A & E Firms
Solution Overview
Steelbox Networks provides a solution to problems associated with managing enterprise-wide video recording and distribution. The solution provides a highly scalable, efficient platform that is vendor and codec independent relying on a modular approach to accommodate growing storage requirements and future system expansion.
The Network Media Appliance (NMA) and Steelvault storage arrays provide the backbone for recording and distribution of video sources in multiple formats, video profiles, and resolutions— simultaneously. This freedom allows system designers the ability to utilize correct camera technologies for each application in a project, negating compatibility issues that arise with the use of other systems.
Network Media Appliance (NMA)
The Network Media Appliance (NMA) is an intelligent mechanism that controls record indexing and video distribution to storage arrays or client consoles. A single NMA can support up to 512 camera streams and 512 output devices (command and control monitoring, dispatch systems, video analysis, or similar).
The NMA runs on RTIK (pronounced "artic"), a purpose-built operating system developed by Steelbox. This operating system excels at packet switching; this allows the NMA to offer superior streams density over competing solutions that use general purpose operating systems like Windows or Linux. RTIK's small footprint enhances application stability and code quality, eliminating the need for untimely patches that plague general purpose operating systems. RTIK allows the NMA to switch video packets and network traffic between interfaces fast, minimizing the impact on system resources.
The Steelbox Networks' NMA solution features connectivity that accommodates all network environments. The controller module provides up to 1.5 Gbps of audio and video throughput, supporting both Ethernet and ATM networks individually or concurrently. The NMA can be configured with up to two ATM ports (OC-3 or OC-12, multi-mode fiber, type SC connector) on the Steelbox NMA 3000 and up to fourteen 10/100/1000 copper Ethernet ports.
This design flexibility allows the NMA to integrate seamlessly into the existing network infrastructure while supporting an open growth plan for future network development. The NMA hardware is supplied in rack mount, 1U or 2U form factors that weigh less than 28lbs.
Steelvault Storage Array
The Steelvault Storage Array is built from the ground up to support the demanding needs of simultaneous recording and playback of video from hundreds of cameras at once. Unlike PC based systems, the Steelvault Storage Array is designed to support writing and retrieval of video data. The bottlenecks associated with these stovepipe based PC systems are avoided as the overhead of additional operating system services and unrelated applications are eliminated.
The storage module features its own processor, memory, dedicated hardware RAID, and I/O subsystems to facilitate the read/write speed requirements of video data. The subsystem utilizes a tuned RAID array comprised of high performance disk drives to quickly write and provide audio and video data for clients. Steelvault modules are network attached directly to the Steelbox Network Media Appliance (NMA) to accommodate the architecture of any network infrastructure.
Each storage module can provide up to 24 Terabytes of high performance, on-line network audio and video storage, index, and retrieval capabilities for mission-critical video applications. Steelvault Storage Arrays are designed to logically attach to Steelbox NMA modules to form a complete video switching matrix and high speed storage system within the network infrastructure.
The solution is designed to operate within a wide range of environments, with footprints ranging from 1U to 6U. As storage demands increase, additional modules can be easily added to the NMA. Additional modules are automatically addressed and configured by the NMA. The new unit is analyzed, and placed into the load-balanced array of available storage mounts. These "empty" mounts are given priority for recording operations to keep storage size consistent throughout the array.
The Steelvault Storage Array is designed with reliability in mind. The RAID configuration of the hot-swap hard drive array allows for fast system maintenance should a drive fail. Redundant power supplies offer protection from failures or outages; one 10/100/1000 copper Ethernet port provide connectivity to the NMA.
Steelbox Networks' intelligent storage load balancing technology allows automatic distribution of recordings in real-time should a storage mount fail. Once the storage mount is placed back in service, the system automatically begins using the repository without user intervention.
The NMA fully controls the operation of the Steelvault Storage Array and prevents direct access to the file system from client computers. This philosophy renders the system impervious to denial of service, viruses, or other malicious attacks and prevents unwanted access to the critical data stored within the arrays.