VMS SECURITY SOFTWARE

Challenges with IP Cameras

While IP cameras offer superior flexibility and scalability, users often encounter various challenges during the setup and operation phases.
Here are some common issues:

1. Network Configuration: IP cameras require proper network setup, including IP address configuration, which can be difficult for non-technical users.
2. Compatibility Issues: Not all IP cameras are compatible with all software solutions, requiring users to carefully check supported devices.
3. Security Risks: IP cameras can be vulnerable to hacking if not properly secured, leading to unauthorized access.
4. Bandwidth Consumption: High-resolution cameras may consume significant bandwidth, impacting other network services.
5. Cost: IP cameras and the required networking equipment can be more expensive than traditional CCTV cameras.

Storage Space Calculation for 1080p Resolution

To understand how many cameras can record for a year, we need to consider:

• Resolution: 1080p
• Frame rate: Varies (1, 2, 15, 30 FPS)
• Storage capacity: 1 to 16TB

The average bitrate for 1080p footage is around 2 Mbps (Megabits per second). Let's calculate how many cameras can record continuously for one year.

Storage needed for one camera for one year (in TB)=8×1024×1024Bitrate (in Mbps)×Seconds in a year
Number of cameras = Total Storage in TB Storage needed for one camera for one year (in TB)

Let's do the math. Based on the calculations, each 1080p camera would require approximately 7.52 TB of storage space to record continuously for one year at a rate of 2 Mbps.

Here's how many cameras you can support based on different total storage capacities:

• 1-7 TB: 0 Cameras
• 8-15 TB: 1 Camera
• 16 TB: 2 Cameras

Storage Space by Frame Rate

Different frame rates will affect the storage space as follows:
Storage needed for one camera with variable FPS (in TB)=Storage needed for one camera for one year (in TB)×(30FPS)

Let's calculate. Based on the calculations, here is the storage needed for one 1080p camera to record continuously for one year at different frame rates:

• 1 FPS: Approximately 0.25 TB
• 2 FPS: Approximately 0.50 TB
• 15 FPS: Approximately 3.76 TB
• 30 FPS: Approximately 7.52 TB

Here's a table that shows the storage needs (in TB) for 1080p resolution based on the number of cameras and the frame rate, for a recording duration of one year.

The table provides a clear picture of how storage requirements scale with the number of cameras and the frame rate. It's crucial to plan storage capacity meticulously to ensure seamless operation of your CCTV system.

In the scenario of having 32 cameras, each with 1080p resolution, the storage requirements vary significantly depending on the frame rate:

• 1 FPS: You would need approximately 8.02 TB of storage for one year.
• 2 FPS: The storage requirements double to about 16.04 TB for one year.
• 15 FPS: The storage jumps to 120.3 TB for a year.
• 30 FPS: A whopping 240.6 TB would be required to store a year's worth of footage.

Storage Feasibility

• For 1 FPS and 2 FPS, it's relatively straightforward to set up local storage solutions given today's hard drive capacities. Even a single high-capacity drive or a modest RAID array could suffice.
  
• For 15 FPS, local storage becomes more challenging. You'll need a more advanced storage array, which will entail higher costs and may require professional setup and maintenance.
  
• For 30 FPS, local storage becomes highly impractical due to the enormous storage requirements. At this point, you're looking at enterprise-level storage solutions, which are costly and complex to manage.
  

Cost Implications

• Lower Frame Rates (1 FPS, 2 FPS): The cost would be relatively low, and you can achieve this with consumer-level hard drives.
  
• Moderate Frame Rate (15 FPS): Costs start to escalate here, not just for the storage hardware but also for the required networking and possibly cooling systems.
  
• High Frame Rate (30 FPS): The costs would be prohibitively high for most users, requiring specialized enterprise storage solutions.
  

If you're planning a CCTV system with 32 cameras running at 1080p resolution, your frame rate choice will drastically impact your storage requirements and, by extension, your costs. While lower frame rates are easily manageable, higher frame rates would demand substantial investments in storage infrastructure. Therefore, it's crucial to carefully consider the trade-offs between storage needs, video quality, and costs when planning a CCTV system.

Saving Space with Intelligent Motion Detector

SmartVision's motion detection feature can help save significant storage space. By only recording when motion is detected, you can reduce the amount of footage stored. This is particularly useful in low-traffic areas, where constant recording might be unnecessary.

Local Software: SmartVision
SmartVision offers advanced features like time-lapse recording and motion detection, allowing you to maximize your local storage. You can set up motion detection recording to minimize storage usage.

Cloud Storage: Video Surveillance Cloud
If local storage becomes a limitation, you can opt for cloud solutions like Video Surveillance Cloud. This offers unlimited storage capacity, though at a recurring cost.