Server for video surveillance: storing and processing CCTV

A server for video surveillance is a specialized hardware or virtual platform designed for reliable storage, efficient processing, and remote access to data received from CCTV cameras, ensuring continuous monitoring and security of objects.

What is a video surveillance server and why is it needed?

Modern video surveillance systems (CCTV) have long gone beyond simple video recorders. Today, they require powerful computing resources to process high-resolution video streams, apply intelligent analytics (face recognition, motion detection, object counting), and ensure reliable access to archives. The central element of such a system is a video surveillance server – a powerful machine capable of performing these tasks.

Using a dedicated CCTV server instead of a regular NVR (Network Video Recorder) offers several advantages:

• Scalability: Easily add new cameras and expand storage capacity.
• Performance: Powerful processors and sufficient RAM allow simultaneous processing of dozens or hundreds of video streams without delays.
• Flexibility: Ability to install specialized video surveillance software (VMS – Video Management Software), integrate with other security systems, and use advanced analytics.
• Reliability: Unlike consumer NVRs, server solutions are designed for 24/7 operation with high fault tolerance.
• Security: Enhanced capabilities for data protection and access control.

How to choose a video surveillance server: key parameters?

Choosing the optimal video storage server for a video surveillance system requires careful analysis of several key parameters that directly affect the performance, reliability, and cost of the solution.

• Processor (CPU): Responsible for encoding/decoding video streams, VMS operation, and analytical tasks. The more cameras and complex the analytics, the more powerful the processor should be. For small systems (up to 10-15 cameras), an Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 is sufficient. For large installations (dozens and hundreds of cameras), server processors like Intel Xeon or AMD EPYC with a large number of cores are required.
• Random Access Memory (RAM): Used for buffering video data, operating system, and VMS. A minimum of 8-16 GB is recommended for small systems, and 32 GB or more for professional solutions.
• Disk Subsystem (Storage): The most critical component for a video surveillance server. Storage volume, speed, and reliability determine archive duration and data availability. Specialized HDDs for video surveillance (e.g., WD Purple, Seagate SkyHawk series), designed for continuous recording and high load, are preferred. SSDs can be used for the operating system and VMS to improve performance, but for the main video archive volume, they are not cost-effective.
• Network Interface: A gigabit Ethernet port is necessary for stable video stream transmission. For large systems or when using very high-resolution cameras, it is recommended to use multiple gigabit ports or 10-gigabit interfaces.

Storage calculation for CCTV: formula and examples

One of the primary steps in planning a video storage server is an accurate calculation of the required disk space. Insufficient space will lead to the loss of valuable data, while excess space will result in unnecessary costs. Use the following formula for an approximate calculation:

Volume (TB) = (Number of cameras × Bitrate (Mbps) × 3600 s/h × 24 h/day × Number of days) / (8 bits/byte × 1024 GB/TB × 1024 MB/GB)

Simplified formula (for calculation in TB):

Volume (TB) = (Number of cameras × Bitrate (Mbps) × Number of days) / (8 × 1024 × 1024 / 3600 / 24)
Volume (TB) ≈ (Number of cameras × Bitrate (Mbps) × Number of days) / 2000

Where:

• Number of cameras: Total number of cameras connected to the server.
• Bitrate (Mbps): Average bitrate of one camera. This parameter depends on resolution, frame rate, compression codec (H.264, H.265), and compression level. For example, a Full HD (1080p) camera with H.264 might consume 2-6 Mbps, and with H.265 – 1-4 Mbps.
• Number of days: Required archive depth (e.g., 7, 14, 30, or 90 days).

Calculation example:

Suppose you have 16 cameras, each recording video at a bitrate of 4 Mbps, and you need a 30-day archive.

Volume (TB) = (16 cameras × 4 Mbps × 30 days) / 2000
Volume (TB) = (1920) / 2000
Volume (TB) = 0.96 TB

To ensure reliability and account for possible peak loads, as well as for the operating system and VMS, it is always recommended to add a 20-30% buffer to the calculated volume. Thus, in our example, approximately 1.2-1.3 TB of raw disk space will be required.

It is important to remember that if you use RAID arrays for fault tolerance, the usable capacity will be less than the total capacity of the drives (more details in the next section).

RAID arrays for reliable video data storage

Reliability of video archive storage is critically important, as data loss can have serious consequences. RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a technology that allows combining several physical disks into a single logical volume to improve performance and/or fault tolerance. For a CCTV server, RAID arrays are standard.

• RAID 0 (Stripping): Combines disks to increase speed and volume, but does not provide fault tolerance. Failure of one disk leads to the loss of all data. Not recommended for video surveillance.
• RAID 1 (Mirroring): Creates a mirrored copy of data on a second disk. High reliability, but usable volume is equal to the volume of one disk. Requires a minimum of 2 disks. Suitable for small systems where maximum reliability is important with a limited number of disks.
• RAID 5 (Stripping with Parity): Distributes data and parity information across all disks. Provides good read performance and sufficient fault tolerance (allows for the failure of one disk without data loss). Usable volume = (N-1) × disk volume, where N is the number of disks. Requires a minimum of 3 disks. Often used for video surveillance.
• RAID 6 (Stripping with Double Parity): Similar to RAID 5, but with two parity blocks, allowing it to withstand the failure of up to two disks. Even higher reliability. Usable volume = (N-2) × disk volume. Requires a minimum of 4 disks. Recommended for critically important systems.
• RAID 10 (RAID 1+0): A combination of RAID 1 and RAID 0. Data is first mirrored, then striped. Provides high performance and fault tolerance (can withstand the failure of one disk in each mirrored group). Usable volume = (N/2) × disk volume. Requires a minimum of 4 disks. An excellent choice for systems requiring both high performance and reliability.

To ensure maximum reliability and performance of a video storage server, Valebyte.com recommends using hardware RAID controllers, which offload the server's CPU and provide better performance compared to software solutions.

Bandwidth and network requirements

Network bandwidth is a critically important aspect when designing a video surveillance server, especially when working with multiple high-resolution cameras or when using surveillance hosting. There are two main types of traffic:

1. Ingress Bandwidth: The total volume of data flowing from all IP cameras to the server.
2. Egress Bandwidth: The total volume of data that the server sends when viewing video archives, live streams, exporting video, or transferring data to other systems.

To calculate the minimum required network bandwidth for ingress traffic, use the following formula:

Total Ingress Bitrate (Mbps) = Sum of bitrates of all cameras

Example:

If you have 30 cameras, each transmitting a stream of 4 Mbps:

Total Ingress Bitrate = 30 cameras × 4 Mbps = 120 Mbps

This means that your server must be connected to a network with a bandwidth of at least 120 Mbps. A standard gigabit Ethernet port (1000 Mbps) usually handles such loads, but for larger systems or with a buffer, it is recommended to use multiple gigabit ports (combined in LACP) or a 10-gigabit network adapter.

Don't forget to account for egress traffic. If many users will simultaneously view video, or the server will transmit data to remote storage/analytical platforms, this will require additional bandwidth. When choosing surveillance hosting, always clarify traffic limits and expansion capabilities.

Hardware requirements for a video surveillance server

An optimal server for video surveillance should be built on reliable and high-performance components capable of withstanding constant loads.

• Processor: For systems with a large number of cameras and active use of video analytics (face recognition, license plate recognition, motion detectors), multi-core server processors are necessary. For example, Intel Xeon E-2300/E-2400 series or AMD EPYC/Ryzen Pro, which ensure stable operation with VMS and processing of multiple streams.
• RAM: For stable VMS operation and data buffering, it is recommended to use ECC RAM (Error-Correcting Code Memory), which prevents memory errors critical for 24/7 operation. Volume from 16 GB for small systems, 32-64 GB for medium, and 128+ GB for large installations.
• Disks: The use of specialized HDDs for video surveillance (e.g., WD Purple, Seagate SkyHawk series) is mandatory. These disks are optimized for continuous 24/7 recording, have increased reliability, and fewer errors compared to ordinary desktop HDDs. For the operating system and VMS, SSDs (NVMe or SATA) can be used to speed up boot and application performance.
• Network Adapters: Two or more gigabit network interfaces with Teaming/LACP support for redundancy and increased bandwidth. For high-load systems, consider 10-gigabit adapters.
• Chassis and Cooling: A server chassis with good ventilation and a reliable cooling system (redundant fans) to ensure stable component temperature, especially HDDs operating under constant load.
• Power Supply: A redundant power supply (redundant PSU) with hot-swap capability to ensure continuous operation even if one unit fails.

Valebyte.com: HDD servers for video surveillance

Valebyte.com offers specialized dedicated servers, ideally suited for creating powerful and reliable video surveillance systems. Our solutions are focused on maximum storage capacity and high performance, which is critically important for effective surveillance hosting.

We offer configurations with a large number of HDDs, optimized for continuous recording, as well as with powerful processors and sufficient RAM for video stream processing and VMS operation. All our servers are equipped with gigabit network ports and can be outfitted with hardware RAID controllers to ensure maximum reliability for your video storage server.

Example configurations of Valebyte HDD servers for video surveillance:

Each configuration can be adapted to your specific requirements, including the type and number of disks, RAM volume, and network interfaces. We are ready to provide an individual approach to each client so that your CCTV server maximally meets your security tasks.

Advantages of using a dedicated server for CCTV

Choosing a dedicated server for video surveillance instead of cloud solutions or local NVR devices offers several significant advantages:

1. Full control and data security: You fully manage the server, its software, and physical access to data. This is critically important for complying with privacy and security requirements.
2. Guaranteed performance: All server resources (CPU, RAM, disk subsystem, network channel) are dedicated exclusively to your video surveillance system, eliminating the "noisy neighbor effect" and ensuring stable operation even during peak loads.
3. High scalability: A dedicated server allows you to easily increase storage capacity, add new cameras, or expand VMS functionality without needing to replace all equipment.
4. Optimization for specialized tasks: Ability to install any VMS, integrate with access control systems, security and fire alarms, and use powerful video analytics tools.
5. Cost-effectiveness for large volumes: For a large number of cameras and long data retention periods, a dedicated server often proves more cost-effective than long-term cloud storage rental.

Recommendations for choosing a video surveillance server

To ensure your server for video surveillance operates efficiently and reliably, follow these recommendations:

1. Accurately calculate storage volume: Use the formula considering the number of cameras, bitrate, and archive depth, always adding a 20-30% buffer.
2. Prioritize RAID arrays: For data reliability, choose RAID 5, RAID 6, or RAID 10. A hardware RAID controller will significantly improve performance and stability.
3. Ensure sufficient bandwidth: Make sure the server's network interface and network infrastructure can handle the total bitrate from all cameras.
4. Use specialized HDDs: Choose disks designed for 24/7 video surveillance recording (e.g., WD Purple, Seagate SkyHawk).
5. Choose server-grade hardware: Opt for server processors, ECC RAM, and reliable power supplies over consumer-grade components to ensure 24/7 stability.
6. Consider hosting options: If you lack suitable infrastructure, surveillance hosting from a reliable provider like Valebyte.com can be an optimal solution.

Conclusion

Choosing and configuring a video surveillance server is an investment in the security and reliability of your infrastructure. Careful calculation of storage requirements, selection of the correct RAID array and adequate bandwidth, as well as the use of server-grade equipment, guarantee stable operation of your CCTV system. Valebyte.com offers powerful and flexible dedicated HDD servers that will become a reliable foundation for your video surveillance system, ensuring scalability, performance, and security for years to come.