resolve the problem efficiently!

How to Fix the “Lorex Failed to Find Network Host” Error?

Note: Have you tried unplugging the PoE camera from the power for 25–30 seconds?

1. Use Another Port on the Lorex NVR/DVR

A faulty port on the NVR/DVR could often lead to the “No network host” you are seeing on the system monitor or Lorex application.

We recommend reconnecting the problematic camera to a different LAN port on the recorder to identify whether the issue is with the Ethernet port or not.

Disconnect the Ethernet cable from the current port on your Lorex NVR/DVR, plug it into a different LAN port, and unplug the recorder for approximately 15–20 seconds.

Check if the camera status is “Online” within the mobile application, and if not, proceed with the next step.

2. Test & Replace the Camera Ethernet Cable

A malfunctioning Ethernet cable can disrupt the connection between the Lorex camera and your system NVR/DVR, resulting in the host error.

You must test and verify that each of your Lorex cameras uses a functional Ethernet cable to connect with the NVR or DVR recorder.

Step #1: Check for Damage:

Inspect the Ethernet cable for any splicing or damage, as copper-clad aluminum (CCA) cables often result in a complete loss of the signal.

Also, confirm the cable type by checking its label or markings for specifications of the included materials and, therefore, the type. 

Step #2: Replace the Cable:

Replace the current cable with a solid copper Cat5e or Cat6 cable, where ZontSound strongly recommends avoiding spliced cables to ensure reliable data/power transfer.

Ensure the new cable is designed and intended for PoE and meets the length requirements for your setup.

Step #3: Test the New Cable:

Plug the camera directly into the NVR or switch using the new PoE cable, then monitor the Lorex app or display to check if the host error is still there.

If the issue is still there, try reversing the ends of the cable, so the NVR end connects with your camera and vice versa, then test. 

3. Assign the Camera with a Static IP Address

The Lorex host error occurs 90% of the time due to an IP conflict with an existing device in the network.

Assigning a static IP to your Lorex camera instead of using a dynamic IP with DHCP can resolve the issue and ensure a stable camera connection.

Note: You can either assign a static IP via the router settings or the NVR/DVR interface. 

3.1 How to Assign a Static IP Via the Router  GUI:

On a PC connected to your network, open Command Prompt, and type “ipconfig” to find the default gateway.

Then, copy the value to your clipboard. This address allows you to enter your router settings by pasting it into your browser’s URL.

You can also find this address on the underside of your router, or simply try signing in to your router by going to http://192.168.0.1/.

• Use “admin/admin” for “admin/password” for sign in.

Now, navigate to Network → DHCP or DHCP List, find “Lorex” in the existing devices list, and note the MAC address.

Proceed by assigning a new IP starting with “192.168.1” followed by a unique identifier, then save the changes before checking if the error is still there.

3.2 How to Assign a Static IP Via the Recorder GUI:

• For older NVR interfaces, right-click on Live View to access the Quick Menu, head to Network → Network tab, and select Static in the Type drop-down to manually set an IP. 
• For newer interfaces, go to Settings → Network → Network, select Static in the Network tab and enter a unique IP address that includes the following “192.168.1.x,”.

Note: The camera will be offline for approximately 2–3 minutes after changing the IP.

4. Bypass the Lorex Camera PoE Connection

A great way to test for potential power issues causing the Lorex camera to fail to find the network host error is to bypass the PoE (Power over Ethernet) with a direct adapter connection. 

This method allows you to temporarily power the camera independently of the NVR or DVR and switch to isolate the problem more efficiently.

However, your camera must have an A/C input for a 12V adapter, typically USB Type-C or micro-USB for older models. 

Step #1: Acquire an Adapter

First, ensure the power adapter meets the voltage requirements of the Lorex camera to avoid potential damage, and plug the USB into the side or rear port.

Now, connect the other end of the cable with an A/C adapter, and check if the indicator illuminates.

Step #2: Connect Directly to the Router

Connect the Lorex camera directly to your router using a separate Ethernet cable, and keep the external adapter connected.

Check the Lorex application or NVR interface to see if the camera appears online and if the host error is still there.

Note: If the camera appears online and does not encounter the error while NVR bypassed, the issue is with the switch or the recorder itself.

5. Activate & Set Up DHCP Reservation

If using a static IP address did not resolve the error, ZontSound recommends using the DHCP Reservation feature of your NVR/DVR recorder for each Lorex camera individually. 

What the feature does is allow the camera to dynamically switch between IP addresses based on MAC requests from the network.

The activation is different based on the Lorex camera series you have installed with the recorder.

DHCP Reservation for LHB Series

• Access your LHB series NVR/DVR system.
• Locate the taskbar and click the Home icon.
• Go to Settings → Network → Network tab.
• Enable automatic IP assignment at DHCP.

DHCP Reservation for LNR/LHV Series

• Navigate to Live View on your LNR/LHV series.
• Right-click to access the recorder’s Main Menu.
• Click the Settings icon, then head to Network.
• Select TCP/IP and choose DHCP to activate it.

Note: After activating the feature, conduct a Device Search via the “Network” tab to relocate all existing devices in your recorder system and resynchronize the settings.

6. Check for Issues with the Router Network

Well, network issues can cause the Lorex camera to disconnect from the host and disrupt the connectivity.

Before proceeding with any of the instructions, measure the performance of your network at speedtest.net and check for improvements.

Here are several tips for network troubleshooting:

• Unplug the network router from the power supply for ~30 seconds. 
• Reconnect the service cable from the back of the network router.
• Reduce the overall bandwidth usage of the network and the Wi-Fi.

Now, check if the camera is online within the Lorex app or get in touch with the ISP if there are underlying issues with the network. 

7. Check for a NAT Loopback for DDNS Access

The host error might also occur alongside an access issue with the Dynamic Domain Name System (DDNS).

You might be facing a NAT Loopback (Hairpinning) issue, which blocks external IP or DDNS use within your network. 

Fortunately, there is a simple and quick solution for this loopback:

• Open the Lorex Client software on any device and go to Device Manager.
• Add the same device a second time to create two existing IP connections: 
  • One is using the internal IP for home use
  • Another is using the external IP or DDNS
• Save the settings and test both connections to check if the error is still there.

Note: We recommend performing a power cycle on the network NVR/DVR after the IP reset.

8. Reset the Lorex PoE Camera System

A factory reset is almost guaranteed to resolve the Lorex failed to find network host error by clearing potential software issues and restoring default settings for your PoE camera.

Well, be mindful that all of your camera system information will be permanently erased after the reset.

Follow these steps to factory reset the Lorex PoE camera:

• Connect your camera to the Recorder via Ethernet and locate the Reset button.
• Press and hold the Reset button, disconnect, then reconnect the Ethernet cable.
• Keep holding the button while reconnecting the Ethernet back to the recorder.
• Wait for the camera to restart, then determine if the error code is still showing up.

Alert: Do not interact with the Lorex camera during the process to avoid potential cancellation!