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Bandwidth and storage considerations
Network bandwidth and storage requirements are important considerations when
designing a video surveillance system. The factors include the number of cameras,
the image resolution used, the compression type and ratio, frame rates and scene
complexity. This chapter provides some guidelines on designing a system, along with
information on storage solutions and various system configurations.
12.1 Bandwidth and storage calculations
Network video products utilize network bandwidth and storage space based on their configura-
tion. As mentioned earlier, this depends on the following:
> Number of cameras
> Whether recording will be continuous or event-based
> Number of hours per day the camera will be recording
> Frames per second
> Image resolution
> Video compression type: Motion JPEG, MPEG-4, H.264
> Scenery: Image complexity (e.g. gray wall or a forest), lighting conditions and amount of
motion (office environment or crowded train stations)
> How long data must be stored
12.1.1 Bandwidth needs
In a small surveillance system involving 8 to 10 cameras, a basic 100-megabit (Mbit) network
switch can be used without having to consider bandwidth limitations. Most companies can
implement a surveillance system of this size using their existing network.
BANDWIDTH AND STORAGE CONSIDERATIONS - CHAPTER 12
