With Hikvision Bandwidth Calculate, you can calculate the bandwidth required on your network. Based on the calculated value, you can choose an appropriate network switch and cable. For example, the bandwidth for 10 Hikvision DS-2CD2120-F-I cameras is stated as 4096 KB or approximately 40 MB/s in total, depending on configuration. For this setup, a 10/100 network cable/link can be used for each camera-to-switch connection, while the uplink to the NVR should typically be 10/100/1000. A Hikvision switch can also be selected with 10/100 PoE ports and an uplink port.
A simple way to explain bandwidth is by using a highway as an example. Imagine a highway with three lanes for vehicles. If we draw an imaginary line across it, three vehicles can cross that line simultaneously in each unit of time. If another lane is added, four vehicles can pass simultaneously. In other words, more vehicles can pass along the highway and reach their destination within a given period.
The same concept applies to data transmission in a network. Bandwidth is the capacity provided by a network medium to transfer information from a sender to a receiver, system, or device. The greater this capacity, the more information can be transferred.
Bandwidth is also important in Hikvision IP cameras and has a significant effect on the quality of image transmission from cameras to the recorder. Unlike Hikvision DVRs, Hikvision NVRs are not limited in the same way by fixed camera-resolution support per channel. For example, some Hikvision HQHI-series DVRs support cameras up to 3 MP, so a 5 MP camera may not be usable at its full native resolution. In other words, connecting a 5 MP camera may result in an image limited to the resolution supported by the DVR rather than the camera’s full capability.
Therefore, a 16-channel DVR that supports 3 MP cameras is typically designed for up to 16 supported-resolution camera inputs. This limitation does not apply in exactly the same way to an NVR; a 16-channel NVR can potentially connect cameras of different resolutions such as 12 MP, 2 MP, 5 MP, and others, provided the device’s other limits are observed.
However, another limitation remains: the NVR’s available bandwidth. Because IP cameras operate over a network and transmit data through it, bandwidth limitations are an important consideration when selecting a CCTV system.
Hikvision NVRs are manufactured with specified incoming-bandwidth capacities. This means, for example, that you cannot connect an unlimited number of high-megapixel cameras to an NVR with limited bandwidth. Before purchasing, check the bandwidth consumed by the cameras and the NVR’s incoming-bandwidth capacity in the product datasheets. To simplify selection and reduce the need for complex bandwidth calculations, Hikvision offers NVRs on several product platforms, including:
Yes; but the number of cameras that can be connected may decrease. You can use the software to calculate how many cameras can be connected under these conditions. In general, CCTV bandwidth-calculation software can be used to evaluate your system under different conditions. It can calculate the required bandwidth based on camera count, megapixel resolution, and compression formats.
