Hardware Recommendations

This section describes the recommended hardware for use with the OnSSI surveillance software product line. OnSSI software products, being non-proprietary, can operate on any PC hardware from any manufacturer, as long as it complies with the minimum requirements as described below.

For your convenience, please use the OnSSI Hardware & Storage Calculator to assess the hardware specifications as well as the type and amount of storage needed, based on the size and characteristics of your system.

This page includes the following:

1. Explanation about the different NVR Operation Modes
2. Method of calculating your system's total number of frames per second (FPS)
3. Recommended hardware and storage for NetDVMS and NetDVR
4. Recommended hardware for ProSight (SMB and SOHO)
5. Recommended hardware for the NetGuard & NetGuard-EVS clients
6. Recommended hardware for the NetPDA and NetCell clients
7. Recommended hardware for all NetSwitcher Components

NVR Operation Modes

ONSSI’s NVRs can operate in two modes: Server mode or Workstation (WS) mode.

Server mode is used when there is no need to view the live or playback video directly on the Server station screens, usually when the NVR is located on a rack in a computer room, closet or unmanned location. Access to video is done via the NetGuard or NetGuard-EVS remote clients (NetDVMS or NetDVR) or via the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser-based client (NetDVMS, NetDVR or ProSight).

Operating in Server Mode will lower the CPU and video card requirements, as the system does not need to decompress video for on-screen presentation. The hardware used is usually rack-mountable server class hardware.

This mode is strongly recommended for NetDVR, and should be the only mode used for NetDVMS.

Workstation (WS) mode is used when there is a need to view live or playback video directly on the workstation screens, usually when the NVR is located next to an operator. This mode is not recommended for NetDVMS or NetDVR. For recommended hardware for Workstation Mode please see our NVR Hardware and Storage Calculator. Workstation Mode is recommended only for use with the ProSight Series.

How to choose the correct hardware?

ONSSI has set a standard method of scaling and measuring the hardware performance to allow for easy selection of the proper hardware.

Selecting the proper hardware is directly related to the total Frames Per Second (FPS) generated while the NVR simultaneously displays live video, records, and plays back video. (Most NVR manufacturers measure this number only by live view or recorded video or playback, but not all at the same time).

 

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Calculating your system's total frames per second (FPS)

To find out the total FPS required in your system, follow these steps:

1. Add the recording FPS speed required of each camera.
   # of Cameras _____ x Camera FSP ____ = Total FPS = ____

2. Repeat for all cameras of different frame rates.

3. Now add all FPS to a total FPS and match this number to the next higher FPS listing in the Recommended Workstation or Server listing bellow.

Example:

If you have 6 cameras that need to be recorded at 7 FPS in CIF format and 9 cameras that need to be recorded at 8 FPS in 4CIF format, the total CIF/FPS will be:

6 cameras x 7 FPS = 42 FPS
+
9 cameras x 8 FPS = 72 FPS

Total: 114 FPS

Notes:

1. The above calculations are suitable for non-megapixel cameras only. To determine the minimum recommended hardware and storage for a system incorporating megapixel cameras, please refer to the OnSSI Hardware and Storage Calculator.
2. The FPS performance values are estimated based on performance tests conducted by OnSSI. You should design the system with additional margins to allow for errors. The recommended hardware specifications are based on typical market requirements. Please contact OnSSI for specifications if you need higher-performance hardware for higher frame rates.