Quick answer: Select an NVR from the camera schedule, stream load, required recording, analytics and operator tasks. Input count is only one limit. Check built-in PoE, AI-on bandwidth, storage, displays and integrations separately, then verify the actual configuration.
On this page
Start with the camera and task schedule
List complete camera SKUs, installed and planned channels, expected streams, recording mode and retention target. Add analytics by channel, viewing locations, concurrent users, exports and any alarm I/O. Note site/network constraints and who approves the requirements.
Allow documented room for growth, but do not use a spare-channel percentage as a substitute for design. Extra inputs do not provide extra PoE power, AI processing, drive bays or outgoing bandwidth. Confirm which future functions must be reserved now.
Compare channels and bandwidth accurately
| Recorder | IP channels / built-in PoE | Incoming / outgoing Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| CS-N105 P4 | 5 / 4 | 100 / 80 |
| CS-N105 P4H-AI | 5 / 4 | 100 / 80 |
| CS-N110 P8 | 10 / 8 | 100 / 80 |
| CS-N110 P8H-AI | 10 / 8 | 100 / 80 |
| CS-N220 P16H-AI | 20 / 16 | 160 / 80; AI-on 120 / 80 |
| CS-N440 M-AI | 40 / no built-in PoE | 400 / 400; AI-on 200 / 200 |
| CS-N440 P16-H-AI — confirm identifier | 40 / 16 | 400 / 400; AI-on 200 / 200 |
| CS-N880 N | 80 / no built-in PoE | 640 / 320 |
| CS-N880 H-AI | 80 / no built-in PoE | 400 / 400; AI-on 320 / 200 |
Physical catalog pages 51–59 contain these model tables. The 40-channel PoE product page spells CS-N440 P16-H-AI; the family index uses CS-N440 P16H-AI. Ask Anabon to confirm the exact orderable identifier and revision before issuing a BOM.
CS-N880 N and CS-N880 H-AI do not have identical bandwidth. The non-AI model’s 640/320 Mbps row must not be transferred to the AI model. AI-on limits must be used where applicable.
Separate PoE ports, channel count and network design
A 5-channel recorder with 4 PoE ports has different input and powered-port counts. The supported method for additional channels needs an external network design, credentials and sufficient bandwidth; it is not an extra hidden powered port.
For recorders without built-in PoE, select suitable external power and PoE switching. Check aggregate and per-port power, uplinks, environmental limits and supported management features. A PoE label does not prove VLAN management.
Confirm the NVR’s actual interfaces, addressing and routing behavior. Do not assume that every built-in PoE recorder provides the same isolated subnet, DHCP function or access control. Use the camera-network guide and the customer’s IT design.
Calculate load without hiding quality requirements
As an example, 16 cameras configured at 6 Mbps total 96 Mbps before other relevant load. Compare measured/expected peaks with the required recorder mode and leave a suitable allowance. Main/sub-stream use, codecs and scene complexity affect the workload; resolution alone does not determine bitrate.
The catalog’s 16 MP input support is not proof that every channel can run every 16 MP combination, codec, frame rate and analytic simultaneously. Confirm supported input combinations, decoding and playback limits for the actual firmware.
Outgoing bandwidth is a separate check for remote views, workstation layouts and concurrent tasks. Do not solve a capacity shortfall by silently lowering evidence quality; review the agreed camera settings and recorder choice with the customer.
Specify analytics by channel
Write which functions run on cameras and which use AI by NVR. Confirm supported cameras/streams, processing channels and concurrency. A basic or advanced AI heading is not a complete processing budget.
The AI NVR guide and VCA Search guide explain the separate function lists. Face-based use needs a separate privacy review. A search label does not establish capture quality or permission to use identity matching.
Check storage, displays and I/O
| Models | Catalog detail and limit |
|---|---|
| 5-, 10- and 20-channel models above | Up to 10 TB per HDD is printed. Do not infer the number of bays from that per-drive figure. HDMI/VGA simultaneous output is printed. |
| CS-N440 M-AI and 40-channel PoE model | 4 ×10 TB HDD is printed. HDMI and VGA independent output is printed; confirm required resolution/layout and concurrent tasks. |
| CS-N880 N and CS-N880 H-AI | 8 ×24 TB HDD is printed. The catalog describes two independent HDMI/VGA output pairs; confirm exactly which views and tasks can run together. |
Use actual drive support, usable capacity, bitrate and recording schedules to estimate retention. Recheck observed history after sufficient time. A per-drive maximum is not installed total storage, and a calculated retention figure is not evidence of recorded history on installation day.
Check the monitor-output requirements and alarm input/output design independently. CS-N440 M-AI prints Alarm I/O as N/A; do not infer physical alarm terminals from the larger-family feature list.
Verify the selected combination before acceptance
- Confirm the exact orderable SKU/revision, current spec sheet and supported drives.
- Load representative streams and required analytics in the proposed mode.
- Test recording, playback and the required simultaneous display/remote tasks.
- Test the actual search, export, permissions and approved event actions.
- Record power/network dependencies and the agreed outage/recovery behavior.
- List observed limits and open actions with an owner and date.
Keep those results with the handover record. Confirm warranty, compliance and commercial terms for the exact SKU/project in writing; a selection table is not a substitute for those documents.
FAQ
Should I choose only by camera count?
No. Check stream load, AI, power, storage, output and user tasks independently.
Does an 80-channel recorder have 80 PoE ports?
No. The catalog’s 80-channel models above have no built-in PoE; external networking/power must be designed.
Can I guarantee retention from drive size alone?
No. Estimate from the actual recording assumptions, then verify observed recording history.
Compare current NVR options and send the camera/task schedule to Anabon technical support before committing to an unresolved capacity, interface or compatibility requirement.
References
Product descriptions were checked against the current CASE Catalog 2027 Q1. Confirm the exact model/revision and current software scope through the Anabon Download Center or technical support before a project commitment.
