To manage your data storage, you can set a different recording retention period or disable archiving for any of the servers assigned to the Archiver role.
Before you begin
What you should know
- Recording settings defined for cameras supersede the settings defined for the Archiver.
- If you disable archiving for a server, recording stops for all the cameras when the role is running on that server, regardless of any recording schedule configurations or custom recording settings. The cameras are used only for live viewing.
- If the secondary or tertiary servers run version 5.11.0.0-5.11.2.0, the custom retention settings apply, but archiving stays enabled by default.
- Users are alerted with a warning
Suspicious retention detected
when an anomaly is detected with the retention period, specifically when files exceed their retention period.- Scenario 1: If an administrator accidentally reduces the retention period, the system warns the user for 24 hours before it deletes any archives. This ensures that the administrator can confirm intentional changes.
- Scenario 2: If the Archiver can't delete the oldest archives due to retention rules, the system warns the user. The user decides if the files should remain, preventing the Archiver from filling the disks with permanent files.
- For cameras that have more important video footage, set a longer retention period at the camera level.
- For PTZ cameras, set a shorter retention period because they often use more storage.
- Reduce the retention periods for other servers if storage is limited. Ensure that archive consolidation is enabled so that if the primary server fails, any missing video files are copied over when the server restarts.
This warning helps avoid accidental deletions and ensures proper management of archive files.