Surveillance server advice

[Slousebox]

Hey,
I'm looking at setting up a surveillance server for a small business on a limited budget.
Because of the budget I've been looking at used servers and was wondering what specs I should be looking for when considering them.

Specifically the CPU as I'm not entirely sure how much load the cameras will place on it.

 

The planned system will have no more than 8 POE IP cameras.

All of which will be recording at least 1080p footage.

As a side question, what remote viewing/monitoring software is recommended, or does it depend on the camera?

[samiscool51]

3 minutes ago, Slousebox said:

Specifically the CPU as I'm not entirely sure how much load the cameras will place on it.

an i5 would be enough to hold a single user, maybe 2

4 minutes ago, Slousebox said:

what remote viewing/monitoring software is recommended, or does it depend on the camera?

it depends on what cameras you are going to be using, some won't work without the propriety software thats designed for them

[brwainer]

The CPU requirements are heavily influenced by what the server has to do with the video, and the software you use. If it's just dumping the video feed exactly as it comes in to the HDD, then the CPU will barely be loaded. If you have the server convert the incoming video feed to another format, or if you do motion detection on the server, then the CPU usage will be much higher.

 

Example: we have two nearly identical servers. One handles 150 SD cameras, just writing to disk. CPU usage is about 50%. The other has ~25 SD cameras and has to do motion detection - CPU usage is >80%

[leadeater]

Have a look at Milestone, it is an extremely good solution at very respectable pricing. Some solutions can cost a tuck ton. Use the software btw don't both with their hardware appliances, those are not likely to be in your price range since you are looking at used hardware.

[Mikensan]

8 Cameras?

https://www.milestonesys.com/our-products/video-management-software/xprotect-essential/

 

Per Leadeater's recommendation :-) Looked it up last time he mentioned, seems neat.

[leadeater]

50 minutes ago, Mikensan said:

8 Cameras?

https://www.milestonesys.com/our-products/video-management-software/xprotect-essential/

 

Per Leadeater's recommendation :-) Looked it up last time he mentioned, seems neat.

Oh wow, didn't even know they made essentials free.