A tool used to estimate the amount of data a security camera system will transmit over a network connection. It considers factors such as the number of cameras, their resolution, frame rate, compression type, and recording schedule. For instance, a system with multiple high-resolution cameras recording continuously will require significantly more network resources than a single low-resolution camera recording only when motion is detected.
Accurately determining data transmission needs is vital for ensuring system performance and reliability. Underestimating the required data capacity can lead to delayed or dropped video feeds, hindering the ability to monitor activity effectively. Historically, the process involved manual calculations and estimations, often leading to inaccuracies. Modern tools automate this process, providing more precise projections and facilitating better network infrastructure planning.