Hardware setup

Maxxer · Post by **Maxxer** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 4:40 pm

Hi

I'd like to have some advices on hw requrements for a 6 cameras ZM setup.

I've done long reads on the forum today, and it seems that I can accomplish what I need without big problems, but I'd like to hear more voices if possible

What I need is a ZoneMinder server controlling six network cameras in motion detect.
I've seen around a P4 3GHz with 1Gb of ram and a pretty fast hdd should run fine for my needs.
What was worring me more is network usage. So I've done a quick calculation with Axis Bandwidth Calculator (6 cams, 10fps, 640x480 = <10Mbit/s) and according to the result a 11Mbit Wireless network would be enough. Considering I will be running a 54g network it's a good safety margin...

I'd just like to know from more experienced users if my "calculations" were right and such a situation would be working.

Thanks
Maxxer

Post by **zoneminder** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 4:55 pm

Be aware that if you have any 11Mbps equipment on your wireless network then the whole network will function at 'B' speeds, which are likely to be more like 5Mbps than 11, as a 'G' network will be more like 30 than 55Mbps.

Maxxer · Post by **Maxxer** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 9:11 pm

thank you for your reply!

if this is the only advice I'm fine!

thank you again, I'll let you know!

maxxer

Maxxer · Post by **Maxxer** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 11:29 am

Just one more question: a Celeron 2.4 would be enough to handle such configuration?
We've had bad experience with a Celeron with 256mb of ram and 4 webcams.

Flash_ · Post by **Flash_** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 6:24 am

I have a working ZM setup with 8 Axis IP cameras.

Athlon64-3000 w/ 1gb ram. Debian unstable.

Load is typically 0.5 monitoring, with peaks up to 1.2 when one or more cameras start recording. (MODECT)

That's running at 640x480 BLACK AND WHITE pics at 3 fps (5 in record mode). Dropping the colour significantly reduces the cpu load as well as the bandwidth required.

Network is straight 100mps wires, with one wireless camera. Loads on this rarely register even when all cams also being viewed by one or more users.

I have potential for a couple more ip cams without straining it too much.

I think a Celeron might struggle with the CPU load with 6 ip-cams, unless you tighten down the fps and picture size. Only sure-fire way is to try and see, though!