# Automatic Device Discovery

Navigation: Working with Nx Witness > Device Management (Cameras, Encoders and I/O Modules) > Adding Devices (Cameras, Encoders and I/O Modules) > # Automatic Device Discovery |

As soon as a server is started and connected to a System, it automatically performs device discovery in its network for devices that are accessible via b roadcast. Once a device is discovered, it is displayed in the Resource Tree.

Note: For Axis cameras only, if the "People Counter" function is enabled automatic discovery will not work in Nx Witness software.

If a device does not transmit media data, it is marked as offline. If a server is offline, all d evices the server is hosting are automatically switched to the offline status.

Once a d evice is discovered, Nx Witness tries to configure the following settings on c amera: the best possible image settings for the main video stream (resolution and frames per second) and optimal ones for the secondary stream (low resolution, 2 to 7 frames per second). To disable this feature, see "Preventing Nx Witness from Changing Camera Streaming Settings".

Some devices require setting a password once accessed for the first time. In this case they are displayed within Resource Tree, however the corresponding message will be displayed when trying to view streams from such devices.

If a device was deleted (see "Deleting Devices") and connected again, it will be re-discovered. See "Disabling Automatic Discovery" to disable this feature.