DW Spectrum - Merging and Detaching Servers

Merging and Detaching DW Spectrum Servers

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Affected Roles: Owner, Administrator

Related Digital Watchdog VMS Apps: DW Spectrum® IPVMS

Last Edit: August 20, 2024

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Merging Servers

When utilizing multiple servers for a location, it can be time consuming to constantly have to switch between server connections to monitor all of the cameras. DW Spectrum’s multi-server environment makes it possible to virtually tie together two or more servers together as a single System.

This is typically done if the System Administrator wants to view the connected cameras from a single instance of DW Spectrum. The cameras will still record to their respective local servers when merged, but by tying DW Spectrum Servers together, user accessibility to the System increases and makes it easier for Administrators to manage the DW Spectrum System.

This article will outline how to merge DW Spectrum Servers and how to detach a Server from a merged System.

**NOTE: It is recommended to avoid merging DW MEGApix CaaS™ cameras and DW Blackjack MINI™ units into a DW Spectrum System comprised of regular servers (computers running Windows or Ubuntu/Linux). This is because processing issues for the System will occur due to an aggregated combination of differing types of Servers and processing abilities. Keep to only using CaaS devices for CaaS systems, Blackjack MINIs for only BJMINI system, etc.

Supported/Affected Devices

DW Blackjack® Server Series

Defining the System

System – defined as a single DW Spectrum Server or multiple DW Spectrum Servers that have been merged into a single System. This represents your overall configuration of DW Spectrum.
Server – defined as the dedicated computer where the DW Spectrum Server software is installed. The purpose of the Server is to receive video streams from cameras, manage local camera settings, process and analyze video for motion or other special settings, to archive and store footage, and to act as the central device in the surveillance network. Typically, this device will have both the DW Spectrum Server and DW Spectrum Client desktop programs installed for setup and configuration purposes. However, it is recommended to use a separate workstation for regular viewing and only use the local client instance for setup to minimize the amount of processing that is required to run both components on the same machine.
Workstation – defined as a client-based device that is used primarily for viewing purposes, exporting video, and managing the DW Spectrum Server. Camera footage is not recorded directly to this device but is viewed by using DW Spectrum Client that calls to the Server for recorded archives.

**NOTE: In order to avoid overworking the Server’s CPU, it is recommended to use a workstation that is separate from a DW Spectrum Server for regular monitoring of camera video. To learn more, you can read Using A DW Spectrum Server As A Client.

Requirements for Merging

Servers must have the same build version of the DW Spectrum Server program installed to be merged into a single multi-server System.
If the merging Servers are connected to DW Cloud, they must have the same DW Cloud Owner.
It is recommended for merging Servers to share the same LAN (Local Area Network) for connection. Otherwise, the Servers must be able to communicate over the Internet to connect by WAN using either a Public IP Address or DW Cloud.

**NOTE: Merging through a NAT or VPN is possible, but is likely to encounter streaming or connectivity issues.

How to Merge Systems Using An IP Address

To merge Servers with DW Spectrum IPVMS:

Launch the DW Spectrum Client. This can be done from the Server itself or from a connected workstation.

Connect with the System and log in as an Administrator.

From the Resource Tree, right-click on the System, then select Merge Systems.

The Merge Systems window will display.

If the Server that is going to merge with your current System is on the same LAN, use the drop-down to select the Server from the detected Servers in the Server URL list.

If the Server does not appear in the list or you are connecting with a remote server (WAN), enter the Server URL manually.

Server URL: Enter the target Server’s IP address and port number; the structure for the URL is “http://<IP Address>:<Port>”.
- Example IP Address: 192.168.100.2
- Default DW Spectrum Server Port: 7001
- Example Server URL: http://192.168.100.2:7001
Login: Enter “admin” to indicate the Owner user profile.
Password: Enter the login password for the target Server’s Owner user profile.
Check: Click this button to verify the connection with the target Server.

After verifying the connection, select the System that will be acting as the primary Server. For example:
- System A = System B will be merged into System A.
- System B = System A will be merged into System B.

This selection will determine the name of the System and the Owner login information of the merged configuration.

Click Merge with <System Name> to finalize the system merge.

How to Merge Systems Using DW Cloud Portal

DW Spectrum allows DW Cloud Servers to easily connect and merge through the DW Cloud web portal.

**NOTE: To merge Systems using the DW Cloud web portal, both DW Spectrum Servers must be linked to the same DW Cloud account as the Owner.

To set up DW Cloud for a server, please read DW Cloud Setup.

To merge Systems using DW Cloud Portal:

Launch a web browser and connect with dwspectrum.digital-watchdog.com.

Click the Log In button, then enter the Email and Password to the DW Cloud account.

Alternatively, in the DW Spectrum Client, click on the DW Cloud Login tool, then select Open DW Cloud Portal. You will automatically log into the web portal.

Your DW Cloud connected Systems List will display.

Select the target System that you want to start the merge with. You will be taken to that System’s page.

**NOTE: Do not click on the Open in DW Spectrum button unless you intend to open the DW Spectrum Client to connect with the System.

Click the Merge with Another System button and select the system that the current Server will be merged with from the drop-down menu or by manually entering the server information, then click Next.

Select which System’s name and settings will be kept then click Next.

Enter the DW Cloud account password then click Merge Systems.

Detaching (Unmerging) Servers

Detaching Servers from merged Systems is a rare occurrence and is typically performed only when replacing a Server.

**NOTE: By isolating a Server from a System, the Server will be completely detached from DW Cloud. All DW Cloud user accounts will be deleted from the detaching Server, including the Owner. Only the local user accounts will remain.

**NOTE: If recording licenses have previously been activated on the Server that is being detached, Servers remaining in the merged System will no longer have access to those licenses. This will be denoted with a “Server Not Found” error message. Licenses from the remaining merged Service will need to be used instead.

To detach a Server from a merged System: