Server required for 24 IP cameras registration

[jhn]

Hello,

I have to install a system of videos recording and I need some advices for the server.
For the moment I have 6 dahua cameras (IPC-HDBW4433R) connected to 2 computers with Ubuntu 20.04, 3 on each computer. They record movies by ZoneMinder 24/7 on internal HDD.
This works very fine and I want to use ZoneMinder on new project but I don't know what's necessary for servers...

The new server will have to manage 24 cameras (probably TRENDnet TV-IP325PI), we need 24/7 recording during few days with high quality.
This installation will be doubled, with a ZoneMinder management divided but perhaps a server can manage images from both installations ?
I have no idea what server can manage that so I search some advices. For visualisation of cameras and in order to spare ZoneMinder I have found this topic : https://wiki.zoneminder.com/IpCamMontage, I think it's a good solution.

Thanks by advance for your replies and advices (and thanks for the forum, I have already find lot of help !).
I'm open to discuss of all the points of my message,

Johan

[burger]

So uh, you want to know what hardware to use? Here you go:

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=30104
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=29953
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=29706
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=29484
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=29339
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=29338

Basically: Get server / high end CPU, get lots of cores, and lots of HDDs. Tune ZM appropriately.

[jhn]

Hello burger,

Thank's for your time !

I had already read some of your link and I have read those I had not found before.
If I understand a server like a Intel NUC is a good solution for my installation, but with wich specifications? I understand the core number and the RAM is the key point, but how many ?!

I'm lost for find a server... I've also read this : https://zoneminder.readthedocs.io/en/st ... erver.html I don't know if it's a good solution for me...

Hope you can help me.

Joahn

[burger]

Small X86 boards are only good for a few cameras.

Why don't you install ZM and see how it performs? It's free software. Try a core duo. $50 online, or at your local recycler.

I don't recommend multiserver unless you know what you are doing.

[Magic919]

I wouldn’t mess about with small machines. You already use ZM.

They are not high resolution cameras, but it’s still 24 of them and will double. Storage for that lot for a few days is a consideration.

I’ve just retired a Dell and gone HP. I’ve stuck with Xeon, but that might not be a rational decision. The machines are designed to run 24/7, built to be worked on and supported remotely. Allows for plenty of RAM and storage without overheating.

[jhn]

Small X86 boards are only good for a few cameras.

Why don't you install ZM and see how it performs? It's free software. Try a core duo. $50 online, or at your local recycler.

I don't recommend multiserver unless you know what you are doing.

Thank you for your answer !
I can't try with 24 cameras because before buy all I need to have a cost estimation... I have already use ZM on computer with 3 cameras but I want advices for choose the good equipments for 24 cameras.

With your answers I hope I can found something good !

[jhn]

I wouldn’t mess about with small machines. You already use ZM.

They are not high resolution cameras, but it’s still 24 of them and will double. Storage for that lot for a few days is a consideration.

I’ve just retired a Dell and gone HP. I’ve stuck with Xeon, but that might not be a rational decision. The machines are designed to run 24/7, built to be worked on and supported remotely. Allows for plenty of RAM and storage without overheating.

Thank you for your advice !

So I have to look for RAM and storage capacities ! I continue my investigation, thank you.

[jhn]

Hello again,

After search and advices from computer retailers, they tell me the Lenovo ST250 with XEON E-2276G and 16Go RAM can be a good solution for my system.
It's seem's good for manage and register the 24 cameras using ZM, but if you can confirm I will be very grateful !
And also I have a doubt between HDD and SSD, I don't no if SSD is really necessary...

Thank's,

Johan

[iconnor]

Forget SSD or HDD. Go punch cards.

Seriously, Use SSD for root and HDD for video storage.
Also, use RAID

[jhn]

Forget SSD or HDD. Go punch cards.

Seriously, Use SSD for root and HDD for video storage.
Also, use RAID

Thank for your reply, that's what I expected, with your confirmation the choice is made!

And for the server I have a XEON E-2224 or XEON E-2276G, I don't know if the last is too much ?

Have a nice day

[Magic919]

If you can bear the cost, what does 'too much' mean? That's a philosophical response.

I run the E-2224 but fewer cameras. I run other things too and there is plenty of overhead. If you will tune the cameras (low FPS) and not run high resolutions I expect you'll be fine. Perhaps someone with experience of two dozen cameras could comment.

In favour of the E-2276G CPU is obviously graphics, so encode/decode, more cores and hyperthreading. My server had no option for that CPU. I expect I'll upgrade to that kind of CPU when they are cheaper on the used market in a few years. I'd have considered it for an extra ~100, if it was an option.

[jhn]

If you can bear the cost, what does 'too much' mean? That's a philosophical response.

I run the E-2224 but fewer cameras. I run other things too and there is plenty of overhead. If you will tune the cameras (low FPS) and not run high resolutions I expect you'll be fine. Perhaps someone with experience of two dozen cameras could comment.

In favour of the E-2276G CPU is obviously graphics, so encode/decode, more cores and hyperthreading. My server had no option for that CPU. I expect I'll upgrade to that kind of CPU when they are cheaper on the used market in a few years. I'd have considered it for an extra ~100, if it was an option.

Yes "too much" is subjective, what I want to say is : "oversized for my system".

The extra cost is ~600€/server so if the E-2224 is enough for 24 cameras, we don't buy a E-2276G just for pleasure !

[Magic919]

Yes, that makes sense. I think the 2224 is sufficient if optimised.

I also think an extra ~600 is too big a stretch to buy in case of increased need later.