CCTV Storage & Bandwidth Calculator

Plan your surveillance infrastructure with accurate storage and bandwidth estimates for any camera configuration.

Configuration

Storage & Bandwidth Requirements

Did You Know?

CCTV footage is passive "dumb" data that doesn't tell you anything on its own. Without AI analysis, you're just storing video that nobody watches. ARSA AI Box transforms your cameras into intelligent sensors - detecting safety violations, counting people, reading license plates, and alerting you to incidents in real-time. Turn your storage costs into actionable business intelligence.

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How to Use This Calculator

Select Resolution

Choose your camera's resolution. Higher resolution means better detail but more storage.

Set Frame Rate

15-20 FPS is recommended for general surveillance. Higher for fast-moving scenes.

Choose Codec

H.265 saves approximately 50% storage compared to H.264 with similar quality.

Set Retention

Enter how many days you need to keep footage based on compliance requirements.

Enter Camera Count

Specify the total number of cameras in your surveillance system.

Get Results

Instantly see your total storage needs and bandwidth requirements.

Benefits of Using This Calculator

Cost Optimization

Avoid over-provisioning storage and save money on infrastructure costs.

Accurate Planning

Plan your storage infrastructure accurately before deployment.

Bandwidth Estimation

Calculate network requirements for remote viewing capabilities.

Codec Comparison

Compare H.264 vs H.265 compression to see potential savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much storage do I need for 16 cameras?

The storage requirement depends on resolution, frame rate, and retention period. For example, 16 cameras at 1080p, 15 FPS, H.265 compression with 30-day retention would need approximately 8-10 TB. Use our calculator above to get precise estimates for your specific configuration.

What's the difference between H.264 and H.265?

H.265 (HEVC) is a newer compression standard that provides approximately 50% better compression than H.264 at the same quality level. This means you can store twice as much footage in the same storage space. However, H.265 requires more processing power for encoding and decoding.

How many days should I retain CCTV footage?

Retention requirements vary by industry and jurisdiction. Common guidelines: Retail stores typically retain 30-90 days, banks often require 90-180 days, and some government facilities may require up to 1 year. Check your local regulations and insurance requirements for specific guidance.

What bandwidth do I need for remote CCTV viewing?

For remote viewing, you'll need sufficient upload bandwidth at your CCTV location. A single 1080p camera at 15 FPS with H.265 requires approximately 2 Mbps. Multiply by the number of cameras you want to view simultaneously. For smooth remote access, we recommend having 1.5x the calculated bandwidth to account for network overhead.

Does higher resolution require more storage?

Yes, higher resolution cameras produce larger video files. A 4K camera requires approximately 4x the storage of a 1080p camera at the same frame rate and compression settings. However, higher resolution is essential for applications like license plate recognition or facial identification where detail matters.

Ready to Build Your Intelligent Surveillance System?

ARSA Technology offers complete CCTV solutions with AI-powered video analytics. Transform your cameras from passive recorders into intelligent business tools.

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