Video surveillance: how to design the system
IP cameras, NVR/VMS, analytics, remote access, storage. How many cameras do you need and where to place them
Video surveillance: IP cameras or analog?
Analog cameras (AHD, TVI, CVI) are cheap, but have limited functionality and poor integration with other systems. We do not recommend them for new projects.
IP cameras are the standard for modern systems. Resolution from 2 MP to 12 MP, PoE power (one cable for data and power), ONVIF compatibility.
For most tasks, 4 MP cameras (2560 by 1440) are sufficient. 8 MP (4K) is for parking lots, perimeters, places where detail is needed (license plates, faces).
Where to install cameras
Perimeter — cameras with IR illumination, vandal-proof housing, 4-8 MP resolution. Viewing angle 90-110° for general view, 30-45° for detail (license plates, faces).
Entrance group — camera with WDR (wide dynamic range) so that the face is not dark against the bright light behind.
Inside the house — dome cameras 2-4 MP, without IR or with IR (for night shooting). In living rooms it is better without IR — less disturbance for households.
Garage, basement, technical rooms — cameras with IR, vandal-proof, sealed (IP66/IP67).
NVR/VMS — where to record
NVR (Network Video Recorder) is a ready-made hardware with disks, specialized software. Easy to set up, does not require an administrator. Synology Surveillance Station, Dahua NVR, Hikvision NVR.
VMS (Video Management System) is a program on a regular server. More flexibility, better scalability, supports analytics. Milestone XProtect, Genetec Security Center, Macroscop, Trassir, Liniya.
Storage — from 7 days (office) to 30 days (home, warehouse). Calculation: camera bitrate times quantity times 86400 times days. 4 MP camera — 8-16 Mbit/s. 16 cameras for 30 days — approximately 6-12 TB.
Video analytics
Motion detection is a basic function, available in all cameras. Detection zones, sensitivity, ignoring small movements (foliage, shadows) are configured.
Line crossing — entry/exit from a zone. Useful for checkpoints, secured perimeters.
Face recognition — for access control or searching in the archive. Requires quality cameras (8 MP+, good lighting) and a powerful server.
License plate recognition — for parking lots, checkpoints, entry/exit accounting. Integrates with ACS.
Remote access and security
Access via mobile app (iVMS, Hik-Connect, Dahua, Synology) or web interface. Security — HTTPS, complex passwords, two-factor authentication.
Cameras should NOT be directly accessible from the Internet — only via VPN or a secure cloud service of the manufacturer.
VLAN for cameras — a separate network segment, without access to other devices. See the guide on Wi-Fi and SCS.