What is Stacking Network? How Can I Deploy VCNs in Stack Mode?

Hello, dear!

This topic introduces to you the stacking network. The eSpace VCN3000 is used as an example.

What is Stack

A VCN stack consists of at least two VCNs. One MPU or VMU functions as the management server to manage other slave servers. The slave server can only be an MPU.

The stacking network applies to a relatively independent surveillance area. There are two types of stacking networks:

• MPU stacking network, used for a scenario where a maximum of 4096 cameras are connected and the number of MPU servers does not exceed 16.

• VMU and MPU stacking network, used for a scenario where more than 4096 cameras are connected. In this network:

  • A VMU functions as the master domain server and is deployed in a single-node system or a two-node cluster.

  • An MPU functions as a slave domain server and connects to a maximum of 128 cameras.

MPU Stacking Network

The MPU stacking network applies to a scenario where a maximum of 4096 cameras are connected, as shown in the following picture.

• MPUs are deployed as core units in distributed mode.

• Multiple MPUs are stacked and one of them functions as the master MPU to manage the others functioning as the slave MPUs.

• This network applies when the number of connected cameras ranges from 256 to 4096.

• Recordings are stored on the local disks of the MPU server. The storage capacity can be expanded by adding MPU servers.

• This network is applicable to police stations or banking outlets where 2-16 MPUs are to be deployed.

VMU (Two-Node Cluster) and MPU Stacking Network

The VMU (two-node cluster) and MPU stacking network applies to a scenario where more than 4096 cameras are connected, as shown in the following picture. 

• VMUs and MPUs are deployed as core units in distributed mode.

• A VMU functions as the master domain server and is deployed in a two-node cluster to enhance system reliability.

• VMU does not directly connect to cameras. A VMU connects to a maximum of 128 MPUs functioning as the slave domain servers (slave MPUs). Each MPU connects to a maximum of 256 cameras.

• Recordings are stored on the local disks of the MPU server. The storage capacity can be expanded by adding MPU servers.

Deploying VCNs in Stack Mode

VCN is deployed in a single-node system by default. You can stack VCNs to connect more cameras. To deploy VCNs in stack mode, you need to set a VCN as the master node and others as the slave nodes. 

In the stacking network, an MPU or VMU functions as the master domain server to manage other slave domain servers, so the master MPU or VMU is also called the management server. Other MPUs function as the slave domain servers. You need to log in to the OMU Portal of the master and slave domain servers and configure the relationship between the master domain server and slave domain servers. 

1. Set a master node. 

   1. Log in to the OMU Portal of the server to be configured as the master node (master MPU or VMU) as the Admin user (The default password is Change_Me.) and choose Local Configuration > Basic Configuration. 

      NOTE: 
      

      If the server to be configured as the master node is deployed in a two-node cluster, log in to the OMU Portal of the server using the floating IP address of the two-node cluster.

   2. Click Edit. 
      

   3. Set parameters according to the following picture.

      
      

   4. Click Save. 

      NOTE: 
      

      In the case that Deployment mode of the MPU is set to Single-node, to modify Domain name for the MPU, first set Deployment mode to Active node and then Domain name, and click Save. After that, set Deployment mode to Single-node.

      
      

2. Set a slave node. 
   

   1. Log in to the OMU Portal of the MPU server to be configured as the slave node as the Admin user and choose Local Configuration > Basic Configuration.

   2. Click Edit. 

   3. Modify Device name, set Deployment mode to Standby node, and set Upper-level IP address to the IP address of the master node. 

      NOTE: 
      

      When the master node is a VMU two-node cluster, the IP address of the master node is the floating IP address of the VMU two-node cluster.

      When the master node is a server with a floating IP address, the IP address of the master node is the floating IP address of the server. 

      If the IP address of the master node changes, you must log in to the slave node, choose Local Configuration > Basic Configuration, set Deployment mode to Single-node, and click Save. Then set Deployment mode to Standby node, and modify Upper Level IP address to the IP address of the master node. Modifying the IP address of the upper-level NE of a slave node will interrupt services. Exercise caution when performing this operation.

   4. Click Save. 
      

      NOTE: 
      

      It is recommended that the value of Device name contain information that can uniquely identify the slave node. The information includes the name of the surveillance area and the installation location.

      Repeat 2.b through 2.d to set other slave nodes (If you need more than one standby node).
      

Check the stack

Log in to the OMU Portal of the master domain server, click the System Management tab, and expand the master node in the System Domains panel to verify that the slave nodes you added are available.

Thanks!