Specifications

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A helpful tool in estimating requirements for bandwidth and storage is the AXIS Design Tool, which
is accessible from the following web address: www.axis.com/products/video/design_tool/
Figure 12.1a The AXIS Design Tool includes advanced project management functionality that enables bandwidth
and storage to be calculated for a large and complex system.
12.2 Server-based storage
Depending on a PC server’s central processing unit (CPU), network card and internal RAM
(Random Access Memory), a server can handle a certain number of cameras, frames per second
and size of images. Most PCs can hold between two and four hard disks, and each disk can be up
to approx. 300 gigabyte (GB). In a small to medium-sized installation, the PC that runs the video
management software is also used for video recording. This is called a direct-attached storage.
With the AXIS Camera Station video management software, for instance, one hard disk is suit-
able for storing recordings from six to eight cameras. With more than 12 to 15 cameras, at least
two hard disks should be used to split the load. For 50 or more cameras, the use of a second
server is recommended.
12.3 NAS and SAN
When the amount of stored data and management requirements exceed the limitations of a
direct-attached storage, a network-attached storage (NAS) or storage area network (SAN)
allows for increased storage space, exibility and recoverability.
CHAPTER 12 - BANDWIDTH AND STORAGE CONSIDERATIONS