In the first part of our article series, we introduced the Techson SmartCenter client-server architecture and its two key functions: centralization and load distribution. In the second part of our guide, we will explore the hardware and system requirements, as well as explain which manufacturers' products are compatible with the software!
Techson SmartCenter Hardware and System Requirements
The server PC's primary role is to handle network connections, linking clients and resources. It requires substantial memory and one or more fast network adapters. Available server machines and Dell servers meet these needs.
Server PC:
• Processor: i5 – i7, Memory: 32 GB+, Graphics card: Integrated, Network card: One or more 1000Mb+, Operating system: Windows 10 or newer.
• For smaller systems, the SCM256 compact Linux-based server can be used, but external storage servers or PCs may be needed for local/redundant recording.
• The SCR A256 Linux server can also be used as dedicated hardware.
Client PC:
• Processor: i7, Memory: 32 GB+, Graphics Card: Dedicated GeForce RTX or better, Network Card: 1000Mb, Operating System: Windows 10 or newer.
• The client PC can be replaced with the SCM256 compact Linux-based server, which can be switched to client mode. However, its display capabilities are lower than a dedicated PC with a graphics card (32 channels at D1 resolution, 6 channels at FullHD). It cannot handle fisheye dewarping.
SmartCenter Hardware and Devices
ALL-IN-ONE server:
The TCP SCR A256 is a standalone, high-performance server running the SmartCenter Standard version, with added thermal camera monitoring. Either this server or a SmartCenter server program installed on a PC is required for the system.
Storage Server:
Following the principles of load balancing and segmentation, the system can be expanded with additional servers. The SCR S16 is a rack-mountable storage server with RAID6 and HotSwap support, capable of housing 16 HDDs. It connects to the application server and can be used for redundant data backup or primary data storage.
Mini Client or Server::
The SCM256 mini server operates in two modes, serving as a client or server solution for smaller systems. More information is available here.
Decoder:
The C5002 and C5004 decoders are required for static video walls, supporting 2 and 4 HDMI outputs. These devices allow the creation of large display matrices, such as 10x10 (100 monitors), and can be used independently or integrated with SmartCenter.
IP Controller:
The CON 2300 PTZ controller manages all Techson, Hikvision, Dahua, and OnVIF-compatible PTZ cameras. It also allows control of monitor wall functions in SmartCenter, enabling live image switching, preset views, and rearranging display layouts.
Compatibility with Other Systems
SmartCenter is compatible not only with Techson N-series recorders and cameras (manufactured before 2016), SmartSpeed recorders, and SmartStart, SmartView, and SmartPro cameras but also with devices from other manufacturers. Hikvision, Dahua, and OnVIF-compliant devices can be integrated, although their functionality is limited. AI features such as object filtering, face recognition, and license plate recognition work only with Techson devices. For other devices, live view, local recording, playback, and motion detection are available.
SmartCenter (Professional version only) can integrate with the Paradox EVO192 alarm system. Via the PRT3 module's serial output and an RS232-to-LAN converter, alarm outputs become accessible in SmartCenter's event manager: arming, disarming, and zone status changes. These events can trigger targeted and scheduled alarms (PTZ, Pop-up, sound alerts, snapshots, recordings, etc.) just like cameras.
In the first part of the Techson SmartCenter guide, we introduced the client-server architecture, focusing on its core tasks: centralization and load balancing. In the second article, we covered hardware and system requirements in detail and explored the compatibility with various manufacturers' devices.
