Understanding Avigilon Camera Storage: Local, NVR, and Cloud
When designing a professional security system, one of the most critical components is video storage. Avigilon, a leader in the security industry, offers a sophisticated ecosystem with various recording methods. A common point of confusion for users is the concept of "local storage"—what it means, which cameras have it, and how it fits into the broader system architecture. This guide will clarify Avigilon's approach to video storage.
The Traditional Model: NVRs and Edge Storage
For many years, the standard for high-end surveillance was a system of IP cameras connected to a Network Video Recorder (NVR).
- Network Video Recorder (NVR): This is a dedicated appliance on your local network with large hard drives. Cameras stream their video feeds to the NVR, which records and stores the footage. The NVR is the central brain for recording, playback, and management, running software like Avigilon Control Center (ACC).
- Local Storage (Edge Storage): In this context, "local storage" refers to a microSD card slot within the camera itself. This is not the primary method of recording. Instead, it serves as a crucial backup. This feature is known as Edge Storage or Failover Recording.
How Edge Storage Works
The purpose of the microSD card in an NVR-based Avigilon camera is to provide redundancy.
- Normal Operation: The camera streams video directly to the NVR.
- Network Failure: If the camera loses its connection to the NVR (due to a network outage, switch failure, or the NVR being offline), it automatically begins recording video to the internal microSD card.
- Connection Restored: Once the connection to the NVR is re-established, the camera intelligently syncs the footage stored on its SD card back to the NVR, seamlessly filling in the gap in the recording timeline.
This ensures that you never lose critical footage, even if your network temporarily goes down. You would still access all footage—including the failover clips—through the NVR's software, not by removing the card.
The Modern Model: Avigilon Alta and Cloud Storage
With the acquisition of Ava Security, Avigilon now has a cutting-edge, cloud-native camera line called Avigilon Alta. This system approaches storage in a completely different, more modern way.
- Cloud-Native: Avigilon Alta cameras are designed to connect directly and securely to the Avigilon Cloud Services platform. There is no need for a traditional NVR on-site.
- Onboard Solid-State Storage: Alta cameras do not use removable microSD cards. Instead, they come with substantial, industrial-grade solid-state storage built-in—often enough to hold 30, 60, or even more days of continuous footage.
- Intelligent Cloud Syncing: The camera acts as its own NVR. It records everything to its onboard storage and uses its powerful built-in analytics to determine what is important. It then syncs event data, metadata, and thumbnails to the cloud in real-time. You can access the full video history, which is streamed directly from the camera's onboard storage, through the cloud interface from anywhere.
Key Differences to Understand
| Feature | NVR-Based System (e.g., Avigilon H5A) | Cloud-Native System (Avigilon Alta) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Primary Storage | Network Video Recorder (NVR) | Onboard solid-state storage | | Local Storage | Removable microSD card | Integrated, non-removable solid-state drive | | Purpose of Local | Failover/Backup during network loss | Primary recording and buffering | | Footage Access | Via Avigilon Control Center (ACC) on the NVR | Via the Avigilon Cloud platform | | On-site Appliance| Requires an NVR | No NVR required |
So, when asking if an Avigilon camera has "local storage," it's crucial to know the model and system type. In a traditional setup, it's a backup feature. In a modern cloud-native setup, the robust onboard storage is the primary repository for footage, making the system more resilient and flexible than ever before.