Getting Video to Play Nice on the Network
RAID Devices Offer Integrators Option to Eliminate Use of NVRs
With lower storage costs, many IP security installations oftentimes store more video than available bandwidth allows to be transmitted over the network. Consequently, the primary barriers for the adoption of IP video systems now surround IT concerns about bandwidth, and the addition of computers and software on the network.
Recently, redundant arrays of independent disks (RAIDs) that use an IP-based storage networking standard called iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface) have been introduced as a better alternative to network video recorders (NVRs). These can be especially useful since IP cameras and encoders stream directly to the RAID. The storage devices also give integrators a new way to overcome apprehensive IT personnel: IT is already familiar and comfortable with the iSCSI storage networking standard.
Deploying intelligent cameras and encoders that communicate directly to the iSCSI RAID devices offer integrators the ability to avoid using NVRs. By eliminating the NVR, a common point of failure, integrators are able to address IT concerns surrounding the addition of multiple PCs that require regular maintenance, such as Microsoft® operating system patches or virus updates. The total cost of ownership of PC-based systems cannot be ignored.
Multiple cameras and encoders can share the iSCSI storage disks on a local recording network, while the main local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) remains without any recording load. A system designed to take advantage of iSCSI technology produces more reliable security systems as video continues to be recorded and stored even during a network outage.
Later this year, security system manufacturers will begin to introduce video recording managers — known as “traffic cops” — that distribute video across various iSCSI RAIDs on the network.
If one RAID unit fails, the recording manager will simply redirect video data to a backup device. This approach to video management will result in better disk utilization, better load balancing and greater reliability. The throughput will also be greater because of the elimination of the NVR as part of the architecture.
For integrators, the benefits of using a video recording manager are a simpler architecture with fewer items that can fail and less hardware and software for IT personnel to manage.
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