Nx Witness system requirements and download
The question usually comes as: “we still have a server, can it handle this?” Most of the time it can. Where it goes wrong, it goes wrong on the disks and the network, rarely on the processor. Here is what to check before you buy or reuse anything, and where to download the software.
Short answer
What do you need to run an Nx Witness server?
Disks built for continuous writing, the operating system on its own disk, enough memory for the number of streams and a network card that can take the load. Since Generation 6 one server handles up to 256 cameras, and a Site holds roughly 10 servers. In practice disk write speed and the number of people searching the archive set the limit first.
- Disks matter more than the processor. A recording server writes all day without a pause. Desktop disks are not made for that and tend to fail when you need them.
- Separate system and video. Operating system on its own disk, video on the rest. If recording fills up, the system keeps running.
- Size for playback, not only for recording. A server writing sixty streams while eight people search the archive does two jobs at once. Plan for the second.
- Take the network card seriously. With dozens of cameras, one shared port is the bottleneck, not the server.
Storage
How much disk space do you need?
Four settings decide it: resolution, frames per second, compression and whether you record continuously. For reference, at 30 days of retention:
| Cameras | Settings | Net storage needed |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 4 MP, 15 fps, H.265, motion only | About 11 TB |
| 16 | 4 MP, 15 fps, H.265, continuous | About 46 TB |
| 24 | 4 MP, 15 fps, H.265, continuous | About 69 TB |
| 90 | 4 MP, 15 fps, H.265, scheduled | About 180 TB, 2 servers |
When the disks are full, Nx Witness overwrites the oldest footage. You lose nothing at once, but your retention quietly gets shorter. It is the most common surprise on systems we take over: cameras were added to the same disks and 30 days became eleven.
Workstation
What does the viewing workstation need?
Less than people think, with one exception: the number of streams you show at once. Sixteen cameras in one layout is fine on any modern workstation; sixty-four at once needs a decent graphics card.
Two habits make more difference than specifications. Use the lighter substream for overview layouts and the full stream only when you zoom in. And do not put more tiles on a screen than one person can actually follow.
Can Nx Witness run on a virtual machine?
Yes, and in organisations with an existing virtualisation platform it is often the sensible route. Give recording its own disks, because video is a constant write stream that behaves differently from a shared datastore’s usual mix. Moving to a virtual machine changes the hardware identity, so the licence has to be reassigned. Plan that; do not let it happen by accident.
Download
Where do you download Nx Witness?
From Network Optix, the maker of the software. The installers for Windows, Linux and ARM are on networkoptix.com. Downloading is free and needs no account or dealer. What costs money is the licence, one per camera.
We deliberately do not host the files ourselves. An installer for a security product should come from the source, so you know it is what it says it is.
The server
Receives the cameras and writes the video. It runs on the machine with the storage.
The client
The program you watch and search with. Install it on as many workstations as you like; there is no licence on viewing.
The mobile app
For viewing on the go, from the regular app stores.
You get four trial licences, each valid for 30 days. An expired trial licence cannot be activated again, so start the trial when you have time to test. Ready to buy? You can order licences online.
Questions about system requirements
Can I reuse my existing server?
Often, yes. Send us the specification and we look at the disks, memory, network card and age of the machine. Sometimes the answer is: suitable, but fit different disks. That is a lot cheaper than a new server.
How many cameras can one server handle?
Up to 256 since Generation 6. In practice the write speed of the disks and the number of people searching at the same time set the limit earlier. We size for the peak, not the average.
Should I use RAID?
For systems that matter, yes, in a form where one disk can fail without losing footage. You then buy more raw capacity than you end up with net. We include that in the proposal, so you do not end up with fewer days than you expected.
What do I need for remote viewing?
No open ports in your firewall. The system has a secure route through its own cloud connection. What you do need is enough upload bandwidth, and mobile clients set to use the lighter substream.
Can you ship a server outside the Netherlands?
Yes. We ship pre-installed and tested servers across Europe and configure them remotely. On-site installation and cabling we do in the Netherlands and the border region. See Nx Witness servers.
Send us what you have
Your current server specification, or your camera list if you are starting from scratch. We tell you honestly whether it is suitable and, if not, what to change.
A quick word
Questions about your situation? Call John.
Watches over the part you only notice years later: continuity, and agreements that hold. Describe your situation and you will hear straight away what we would do — with no obligation.
John van den Bosch · Co-founder