User's Guide Network Camera Observer

Page 61 of 65

Estimating Bandwidth

Consumption

Here is a guide to help you understand the bandwidth requirements for your camera.

Bandwidth is equal to the average frame data size in kilobits multiplied by the average

frame rate in frames per second. Frame data size, or the number of bits comprising a

single video frame varies a great deal from depending on scene complexity and lighting conditions. This is due

to the variable nature of JPEG image compression. Shown below are some average figures. Your results may

vary.

Image Streaming Size Average range of Data Sizes

160 x 120 32 - 48 kilobits

320 x 240 64 – 96 kilobits

640 x 480 320 – 480 kilobits

For example, streaming 4 fps of 160 x 120 video requires 128 to 192 kbps (kilobits per second). Therefore, with

a 128K upload connection; you will typically see 3 to 4 frames per second with 160 x 120 and 1 to 2 frames per

second with 320 x 240.

Appendix

Note: Audio streaming requires 128 kbps. Most DSL/Cable modem upload speeds may not

even reach up to 128 kbps. Thus, you may not be able to receive any video while streaming

audio on a 128 kbps connection.

For optimal video performance, disabling audio streaming will result in the best

performance.