CONFIGURING AND VERIFYING NETWORK STORAGE

A DS system can archive to any disk drive-based storage location that can be accessed using a Universal Naming Convention (UNC) name. Pelco recommends using storage solutions that are based on a Windows operating system such as Windows Server 2003 or Windows XPe running NTFS.

The VideoServer and Storage services on the system must be run with accounts that have full rights (read/write/delete) on the remote disk drives. In addition, Microsoft’s MSSQL Server and SQL Server agent service should use the same service account (or should have at least the same access rights) as the VideoServer and Storage services. This is the standard shipping configuration for a DS system.

The Storage Service manages disk space on the remote drives, deleting old files so that there is always room to store new video clips, for example. Because the Storage Service manages this space and guarantees that there is space available at all times, no applications other than Digital Sentry can use the drives that are mapped using the UNC names. The system is designed so that multiple UNC paths can be used for storage. When all devices assigned for storage are full, the oldest data is deleted, making room for current storage requests.

There also must be enough network bandwidth available to move video data from the VAUs to the storage location. A standard VAU has 230 GB of disk space for use as a local cache. A video file is created for each video input device every 15 minutes during scheduled recording time (unless no trigger occurs during motion or alarm recording). After a 15-minute period, the file is closed and put in a queue for copying to the remote disk. The required steady-state bandwidth can be calculated as follows for a 64-camera system recording 3.75 ips with 15 percent activity and 8,000-byte images:

64 cameras × 3.75 images/camera × 0.15 (percent of time activity or motion occurs) × 8,000 bytes/image × 8 bits/byte = 2.3 Mbit

In this case, 2.3 Mbit of bandwidth is required for storage. Additional bandwidth is needed to view live video and play recorded video.

A DS system can use RAID 0, 1, 10, or 5, in addition to independent JBOD drives for remote storage. The type of RAID used can significantly impact bandwidth; it is important to choose a RAID configuration that supports the required bandwidth. By default, current shipping versions of DS systems favor JBOD drives in terms of balancing performance with drive-failure error detection. However, if a RAID drive array is used, Digital Sentry can be reconfigured using a database setting to improve RAID performance at the cost of some loss of drive-failure error detection.

To configure network storage, complete the following steps:

1.Configure the remote storage system so that the DSServiceUser account on the DS system has access rights to read, write, and delete files on the remote system’s drives.

2.On the remote storage system, share all drives that will be used to store Digital Sentry video files.

3.Log on to the DS system as “dsserviceuser.” The default password is also “dsserviceuser.”

4.Change the password for the DSServiceUser account on the DS system to match the password for the DSServiceUser account on the remote storage device. The password must also be changed for the following services in Control Panel that run with the DSServiceUser account: DS WatchDog, DS Storage, DS VideoServer, MSSQLServer, and IntegralSQLAgentService.

5.On the DS system, map one of the drives on the storage location using the UNC name \\ComputerName\storagelocation. Verify that files can be moved to and deleted from this location.

6.Run DSAdmin and select the Storage Locations tab on the VAU level of the directory tree. The Storage Locations table contains local disk entries. Add entries for each shared drive on the remote computer by selecting Add Storage Location and entering the full UNC path name for the storage location. Enter 1000 for the MinFreeMB.

7.After all storage locations are entered, select Activate Storage Location for each one. Select “Copy to Network Storage Locations.”

8.For proper detection of independent drives, disabling write through is required to properly detect system drive failures. However, for RAID drives, write through must be enabled to achieve proper network copy performance. If the storage device is in a RAID configuration, a Configuration Parameter may have to be changed to enable write through. The configuration parameter is VideoServer/CopyTheFile; changing this value to 0 (zero) disables write through and increases the copy speed.

9.Start the Digital Sentry services (DS VideoServer, DS WatchDog and DS Storage). Files are then created in the Video directory on a local drive and copied to the remote location at the end of each 15-minute period (:00, :15, :30, and :45 after the hour).

10.Verify that files are copied to the remote storage device every 15 minutes.

The Video directory should never have more than two times the number of video input devices on the VAU or SAVR box. If it does, this means that it is unable to copy the data fast enough to the remote storage unit, or the remote storage unit is not accessible.

38

C3662M (6/08)

Page 39
Image 39
Pelco C3662M installation manual Configuring and Verifying Network Storage

C3662M specifications

The Pelco C3662M is a state-of-the-art camera designed for robust surveillance and exceptional performance in various environments. Built for security applications, this camera features advanced imaging technology that ensures reliable monitoring and high-quality video capture.

One of the main features of the C3662M is its high-resolution image sensor. This sensor captures clear and crisp images, even in low-light conditions. With a resolution of 2 megapixels, the camera delivers detailed footage that can be crucial for identification purposes. The camera is capable of generating high-definition video streams, providing security operators with the clarity they need to assess any situation effectively.

The C3662M also incorporates advanced technology such as Wide Dynamic Range (WDR), which allows it to perform exceptionally well in scenes with contrasting lighting. This feature ensures that both the bright and dark areas of a scene are captured with excellent detail, making the camera particularly useful in environments like parking lots or entryways where lighting conditions can vary greatly.

Another critical characteristic of the C3662M is its low-light performance. Equipped with infrared (IR) capabilities, the camera can operate effectively in complete darkness, making it an ideal choice for 24/7 surveillance. The IR illumination allows the camera to capture clear images even when there is no visible light.

The C3662M is also designed for versatility in its deployment. It supports various mounting options and configurations, enabling users to install the camera in various locations, from indoor environments to outdoor settings. The rugged construction of the camera ensures it can withstand adverse weather conditions, making it suitable for use in challenging environments.

In terms of connectivity, the C3662M is compatible with various video management system solutions. It can easily integrate into existing security infrastructures, allowing for seamless operation and monitoring.

With its combination of high-resolution imaging, advanced WDR technology, and versatile installation options, the Pelco C3662M stands out as a premium choice for security applications. This camera addresses the needs of modern surveillance with reliability, ensuring that users can maintain peace of mind through effective monitoring capabilities.