Product Overview
Large-scale IP surveillance deployments demand a recorder that can handle serious channel density, redundant storage, and enterprise-grade network throughput without becoming a single point of failure. The DS-96128-I24 is a 128-channel, 3U rack-mount NVR built precisely for that role. Equipped with 24 SATA interfaces, configurable RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10 arrays, and dual redundant power supplies, it is engineered for around-the-clock operation in mission-critical environments. Four independent Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, with optional fibre connectivity, allow the unit to be segmented across network zones or bonded for throughput. Recording supports resolutions from CIF through to 12MP, and dual 4K HDMI outputs allow simultaneous operator and management-station monitoring. It also supports up to 256 IP cameras with 768Mbps incoming bandwidth when expanded, along with 16 alarm inputs for integration with third-party access control or detection systems. This makes it well suited to large commercial buildings, government facilities, transport hubs, and multi-site enterprise deployments.
Key Capabilities
128-Channel IP Recording
Handles up to 128 simultaneous IP camera streams natively, expandable to 256 channels with 768Mbps incoming bandwidth. Supports recording resolutions from QCIF through to 12MP, accommodating a wide mix of camera types across a large site.
RAID Array Storage
Supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10 across up to 8 configurable arrays. Hot-swap capability means a failed drive can be replaced without taking the system offline, which is critical for 24/7 surveillance operations that cannot tolerate recording gaps.
Dual Redundant Power Supply
Twin PSUs running on 100-240VAC provide supply-side redundancy. If one unit fails, the other maintains full operation. This is a standard requirement for enterprise and government-grade installations where continuous recording is non-negotiable.
Quad Gigabit Network Interfaces
Four independent RJ-45 1000Mbps Ethernet ports, with 4 optional SFP fibre slots, allow the NVR to connect across multiple network segments or VLANs. This suits campus environments, data centres, and installations requiring physical network separation between camera and management traffic.
Dual 4K HDMI Outputs
Two HDMI outputs support resolutions up to 4096×2160 at 60Hz, allowing a dedicated display for live view and a separate output for operator control or video wall integration. A 1-ch VGA output is also available for legacy monitor compatibility.
VCA Event Detection and Search
Supports a range of VCA (Video Content Analysis) detection alarm types and VCA-based footage search. This allows operators to locate events by behaviour or zone trigger rather than scrubbing through continuous recordings, reducing investigation time on large multi-camera systems.
Best For
- Enterprise Campus Installations: The 128-channel capacity with 4 independent Gigabit NICs suits large facility deployments where cameras span multiple buildings or network zones.
- Mission-Critical 24/7 Recording Sites: Dual PSUs and hot-swappable RAID storage make this unit appropriate for government, transport, and infrastructure sites where any recording interruption carries serious consequences.
- High-Resolution Multi-Camera Deployments: Native 12MP recording across 128 channels supports modern high-density deployments without resolution compromise.
- Integrators Requiring Alarm and Serial Integration: With 16 alarm inputs, 4 alarm outputs, RS-232, and RS-485 interfaces, the unit interfaces with access control panels, PTZ controllers, and third-party detection hardware.
Why Choose the DS-96128-I24
Standard commercial NVRs at 32 or 64 channels cannot scale to cover large campuses, transport interchanges, or high-security facilities from a single recording head. The DS-96128-I24 consolidates up to 128 channels into a single 3U chassis, with a path to 256 channels, removing the management overhead of running multiple mid-range units. The combination of RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, hot-swap HDD support, and dual redundant power supplies delivers the storage resilience that 24/7 critical installations require. Four independent Gigabit NICs separate from one another allow traffic segmentation that single-NIC recorders cannot achieve. Support for H.265, H.264+, and H.264 encoding across all connected cameras also provides compression flexibility. Available at Security Wholesalers, the DS-96128-I24 is stocked as part of a broader range of Hikvision enterprise NVRs and storage accessories to support complete system builds.
Buyer Decision Tips
Bandwidth Planning: The DS-96128-I24 supports 512Mbps outgoing bandwidth and up to 768Mbps incoming when expanded to 256 channels. Before committing to a camera count above 128, calculate the aggregate bitrate of your camera mix at their intended recording quality. High-resolution cameras (8MP or 12MP) streaming at full frame rates can exhaust incoming bandwidth well before the channel ceiling is reached. Match your camera bitrate budget to the NVR bandwidth spec before finalising the design.
Storage Configuration and RAID Selection: The unit ships with no HDDs. The 24 SATA interfaces support up to 16 internal drives at up to 8TB each, with 2 optional miniSAS and 1 eSATA for external expansion. RAID 6 allows 2 simultaneous drive failures without data loss and is recommended for high-priority recording where footage integrity is critical. RAID 5 offers a good balance of capacity and single-drive fault tolerance for sites where brief re-recording risk is acceptable. Plan your RAID type and drive count before deployment to avoid undersizing usable storage.
Key Features & Technical Specifications
| IP Video Inputs |
128 channels (expandable to 256) |
| Incoming Bandwidth |
768Mbps (expanded) |
| Outgoing Bandwidth |
512Mbps |
| Remote Connections |
256 |
| Recording Resolution |
12MP / 8MP / 6MP / 5MP / 4MP / 3MP / 1080p / UXGA / 720p / VGA / 4CIF / DCIF / 2CIF / CIF / QCIF |
| Video Codec Support |
H.265, H.264+, H.264, MPEG4, MJPEG |
| HDMI Output |
2-ch, up to 4K (4096×2160) at 60Hz |
| VGA Output |
1-ch, up to 1920x1080P at 60Hz |
| SATA Interfaces |
24 SATA interfaces supporting up to 16 HDDs (up to 8TB each) |
| External Storage |
2 x miniSAS (optional), 1 x eSATA |
| RAID Support |
RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10 (up to 8 arrays) |
| Network Interfaces |
4 x RJ-45 10/100/1000Mbps self-adaptive Ethernet; 4 x 1000Mbps optional fibre (SFP) |
| Alarm Inputs / Outputs |
16-ch input / 4-ch output |
| Serial Interfaces |
RS-232, RS-485, Keyboard |
| USB Ports |
Front: 2 x USB 2.0; Rear: 2 x USB 3.0 |
| Power Supply |
Dual redundant PSU, 100-240VAC, 550W |
| Chassis |
3U rack-mount |
| Dimensions |
442 x 494 x 146 mm |
| Weight (without HDD) |
16kg |
| Operating Temperature |
0°C to +50°C |
| Operating Humidity |
10% to 90% |
| Hard Drives Included |
None – sold without HDD |
Ideal Use Cases
Large Commercial Campuses
Office towers, shopping centres, or university campuses with camera counts exceeding 64 channels benefit from the DS-96128-I24’s native 128-channel capacity and expandability to 256, reducing the number of recording heads to manage.
Transport and Infrastructure
Rail stations, airports, and port facilities require continuous recording with no tolerated downtime. Dual PSUs and hot-swap RAID storage directly address the fault-tolerance requirements of these environments.
Government and High-Security Facilities
Sites that require footage retention integrity and network segmentation can leverage the 4 independent Gigabit NICs to separate camera and management traffic, with RAID 6 protecting against dual-drive failure.
Industrial and Manufacturing Sites
Warehouses and processing facilities covering large floor areas with a mix of high-resolution and standard cameras benefit from the DS-96128-I24’s support for multi-resolution recording from QCIF to 12MP across all connected channels.
Data Centre and Server Room Monitoring
Rack-mount form factor fits directly into standard server cabinets. The 3U chassis, dual PSUs, and 0-50°C operating range make it compatible with controlled data centre environments where space and power redundancy are managed closely.
Choosing the Right Model
- Choose this model if: Your deployment requires 64 or more IP camera channels under a single recorder, needs RAID-protected storage with hot-swap drives, requires dual PSU redundancy, or must connect across multiple network segments using independent Gigabit interfaces.
- Choose a different model if: Your camera count is under 32 channels – a smaller NVR will deliver the same recording quality at a lower cost and physical footprint without the overhead of RAID configuration and rack space. If PoE power delivery to cameras is required directly from the recorder, a PoE-equipped NVR should be considered, as this unit does not provide PoE outputs.
FAQs
- Does the DS-96128-I24 support third-party IP cameras?
Yes. The DS-96128-I24 explicitly supports third-party network cameras, as confirmed in the product specifications. While full feature compatibility (such as VCA event types) is most complete with Hikvision cameras, the NVR will accept ONVIF-compatible cameras from other manufacturers for basic recording and live view.
- How many hard drives can this NVR physically hold?
The DS-96128-I24 has 24 SATA interfaces supporting up to 16 internal HDDs at up to 8TB each. It also includes 2 optional miniSAS interfaces for external expansion and 1 eSATA port. The unit ships without any hard drives – storage must be sourced separately and matched to your RAID and retention requirements.
- Which RAID modes are supported and can drives be replaced while the system is running?
RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10 are all supported, with up to 8 configurable arrays. The unit supports HDD hot swap, meaning a failed drive can be physically replaced without powering down the NVR. RAID 6 in particular allows 2 drives to fail simultaneously while maintaining data integrity, making it the most fault-tolerant option for critical deployments.
- What happens if one power supply fails?
The dual redundant PSU design means the second power supply takes over automatically if the primary unit fails. There is no recording interruption. Both PSUs operate on 100-240VAC at a rated 550W. For full resilience, each PSU should ideally be connected to a separate power circuit or UPS feed.
- Can I connect this NVR to multiple network segments or VLANs?
Yes. The DS-96128-I24 has 4 independent RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces and supports 4 optional SFP fibre interfaces. These can be used to physically separate camera traffic from management or operator network traffic, which is common practice in secure or regulated facility environments. Specific VLAN configuration depends on your network switch infrastructure.
- Is this NVR available off the shelf or is there a lead time?
The DS-96128-I24 is noted as a special-order item with an approximate 7-8 week lead time. It is not a standard stocked item, so procurement should be factored into project timelines well in advance. Contact Security Wholesalers to confirm current availability before project commitment.
- What resolution does the DS-96128-I24 support for live view and playback?
Live view and playback support the full recording resolution range: 12MP, 8MP, 6MP, 5MP, 4MP, 3MP, 1080p, UXGA, 720p, VGA, 4CIF, DCIF, 2CIF, CIF, and QCIF. The NVR can also decode up to 20 channels simultaneously at 1080p resolution for multi-screen operator stations.
Additional Information
Hard Drives
