Product SKU: AXIS S3016-16TB
Product Overview
Built for professional rack environments where Axis IP surveillance systems need consolidated recording and power delivery, the AXIS S3016 combines a 16-channel network recorder with an integrated 16-port PoE switch in a compact 1U rack form factor. Rather than requiring a separate PoE switch alongside the recorder, installers can connect up to 16 Axis cameras and compatible network devices directly to the unit, with a total PoE power budget of up to 305W. The 16TB storage variant ships with surveillance-grade hard drives installed and supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6 and 10, with RAID 5 as the default configuration. The AXIS S3016 operates within the Axis Camera Station ecosystem, working as distributed recording storage for AXIS Camera Station Pro or as a self-contained recorder with AXIS Camera Station Edge. It runs on AXIS OS and includes TPM 2.0 and video encryption for deployments where cybersecurity and long-term platform support are a requirement.
Key Capabilities
Integrated 16-Port PoE Switch
The built-in PoE switch eliminates the need for a separate network switch in the rack. All 16 ports deliver power and data over a single Ethernet cable per device, with a total PoE budget of up to 305W and support for up to PoE Class 4 per port, reducing rack footprint and cabling complexity.
RAID Storage Protection
The AXIS S3016 supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6 and 10 across 4 hard drive bays. RAID 5 is the default, balancing usable capacity with single-drive failure protection. RAID 6 allows for two simultaneous drive failures, while RAID 10 prioritises both redundancy and throughput. This matters where footage retention and uptime are non-negotiable.
16TB Surveillance-Grade Storage
This variant ships with 16TB of surveillance-grade hard drives pre-installed across 4 bays. The validated recording bitrate reaches up to 256 Mbit/s, making it capable of handling multi-camera deployments at high resolution and frame rate simultaneously without performance degradation.
AXIS Camera Station Compatibility
The AXIS S3016 is purpose-built for the Axis software ecosystem. It operates as distributed storage within AXIS Camera Station Pro alongside a Windows-based recording server, or as a standalone recorder with AXIS Camera Station Edge for simpler single-site or smaller deployments requiring remote viewing and cloud management.
Cybersecurity and Platform Integrity
Running on AXIS OS with TPM 2.0 for cryptographic key storage and support for encrypted video storage and transmission, the AXIS S3016 meets the requirements of professional and government-aware deployments. It is NDAA compliant and produced in a TAA-designated country, which matters for projects with procurement restrictions.
2.5 Gigabit Network Uplink
The 2.5G uplink port provides headroom for high-bitrate multi-camera data to move efficiently between the recorder and the wider network or recording server. This is relevant for systems using multiple high-resolution cameras recording simultaneously at elevated frame rates.
Best For
- Axis Camera Station Pro Deployments: Acts as distributed recording storage alongside a Windows-based server, making it the correct recorder choice for professional Axis VMS rollouts with centralised management.
- Sites Needing Clean Rack Installations: The 1U form factor and integrated PoE switch reduce rack hardware to a single unit, keeping data cabinets tidy and minimising the number of separate devices that need to be managed or replaced.
- Commercial Sites with Up to 16 Cameras: Offices, schools, retail tenancies and warehouses that need a complete 16-channel Axis recording solution without immediately scaling to a larger multi-server system.
- Multi-Site Business Rollouts: One AXIS S3016 per site allows local recording storage at each location while keeping management centralised through the Axis Camera Station software environment.
- Projects with Footage Retention Requirements: RAID 5 or RAID 6 configurations reduce the risk of data loss from drive failure, which is important where recorded footage is held for compliance or evidentiary purposes.
Why Choose the AXIS S3016
The AXIS S3016 solves a practical problem that comes up in most commercial Axis installations: the need for a separate PoE switch alongside the recorder adds cost, rack space and an additional failure point. By integrating a 16-port PoE switch with 305W total budget directly into the 1U recorder, this unit reduces the hardware footprint while keeping cabling straightforward. The 16TB storage option, combined with a validated 256 Mbit/s recording bitrate and RAID 0, 1, 5, 6 and 10 support, means the unit can handle demanding multi-camera workloads without compromising resilience. The TPM 2.0 module, encrypted video storage, NDAA compliance and AXIS OS platform ensure this is not a basic recorder but a professionally engineered device suited to environments where security and long-term vendor support matter. Available through Security Wholesalers, the AXIS S3016 is backed by a 5-year Axis warranty.
Buyer Decision Tips
Buyer Tip 1 – Storage Sizing: The 16TB variant is one of 3 storage options (8TB, 16TB and 32TB). The right size depends on the number of cameras, their resolution and frame rate settings, the recording schedule (continuous vs. motion), the compression codec in use and how many days of footage retention are required. For a 16-camera system recording at high resolution continuously, 16TB may cover a moderate retention window under RAID 5. Run a storage calculator before confirming the storage variant.
Buyer Tip 2 – VMS Dependency: The AXIS S3016 is not a plug-and-play standalone NVR in the way a consumer or entry-level commercial recorder is. When used with AXIS Camera Station Pro, a Windows-based recording server is also required. When used with AXIS Camera Station Edge, internet access is needed for remote access, software updates and security patches. Confirm the intended VMS before purchasing to ensure the rest of the system infrastructure is in place.
Key Features & Technical Specifications
| Model |
AXIS S3016 |
| Storage Variant (This SKU) |
16TB |
| Available Storage Options |
8TB, 16TB, 32TB |
| Video Channels |
16 |
| Form Factor |
1U rack-mounted |
| Integrated PoE Switch |
16-port PoE switch |
| Total PoE Power Budget |
Up to 305W |
| PoE Class Support |
Up to PoE Class 4 per port |
| Hard Drive Bays |
4 |
| Hard Drives Included |
Yes, surveillance-grade drives pre-installed |
| RAID Support |
RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 |
| Default RAID Level |
RAID 5 |
| Validated Recording Bitrate |
Up to 256 Mbit/s |
| Network Uplink |
2.5 Gigabit |
| Operating System |
AXIS OS |
| Security Features |
TPM 2.0, encrypted video storage and transmission |
| VMS Compatibility |
AXIS Camera Station Pro, AXIS Camera Station Edge |
| Compliance |
NDAA compliant, TAA-designated country production |
| USB Export |
USB port for video export |
| Warranty |
5-year Axis warranty |
Ideal Use Cases
Office Buildings
The 1U rack form factor fits neatly into an IT server room or comms cabinet. The integrated PoE switch allows Axis dome and turret cameras covering entries, reception, corridors and car parks to be cabled directly back to the recorder without a separate switch.
Schools and Education Sites
Schools running AXIS Camera Station Pro can use the AXIS S3016 as distributed recording storage at individual buildings or campuses. RAID 5 or RAID 6 storage options support reliable footage retention across gate entries, admin areas and outdoor walkways.
Retail Stores and Shopping Centre Tenancies
A retail site can use the AXIS S3016 to record cameras covering the entrance, POS counters, stockroom and customer floor areas. The 16-channel capacity typically covers a full medium-sized retail layout without requiring a second recorder.
Warehouses and Industrial Sites
With a validated 256 Mbit/s recording bitrate, the AXIS S3016 handles high-resolution cameras covering roller doors, loading docks, dispatch areas and external yards. The 16 PoE ports allow cameras to be run directly from a single rack unit in a site office or comms room.
Multi-Site Business Networks
Businesses operating multiple branches can deploy one AXIS S3016 at each location for local recording, while managing all sites centrally through the Axis Camera Station software environment. This provides distributed storage with centralised oversight.
Medical Centres and Professional Suites
Environments where cybersecurity requirements are elevated benefit from TPM 2.0 secure key storage, encrypted video transmission, NDAA compliance and the Axis Security Development Model built into the AXIS S3016 platform.
Choosing the Right Model
- Choose this model if: You are deploying an Axis IP camera system with up to 16 cameras, need an integrated PoE switch to simplify cabling, require RAID-protected surveillance-grade storage, and are working within the AXIS Camera Station Pro or AXIS Camera Station Edge software environment.
- Choose a different model if: You need a plug-and-play standalone NVR that works without a separate VMS server or software licence, as the AXIS S3016 requires AXIS Camera Station Pro (with a Windows recording server) or AXIS Camera Station Edge and is not designed to operate as a fully self-contained recorder outside the Axis software ecosystem.
- Choose a different storage variant if: Your camera count, resolution, frame rate and retention period calculation shows 16TB will not meet the required storage window. The 8TB variant suits smaller or lower-resolution deployments, while the 32TB variant is available for sites with longer retention requirements or higher-bitrate cameras.
- Choose a different model if: You are using non-Axis cameras or a third-party VMS, as the AXIS S3016 is designed and validated specifically for the Axis product ecosystem and AXIS Camera Station software.
FAQs
- Is the AXIS S3016 a standalone NVR that works without any additional software or server?
No. The AXIS S3016 is not a plug-and-play standalone NVR. When used with AXIS Camera Station Pro, it requires a Windows-based recording server and operates as distributed storage within that system. When used with AXIS Camera Station Edge, it functions as a more self-contained recorder but requires an internet connection for remote access, software updates and security patches. Confirm the intended VMS before purchasing.
- How many cameras can the AXIS S3016 support?
The AXIS S3016 supports up to 16 video channels. It has 16 integrated PoE ports, so up to 16 Axis cameras or compatible network devices can be connected directly, each receiving power and data over a single Ethernet cable. The total PoE power budget across all 16 ports is up to 305W.
- Why does the AXIS S3016 have a 2.5 Gigabit uplink rather than a standard 1 Gigabit port?
The 2.5G uplink provides additional throughput capacity for systems recording multiple high-resolution cameras simultaneously. When 16 cameras are recording at elevated bitrates, the aggregate data throughput can approach or exceed the limits of a standard 1G uplink. The 2.5G port keeps the network path between the recorder and the wider system from becoming a bottleneck.
- What RAID level should I use with the AXIS S3016?
RAID 5 is the default and suits most commercial deployments, balancing usable storage capacity with protection against a single drive failure. RAID 6 allows for two simultaneous drive failures and is appropriate where footage retention is critical. RAID 10 offers stronger performance with redundancy but at the cost of usable capacity. RAID 0 provides maximum storage but no drive failure protection and is generally not recommended for surveillance recording.
- Can the AXIS S3016 be used with cameras from other manufacturers?
The AXIS S3016 is designed and validated for the Axis product ecosystem, including Axis cameras, Axis intercoms and Axis audio devices. It is intended to be used with AXIS Camera Station software. For best results and full system validation, it should be deployed as part of an all-Axis system rather than in a mixed-brand environment.
- Is the AXIS S3016 suitable for deployments where NDAA compliance is required?
Yes. The AXIS S3016 is NDAA compliant and produced in a TAA-designated country. It also includes TPM 2.0 for secure cryptographic key storage and supports encrypted video storage and transmission. This makes it suitable for professional and government-adjacent environments where hardware procurement compliance and data security are required. The AXIS S3016 is part of the Security Wholesalers range of Axis recording products.
- How does the 16TB storage variant affect footage retention across 16 cameras?
Retention depends on camera resolution, frame rate, compression codec and recording schedule. Under RAID 5, a portion of the 16TB is used for parity, reducing usable capacity. For a 16-camera system recording at high resolution continuously, 16TB may cover a moderate retention window. For longer retention requirements, the 32TB variant should be considered. Running a storage calculator with the actual camera settings before finalising the storage size is strongly recommended.
Additional Information
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