How are large Centralized or Decentralized IP CCTV managed ?

Very often large IP CCTV systems are centralized completely or partially (decentralized architecture)  because they need to be live monitored at a common place by dedicated operators/security-guard(s). The job of these humans is to ensure

(1) Surveillance of all camera feeds and *prevent incidents

(2) Carry out Post mortem investigation of incidents

However to ensure (1) and (2) are properly accomplished, we need top ensure that all cameras, recorders and network are functional 24x7. If we *detect anything amiss, we have to 

(a) Report it to the system integrator/maintainer

(b) Use his help to fix it 

To minimize downtime, speed is key. key in both (a) and (b).  NVRs can do some of this work, but would require them to be exposed to the internet, which is not safe. This is where a PC is useful, especially for large setups of multiple NVRs and/or CMS.

A PC can

(1) Run software tools to diagnose and repair software faults, often by restarting nodes.
(2) Configure (& reconfigure) the cameras, switches and recorders. We use Hikvision IPC system, and its has many useful tools like SADP, Bulk Configurator, Remote backup, iVMS 4200 Client, etc. which need a windows PC/Mac to work.
(3) Upgrade firm-wares and keep them up to date for cyber security, bug-fixes and new features

(4) Health check all active nodes using heartbeat software like Multiping, and automatically report (by email or other mechanism to the system integrator) if a camera, recorder or switch is down for more than a configurable N minutes of time eliminating a strict dependency on humans.
(5) Carry out surveillance footage backup as evidence to be shared with law enforcement and confront citizens engaged in undesirable activity

(6) And finally to carry out all these activities both onsite and offsite (remotely by remote login software) to improve efficiency of the system integrator. This also provides additional level of security

And one does not a very high end PC to accomplish the above. In our facility we are using a Intel Celeron Dual core J1800 based PC with 8 GB DDR3 RAM (Windows 10 is not happy with 54 GB RAM), 120 GB SSD (fast bootup and generally fast IO/responsiveness) and Nvidia GT1030 Graphics card (needed for HEVC/H.265 and H.265+ decoding), small 15.6" monitor. The PC runs 24x7 (the entire system uses no more than 30-40W of power ) rebooting automatically if power is lost, thereby ensuring that it is as much available as the rest of the network. Needless to add, the setup is inexpensive ($300 for all of it) and is now running continuously for 3+ years without rest. You may however chose a mid-range Core i3/i5 or Ryzen 3/5 PC if you have the budget and the need to run more applications such as CMS.


- Suman Kumar Luthra @ APRC-P3 Telecom Sub-Committee