Server Specs for XProtect Setup
Server Specs for XProtect Setup
Setting appropriate array strip sizes (256KB or 512KB) and segment sizes (64K) is crucial for optimizing disk I/O performance, especially in environments that handle large volumes of sequential data, like video surveillance systems. Larger strip sizes can enhance the throughput by reducing the overhead of disk operations, allowing more efficient use of disk resources. Segment sizes aligned with typical data transaction sizes ensure that read/write operations are performed efficiently. Such optimization avoids potential bottlenecks and ensures the system sustains the high performance needed for reliable video recording and playback .
The Recording Server in the XProtect Professional+ system should have a CPU that supports Intel QuickSync, such as the Intel i3-8100 @ 3.60GHz, along with 24 GB RAM and storage configured with RAID 1 or RAID 5 for reliability and performance. Disk drives should be surveillance grade for sequential writing with sustained transfer rates between 110 MB/s to 255 MB/s. To handle video data efficiently, it is recommended to configure arrays with large drive strip sizes (256KB or 512KB) and set the Live and Archive Windows volumes to use a 64K segment size. Additionally, network bandwidth calculations are based on the simultaneous view of 68 cameras at 532.59 Mbps, necessitating the use of at least two network cards to separate client network and camera network traffic .
Using at least two network cards is important to separate the client network from the camera network, ensuring that the heavy network traffic generated by the 68 cameras does not interfere with client communications. This setup helps prevent potential bottlenecks and optimizes the performance and reliability of video streaming and recording in the security system .
The disclaimer states that all information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, making it clear that Milestone Systems A/S and its Affiliates assume no liability for any outcomes based on the provided recommendations. The system integrator assumes all risk regarding results, and Milestone disclaims any warranties, whether express or implied. This means any decisions or reliance on this information by the integrator come with their own risk, and they cannot hold Milestone accountable for any direct or indirect losses that may arise .
RAID 1 consists of mirroring data across two disks, offering high data reliability as it duplicates the data, making all data easily recoverable in case of a disk failure but at the cost of storage efficiency. RAID 5 uses striping with parity, distributing data and parity information across multiple disks, providing a balance of reliability, data redundancy, and better storage efficiency compared to RAID 1 as it only requires the equivalent space of one additional disk for parity. RAID 5 offers better read performance than RAID 1 but can suffer from slower write operations due to parity calculations. In the XProtect system, RAID 1 is utilized for the OS and applications, prioritizing quick data recovery, while RAID 5 is used for archival database storage to provide a wider mix of storage efficiency and reliability .
Disk drives should be surveillance grade, capable of handling sequential writing with a sustained transfer rate of at least 110 MB/s to 255 MB/s. They must support the necessary RAID configurations to provide data redundancy and resilience. Additionally, drives should have configurations that enable optimal performance under the continuous recording and archiving conditions typical in multi-camera security systems. Proper drive selection ensures reliable storage performance and longevity in high-demand environments .
Bandwidth calculations are based on the simultaneous viewing of 68 cameras, which requires a bitrate of 532.59 Mbps. This implies that the recording server must be capable of handling this load without performance degradation. It requires not only the appropriate network interface configuration but also adequate server processing power and disk throughput to manage the data flow. Such calculations ensure that the system can perform under expected operational conditions and that network infrastructure is appropriately designed to support peak loads without data loss or service interruption .
RAID configurations, such as RAID 1 for OS and application volume, and RAID 5 for the Archive Database, provide redundancy and improve data protection in case of drive failures. Using large strip sizes (256KB or 512KB) and setting Windows volumes to 64K segment size enhances the performance for the system’s heavy sequential I/O load, common in video surveillance, by optimizing data access speeds and reducing the overhead of I/O operations. This configuration leverages the benefits of RAID for both performance and reliability, critical for maintaining video data integrity and availability .
Deviation from the recommended configuration might result in suboptimal system performance, such as inadequate processing power leading to lagging video streams or insufficient disk throughput causing data loss or corruption. The integrator might also face higher maintenance costs and increased downtime, impacting service reliability. Despite the disclaimer absolving Milestone from liability, the integrator bears the full risk of operational issues, potentially leading to reputation damage and financial losses if the system fails to meet client requirements or experiences catastrophic failures .
To ensure optimal SQL server performance, it is recommended to set the SQL server to a regular backup schedule and ensure transaction logs are truncated as part of this process. This practice prevents the logs from growing indefinitely and consuming unnecessary disk space, which could degrade database performance. Regular backups also safeguard against data loss and contribute to system reliability .