How Much Cloud Storage is Required for 24/7 CCTV Recording?

As security concerns continue to rise, many businesses and individuals are turning to 24/7 CCTV surveillance systems for comprehensive monitoring. However, a critical consideration in setting up these systems is the amount of cloud storage required for continuous video recording. This article delves into the factors influencing cloud storage needs for CCTV recordings, helping you make informed decisions about your surveillance solutions.

Factors Influencing Cloud Storage Requirements

Several variables determine the amount of cloud storage needed for continuous CCTV recording:

Video Quality: The resolution of the video directly impacts the file size. Common resolutions include:

720p (HD): Approximately 1 GB per hour

1080p (Full HD): Approximately 2-3 GB per hour

4K (Ultra HD): Approximately 6-8 GB per hour Higher resolutions provide better clarity but require significantly more storage.

Frame Rate: The frame rate, measured in frames per second (fps), determines how smoothly the video plays. Common frame rates are:

15 fps: Suitable for basic monitoring, resulting in smaller file sizes.

30 fps: Standard for smooth playback, requiring more storage.

60 fps: Often used for high-action environments, significantly increasing storage needs.

Compression: Video compression technology reduces file sizes without substantial quality loss. Common formats include:

H.264: Widely used, providing a good balance of quality and compression.

H.265 (HEVC): Offers better compression rates, reducing storage requirements by about 50% compared to H.264. The choice of compression can significantly affect the overall storage requirements.

Recording Duration: Continuous recording means you'll need to store video for extended periods. Consider how long you want to retain footage:

Short-term storage: Retaining footage for a few days or weeks may require less space.

Long-term storage: Storing recordings for several months or years necessitates a larger storage capacity.

Number of Cameras: The number of CCTV cameras in use will directly impact storage needs. Each camera recording simultaneously will require its own storage allocation.

Calculating Cloud Storage Requirements

To estimate your cloud storage needs for 24/7 CCTV recording, use the following formula:

Determine the storage required for one camera:
Storage per Camera per Day=File Size per Hour×24\text{Storage per Camera per Day} = \text{File Size per Hour} \times 24Storage per Camera per Day=File Size per Hour×24

Multiply by the number of cameras:
Total Storage=Storage per Camera per Day×Number of Cameras\text{Total Storage} = \text{Storage per Camera per Day} \times \text{Number of Cameras} Total Storage=Storage per Camera per Day×Number of Cameras

Estimate for the desired retention period:
Total Storage Needed=Total Storage×Retention Period in Days\text{Total Storage Needed} = \text{Total Storage} \times \text{Retention Period in Days}Total Storage Needed=Total Storage×Retention Period in Days

Example Calculation: Assuming a 1080p camera recording at 30 fps with a file size of 2 GB per hour:

Storage per camera per day: 2 GB/hour×24 hours=48 GB2 \text{ GB/hour} \times 24 \text{ hours} = 48 \text{ GB}2 GB/hour×24 hours=48 GB

For 4 cameras: 48 GB×4=192 GB/day48 \text{ GB} \times 4 = 192 \text{ GB/day}48 GB×4=192 GB/day

For a retention period of 30 days: 192 GB×30=5,760 GB192 \text{ GB} \times 30 = 5,760 \text{ GB} 192 GB×30=5,760 GB or approximately 5.6 TB.

Conclusion

Determining the appropriate amount of cloud storage for 24/7 CCTV recording involves understanding various factors, including video quality, frame rate, compression, recording duration, and the number of cameras. By accurately calculating your storage requirements, you can ensure your surveillance system operates effectively without losing valuable footage.

For businesses looking to optimize their cloud storage solutions, Cyfuture Cloud offers scalable and secure storage options tailored to your needs. With reliable cloud server infrastructure designed for high-performance video storage, Cyfuture Cloud ensures your CCTV recordings are always accessible and secure, allowing you to focus on what matters most—safety and security.