Intermittent Connection

[zul12 0]

Hi everyone,

 

I just joined a new company recently and one of the first thing they want me to look at is an issue with the security network.

 

The network is solely used for IP cameras and security access system. There is no router and all devices are on static IP with segmentation (192.168.3.xxx for cameras, 192.168.4.xxx for security access system)

 

This is a 5 storey building, with switches at every floor that connects back to the gigabit 'core switch' at the ground floor server room using CAT6 cables. At the core switch are 3 NVRs and also 1 PC which acts as the server for the security access system.

 

Each floor has about 8 cameras, and 10 security access devices.

 

There is an adjacent 2storey building with similar setup that also links back to this server room (network is connected). Another PC is connected to the switch dedicated to monitor the cameras and security system. (192.168.5.xxx for cameras, 192.168.6.xxx for security access system). The reason these two networks are connected is because the NVRs are also recording for the cameras at this 2storey building.

 

The problem is random devices will become disconnected and then restores after a few seconds to 1 or 2 minutes. When it happens, the ping from the security access PC to the affected device will also become intermittent. It happens to the security access system more than the IP cameras.

 

Is it an issue with the way the network is setup? If that is the case, any suggestion on how I can revamp the network?

 

Thank you in advance for any help.

[jazzar 0]

sounds like your network is getting overwhelmed.

you are probably going to need someone with network expertise.

can you work out the bandwidth that the cameras are using at each section of the network ie if the streams are all set to pump out 25 pics per second at a high resolution setting then you could have a bottle neck for the data at some point in the system, possibly where they all come together., more data will be used if the cameras are 2megapixel or 5 megapixel devices.

Could you drop the frame rates / resolution down if they are all set to max ?

Try and have a look at the settings for each camera, take a note of them, then google dvr bandwidth calculator or similar- you should be able to get an idea of the bandwidth required with the settings you have taken note of.

You could break this down for each part of the network and particularly at the point where the data gathers towards the core switch

you can use wireshark - network analyser - to capture some info and see if anyone can help by looking at the captured data, this maybe point you in the right direction for a fix.

Are the NVR'S capable of supporting all your cameras if they are all set to max - and how may clients are viewing live video ?

The pc should be left more or less to run the security devices- a decent spec pc should handle this task- check the specs see if it has plenty of process power and ram installed.

Could the pc be running some services like windows updates or antivirus scans disk checks etc which could be tying up process power, if so is it possible to disable these to see if it makes any difference.

don't think there will be a silver bullet fix for this- maybe a bit of everything required. Good luck.