DW Spectrum – Analyzing and Predicting Storage Usage
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Related Digital Watchdog VMS Apps: DW Spectrum IPVMS
Complexity: Low
Last Edit: November 26, 2024
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Analyzing and Predicting Storage Usage
Due to differing bitrate streams, different cameras may require more or less storage space to save data for the same time interval. DW Spectrum uses a special algorithm to balance storage in order to keep the same amount of time stored for different cameras. DW Spectrum storage analytics help estimate and predict storage usage.
Note: Administrators have the option of setting a minimum or maximum number of days that data is archived for any given camera. See "Configuring Minimum and Maximum Archive Storage".
Some common ways storage analysis can be used:
•Identify camera(s) that stream at extremely high bitrates
•Estimate amount of time that the server can store data from a given device, in days and hours
•Understand the storage space that each camera consumes
•Predict the amount of time a server can store recording if additional storage is added.
To access storage statistics for a server:
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Right-click on a server in the resource tree, then select “Server Settings”.
- Navigate to the “Storage Analytics” tab. Data is displayed by server and then by individual camera.
Current Statistics
•Camera – Camera name
•Space – the amount of storage currently consumed by recordings from this camera
•Calendar Days – the amount of recorded data that is available for this camera. DW Spectrum uses a special algorithm to keep the same amount of time stored for different cameras. However, a user can set minimum or maximum storage duration in days for individual cameras. See "Configuring Maximum and Minimum Recording Time for Camera".
•Bitrate – the average bit rate of the camera. It is possible to specify the amount of time the average bit rate is calculated for, by specifying it in the upper-right drop-down list (i.e last 5 minutes or last day).
NOTE**: Some version of Spectrum will indicate “current” bitrate. This is not the bitrate the camera is actively passing, but the current average bitrate.
Forecasting Full Storage
To anticipate the storage capacity, it is necessary to switch to the Forecast for full storage(s) tab and select the amount of storage to be added. The software will display the amount of time camera(s) can be recorded with the added capacity (notice Calendar Days and Space).
The forecast will reflect based on the available written data, the forecast time, and additional storage parameters. It is important to consider that this forecast is only as reliable as the recording habits of the server and the timeframe in which it is recording.
For example, installing a new server at a school in August set to only motion recording will likely forecast a substantial amount of space available due to very little activity being recorded. However, once school starts in September, the previously determined forecast will be extremely inaccurate due to the increase in recording based on activity. Keep these variables in mind when using the forecast feature to get the most accurate forecast results.
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Rev: 06/25 Copyright © DW. All rights reserved. Specifications and pricing subject to change without notice.