AXIS S3016 Recorder – 16 Channel 1U Rack Recorder with Integrated PoE Switch
The AXIS S3016 Recorder is a professional 16-channel rack-mounted recording solution designed for Axis IP surveillance systems. It combines recording storage, PoE camera connectivity and Axis system integration in a compact 1U rack form factor, making it ideal for businesses, schools, warehouses, retail sites, offices and multi-site security deployments.
This recorder includes a built-in 16-port PoE switch, allowing compatible Axis cameras, intercoms, speakers and other network devices to be connected directly to the unit. With a total PoE power budget of up to 305W, the AXIS S3016 can power up to 16 devices, with support for up to PoE Class 4 per port.
It is available in multiple storage variants, including 8TB, 16TB and 32TB, and uses surveillance-grade hard drives for reliable video recording. The unit supports multiple RAID options, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6 and 10, with RAID 5 as the default configuration. This helps reduce the risk of recording gaps, downtime or data loss compared with basic single-drive recording setups.
Designed for Axis Camera Station Systems
The AXIS S3016 is designed to work as part of an Axis video management system. It can be used with AXIS Camera Station Pro as distributed recording storage, or with AXIS Camera Station Edge for a simpler camera-to-cloud surveillance solution.
For AXIS Camera Station Pro, the AXIS S3016 is used alongside a Windows-based recording server and is not intended to operate as a standalone recorder. This makes it particularly useful for larger or more professional deployments where the system needs centralised management, scalable storage and reliable recording across multiple sites.
For simpler sites, AXIS S3016 can also be used with AXIS Camera Station Edge to support up to 16 video channels, remote viewing and easier site management. Internet access is required to fully use AXIS Camera Station Edge features such as remote access, software updates and security patches.
Built-In PoE for Cleaner Installations
A major advantage of the AXIS S3016 is the integrated 16-port PoE switch. Instead of needing a separate PoE switch for the cameras, installers can connect cameras directly to the recorder, simplifying cabling and reducing the number of separate devices in the rack.
This makes the AXIS S3016 a strong choice for:
- Small to medium commercial CCTV systems
- Office buildings
- Schools and education sites
- Retail stores and shopping centres
- Warehouses and industrial facilities
- Medical centres and professional suites
- Multi-site Axis Camera Station deployments
- Sites upgrading from a smaller Axis system
The integrated switch provides both power and data connectivity over a single network cable per camera, helping keep the installation neat and serviceable.
Flexible Storage and RAID Protection
The AXIS S3016 is built for professional surveillance recording. It includes four hard drive bays and is supplied with hard drives installed, depending on the selected storage variant. The recorder supports a validated recording bitrate of up to 256 Mbit/s, making it suitable for multi-camera high-resolution recording applications.
RAID support gives the installer or system designer flexibility depending on the project priority. For example:
- RAID 5 is a common balance between storage capacity and drive failure protection.
- RAID 6 provides stronger protection by allowing for two drive failures.
- RAID 10 may be suitable where performance and redundancy are both important.
- RAID 0 provides maximum capacity but no drive redundancy.
For most business CCTV systems, RAID 5 or RAID 6 will generally be preferred over RAID 0, especially where footage retention and reliability matter.
Secure Axis Platform
The AXIS S3016 runs on AXIS OS and is designed with cybersecurity in mind. It includes video encryption for stored and transmitted video, and features Trusted Platform Module 2.0 for secure cryptographic key storage and operations.
It is also designed according to the Axis Security Development Model and integrates with the broader Axis ecosystem, making it suitable for professional environments where security, updates and long-term support are important. Axis also notes that the AXIS S3016 complies with NDAA regulations and is produced in a TAA-designated country.
Compact 1U Rack Design
The recorder is designed for professional rack installations. Its 1U rack form factor allows it to be installed into suitable data cabinets, AV racks or IT server rooms. Axis also notes that the recorder is suitable for tighter spaces where rack depth or footprint is limited, and it can be deployed in standard server rooms with optional rail extensions.
This makes it useful for sites where space is limited but a clean, professional installation is still required.
Practical Installation Examples
Example 1: Office CCTV System
A professional office may use the AXIS S3016 with 8 to 12 Axis dome or turret cameras covering entries, reception, corridors, car parks and storage areas. The integrated PoE ports allow the cameras to be cabled directly back to the recorder, with room for future camera expansion.
Example 2: School or Education Site
A school may use the AXIS S3016 as part of an Axis Camera Station Pro system, with cameras installed at gates, admin areas, walkways, playground entries and staff parking areas. The RAID storage options are useful where reliable footage retention is required.
Example 3: Retail Store or Shopping Centre Tenancy
A retail store can use the AXIS S3016 to record cameras covering the entrance, POS counter, stockroom and customer areas. If required, Axis network speakers or intercoms can also be added into the system for audio warnings or staff communication.
Example 4: Warehouse or Industrial Site
For a warehouse, the AXIS S3016 can support cameras monitoring roller doors, dispatch areas, loading docks, aisles and external yards. The 16-channel capacity gives room for a complete site layout without immediately needing a larger recorder.
Example 5: Multi-Site Business
A business with multiple branches can deploy AXIS S3016 units across different sites and manage them through the Axis Camera Station ecosystem. This can help centralise surveillance management while keeping recording storage distributed at each location.
Key Features
- 16-channel Axis recorder
- 1U rack-mounted form factor
- Integrated 16-port PoE switch
- Up to 305W total PoE power budget
- Supports up to PoE Class 4 per port
- Available in 8TB, 16TB and 32TB storage variants
- Four hard drives included
- Supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6 and 10
- Default RAID level: RAID 5
- Validated recording bitrate up to 256 Mbit/s
- 2.5 Gigabit uplink
- Runs on AXIS OS
- Supports encrypted video storage and transmission
- TPM 2.0 for secure key storage
- NDAA compliant
- Designed for Axis Camera Station Pro and Axis Camera Station Edge systems
- Suitable for single-site, multi-site and system expansion projects
- Backed by Axis 5-year warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AXIS S3016 a standalone NVR?
Not in the same way as a simple plug-and-play standalone NVR. In an AXIS Camera Station Pro system, the AXIS S3016 requires a Windows-based recording server and is used as part of the overall Axis Camera Station Pro installation. It can also be used with AXIS Camera Station Edge for a simpler camera-to-cloud style deployment.
How many cameras does the AXIS S3016 support?
The AXIS S3016 supports up to 16 video channels. It is designed for systems with up to 16 Axis cameras or compatible video devices.
Does the AXIS S3016 have built-in PoE?
Yes. The AXIS S3016 includes a built-in 16-port PoE switch with a total PoE power budget of up to 305W. This allows cameras and other compatible Axis network devices to receive power and data over a single Ethernet cable.
What storage sizes are available?
The AXIS S3016 is available in 8TB, 16TB and 32TB storage variants. The correct option depends on the number of cameras, resolution, frame rate, recording schedule, compression settings and required footage retention period.
Does it support RAID?
Yes. The AXIS S3016 supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6 and RAID 10. The default RAID level is RAID 5. RAID is useful for improving storage resilience and reducing the risk of footage loss if a hard drive fails.
Is this suitable for 4K cameras?
Yes, it can be used with high-resolution Axis cameras, subject to proper system design. The AXIS S3016 has a validated recording bitrate of up to 256 Mbit/s, so camera count, resolution, compression, frame rate and retention requirements should be considered before selecting the storage size.
Can I use this with non-Axis cameras?
The AXIS S3016 is designed and validated for the Axis product ecosystem. For best results, it should be used with Axis cameras, Axis intercoms, Axis audio devices and Axis Camera Station software.
Is the AXIS S3016 suitable for multi-site systems?
Yes. The AXIS S3016 is well suited to multi-site Axis Camera Station deployments. It can provide local recording storage at each site while allowing centralised management through the Axis software environment.
