DW Spectrum - Maximum System Size

DW Spectrum IPVMS Maximum System Size

-----------------------------------

Affected Roles: Administrator, Owner

Related Digital Watchdog VMS Apps: DW Spectrum® IPVMS

Last Edit: October 14, 2024

-----------------------------------

System Limitations

While DW Spectrum IPVMS is scalable from one to thousands of devices, there are still limitations to be considered. In addition to the hardware requirements of a DW Spectrum Server, the restrictions that would otherwise impede the effectiveness of a DW Spectrum System should always be followed. Surpassing the recommended limitations when building a DW Spectrum System can cause operating issues, video issues, network issues, etc.

This article will outline some of the operating limitations of DW Spectrum IPVMS when considering deploying a large-scale DW Spectrum System or in general.

Supported/Affected Devices:

DW Blackjack® Server Series

Terminology Glossary

The following terminology is commonly used when referring to DW Spectrum IPVMS:

System – can be comprised of a single DW Spectrum Server or of multiple DW Spectrum Servers that have been merged into a single DW Spectrum System
Server – refers to the computer where the DW Spectrum Server software is installed. The purpose of such servers is to receive video streams from cameras, manage local cameras, process and analyze video for analytics or other special settings. Additionally, a DW Spectrum Server is responsible for archiving and storing video footage, while also activing as the central device in the surveillance network.
Client – refers to the DW Spectrum Client software portion of the IPVMS platform. This application can be used as a GUI when managing and using the DW Spectrum IPVMS program. It is typically permissible to install both the DW Spectrum Client software alongside the DW Spectrum Server software for quick setting adjustments, however it is recommended to avoid using the DW Spectrum Client application on the same computer for extended periods of time to avoid unnecessary processing consumption. A good alternative would be to install the Client on a separate computer, then connect with the Server through the network.
Resource – when referring to a DW Spectrum System, a “resource” is typically a reference to any device (IP camera, I/O device, standalone recorder, etc.) that has been registered and connected with a DW Spectrum Server.

Single DW Spectrum System Limits

The following limitations apply to DW Spectrum Systems (overall) and are based on lab testing results, which may vary depending on the System’s environment (physical, network, etc.):

Maximum Recommended Elements for a Single System
Max. Recommended Servers	100
Max. Recommended Resources	10,000
Max. Recommended Users	1,000
Max. MEGApix CaaS (CaaS system only)	30
Max. DW Blackjack MINIs (same LAN)	5
Max. Network Throughput	1,000 Mbps

**IMPORTANT: It is recommended to merge no more than 30 CaaS cameras together when acting as a single DW Spectrum System. However, you may install more CaaS cameras on the same local subnetwork if they remain unmerged and can be viewed using the Cloud Layout feature in DW Spectrum Client. It is recommended to avoid merging CaaS cameras (in server-mode) into the same System as regular DW Spectrum Servers.

Camera and Video Stream Limit

Currently, there is a limit of 128 video streams per each DW Spectrum Server and a limit of 10,000 resources overall per each DW Spectrum System. Surpassing the recommended limitations for a DW Spectrum System can cause critical errors within the IPVMS platform.

However, DW Spectrum IPVMS is a scalable platform. If there are more than 128 video streams planned for a DW Spectrum System, additional DW Spectrum Server can be added to the system to increase the number of video streams that can be safely used by the system. For example, a system with two DW Blackjack E-Rack servers in a merged DW Spectrum System can safely support up to 256 video streams (128 streams x 2 servers = 256 streams).

**NOTE: DW Blackjack Servers can vary in the number of IP cameras that are supported, depending on the hardware model. For example, a DW Blackjack E-Rack supports up to 128 IP cameras, but a DW Blackjack Cube only supports up to 64 IP cameras. Please consider this when planning a DW Spectrum System.

Video Thread Limit

When processing the media stream from an IP camera, the DW Spectrum Server will create up to four (4) threads:

Thread 1 – reads a high-quality RTSP stream from the camera
Thread 2 – reads a low-quality RTSP stream from the camera
Thread 3 – processes the high-quality RTSP stream and uses a multiplexer to convert the input into .mkv format
Thread 4 – processes the low-quality RTSP stream and uses a multiplexer to convert the input into .mkv format

As a result, 128 cameras can require up to 512 threads in total. While there is not a set limit of 512 threads in modern Operating Systems, our developers tested and concluded that when 512 threads is surpassed, there is a significant degradation in the DW Spectrum System performance.

______________________________________________________________________________

For More Information or Technical Support

DW Technical Support: https://www.digital-watchdog.com/contact-tech-support/

DW Sales: [email protected] | www.digital-watchdog.com