Proper Storage in Digital Security and Surveillance Deployments
Security and surveillance deployments come in all shapes and sizes. Regardless of the size of the deployment, these projects vary based on the complexity of the scenes that are being recorded and archived. There are many unique variables that go into properly calculating storage. So where do you start?
The most common way to calculate storage is through the use of online calculators which allow users to enter basic characteristics of the security and surveillance project and a storage estimate is generated. However, how safe is this method? Online calculators calculate basic information such as the number of cameras in the deployment, resolution, frame rate, retention, etc. But often, online calculators fail to consider necessary environmental factors. Additionally there are major differences in actual bandwidth and storage consumption with different camera manufacturers.
Key Factors for Proper Storage Calculations
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Scene complexity for each camera location: low light, dark light, high traffic
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Camera bandwidth for each camera model within the deployment
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Individual camera settings focusing on motion detection (which impacts storage consumption and compression settings)
Bandwidth Levels for Different Camera Models
It is very important to learn how much bandwidth is consumed on each camera model within your deployment. The same camera model can perform differently in a high and low light area. If not already done, it is important to record the bandwidth levels in different environments. This will be an important factor to consider when planning your camera locations for your surveillance project.
The Importance of the Impacts of Different Scenes
Similar to different camera models, different scenes generate different bandwidth levels. The percent of motion required will depend of the complexity of the scene the camera is deployed in. For example, if you are recording a low light daylight scene, your bandwidth level will be low. High trafficked or dark light scenes will cause the bandwidth consumption to increase. Make sure you carefully consider the different scene possibilities with each of your camera locations. Mapping out which cameras will result in higher activity will help calculate the storage needed for your deployment.
Dedicated Storage Engineers
Although calculators are a useful tool it is important to engage an experienced storage engineer to properly calculate storage consumption for each individual opportunity. Seneca has dedicated security and storage experts that focuses on properly calculating storage based on multiple factors including cameras, applications, VMS, and scene environments. To learn more about calculating storage for digital security and surveillance opportunities call a dedicated account manager at 877.814.0348.
Sarah Colson is an OEM Marketing Associate for Seneca where she is responsible for marketing and communications for digital security, signage, broadcast, and healthcare.