FortiRecorder is available in VM versions for several virtualization platforms. Typically this form of deployment is used in the higher-end segment when a customer uses VM-based IT services in their data center. FortiRecorder then runs on a powerful, fully managed server platform.
The per-channel licensing model for FortiRecorder-VM allows perfectly matching the camera channel number with the number of cameras installed. It is a very cost-effective solution that allows easy growth as demand increases over time. The same cost benefits and more can also be realized in a scenario that requires smaller local camera installations with distributed recorders.
This article will explain how to take the advantages of a VM deployment and build a custom FortiRecorder appliance using it.
The idea is to build a FortiRecorder appliance based on a standard workstation or server platform, a virtualization layer, and a VM version of FortiRecorder. This allows customizing the hardware to specific project needs. The amount of HD storage, for example, can be scaled exactly to specification. As long as the hardware is compatible with the specific virtualization platform, the options are limitless.
There are two types of Virtual Machine solutions, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 Virtual Machines run directly on the server hardware with a Hypervisor system in between (bare metal installation). On top of the Hypervisor, one or multiple Guest OS or Appliances can be run. Type 2 Virtual Machines require an Operating System. On top of that Operating System runs the Hypervisor and then the guest Operating Systems above the Hypervisor.
Figure 1. Two Types of Hypervisors to Achieve Virtualization
Both types of Virtual Machines can be used for free, but Type 2 still requires an Operating System installed before installing the Hypervisor. That is an additional cost for the OS and installation procedure in order to build a video recorder appliance.
With the Type 1 solution, FortiRecorder can be deployed without extra cost on a customized platform and licensed for exactly the amount of channels needed. There are more benefits such as better management of the server resource and performance monitoring.
Customization allows for more storage or higher/lower CPU performance compared to using one of the standard FortiRecorder appliances. The following virtualization solutions are suitable for building an appliance based on FortiRecorder-VM and a bare metal Hypervisor.
VMware
VMware vSphere ESXi Hypervisor is free to use; however, it requires registration to obtain the software and the license key. You can download the VMware vSphere Hypervisor from here. Please also download VMware vSphere Client and install on a Windows computer to manage the VMware vSphere Hypervisor.
VMware supports unlimited CPU and up to 32 GB of RAM/CPU. Its hardware compatibility guide can be found from here.
XenServer
XenServer is free to use, and the disk image can be downloaded from here. Registration is not required. Please also download XenCenter Windows Management Console and install on a Windows computer to manage XEN.
Some limitations of XenServer are Virtual CPU per VM is 32, virtual NIC per VM is 7, and virtual disk size is 2 TB. They should be more than needed by FortiRecorder. XenServer 7.0 configuration limits can be found here.
Hyper-V Server
Hyper-V Server 2012 R2 by Microsoft is free to use; Hyper-V Server 2016 is for evaluation only. They can be downloaded here. Please note registration is required.
Hyper-V Manager is the management tool and can be added as a Windows feature on Windows 7 or 10 Pro editions. [1]
Figure 2. Enable the Hyper-V Manager Feature in Windows 10
Some hints:
- Please make sure the hardware is compatible with the specific virtualization platform.
- The FortiRecorder-VM installation guide can be downloaded here.
- All Type 1 Hypervisor downloads are .iso disk image files. Once downloaded, it can be burned into a CD or DVD disk to boot up the server. Please remember to change the setting in BIOS to boot from the CD or DVD drive.
- Here is a free tool and an explanation on how to burn a .iso image to disk.
- Configure the Hypervisor so it starts the FortiRecorder-VM automatically upon boot.
[1] https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn632582(v=ws.11).aspx
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