HIK VISION DS-A81 Series User guide

DS-A81 Series Storage System
Quick Operation Guide
UD.6L0205B1021A01

Quick Operation Guide of DS-A81 Series Storage System
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Thank you for purchasing our product. If there is any question or request, please do not hesitate
to contact dealer.
This guide may contain several technically incorrect places or printing errors, and the content is
subject to change without notice. The updates will be added into the new version of this guide.
We will readily improve or update the products or procedures described in the guide.
The figures shown in this manual are for reference only.

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Regulatory Information
FCC Information
FCC compliance: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
FCC Conditions
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
EU Conformity Statement
This product and - if applicable - the supplied accessories too are marked with "CE" and comply
therefore with the applicable harmonized European standards listed under the Low Voltage
Directive 2006/95/EC, the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC, the RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU.
2012/19/EU (WEEE directive): Products marked with this symbol cannot be disposed of as
unsorted municipal waste in the European Union. For proper recycling, return this product to
your local supplier upon the purchase of equivalent new equipment, or dispose of it at
designated collection points. For more information see: www.recyclethis.info
2006/66/EC (battery directive): This product contains a battery that cannot be disposed of as
unsorted municipal waste in the European Union. See the product documentation for specific
battery information. The battery is marked with this symbol, which may include lettering to
indicate cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), or mercury (Hg). For proper recycling, return the battery to
your supplier or to a designated collection point. For more information see:
www.recyclethis.info

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Contents
Regulatory Information......................................................................................................................II
FCC Information .................................................................................................................................II
FCC Conditions ...................................................................................................................................II
EU Conformity Statement ..................................................................................................................II
Contents............................................................................................................................................. 1
Chapter 1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................4
1.1 Description .........................................................................................................................4
1.2 Features..............................................................................................................................4
Chapter 2 Installation and Working Environment ...........................................................................5
2.1 Power Supply System ..........................................................................................................5
2.2 Control of Working Environment ......................................................................................... 5
2.3 Installation and Initial Power-on.......................................................................................... 6
2.4 Notes for Installation...........................................................................................................6
2.5 Device Reliability.................................................................................................................7
Chapter 3 Hardware Installation..................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Hardware System................................................................................................................8
3.1.1 Front View...................................................................................................................... 8
3.1.2 HDD Slot Number ...........................................................................................................8
3.1.3 Description of Front Panel...............................................................................................8
3.1.4 Description of Rear Panel .............................................................................................. 10
3.2 Installation Requirement................................................................................................... 11
3.3 HDD Installation................................................................................................................ 12
3.3.1 Selecting HDD Model .................................................................................................... 12
3.3.2 Installing HDD............................................................................................................... 12
3.3.3 Precautions for HDD Installation.................................................................................... 14
3.4 Hardware Installation ....................................................................................................... 15
3.5 Power On/Off.................................................................................................................... 15
Chapter 4 System IP Address Configuration.................................................................................. 16
4.1 Login ................................................................................................................................ 16
4.2 Configuring Network Settings............................................................................................ 16
4.2.1 Modifying Network Parameters..................................................................................... 17
4.2.2 Configuring Bonding Mode ........................................................................................... 17
4.2.3 Configuring Multi-NIC Bonding...................................................................................... 18
4.2.4 Deleting Multi-NIC Bonding........................................................................................... 18
4.2.5 Network Connection..................................................................................................... 19
Chapter 5 CVR Configuration ........................................................................................................ 21

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5.1 System Requirements........................................................................................................ 21
5.2 Configuring Private Volume............................................................................................... 21
5.2.1 Quick Settings............................................................................................................... 21
5.2.2 Manual Configuration ................................................................................................... 23
5.3 Configuring Record Settings .............................................................................................. 26
5.3.1 Logging in the CVR System ............................................................................................ 26
5.3.2 Adding the Encoding Device.......................................................................................... 26
5.3.3 Editing the Record Schedule.......................................................................................... 28
5.4 Live View and Playback ..................................................................................................... 29
5.4.1 Live View...................................................................................................................... 29
5.4.2 Searching & Playing Back Record Files ........................................................................... 31
Chapter 6 Creation and Use of RAID ............................................................................................. 34
6.1 Logging in Basic Storage Management System.................................................................. 34
6.2 Disk Management............................................................................................................. 34
6.2.1 Viewing Disk List........................................................................................................... 34
6.2.2 Viewing Disk Checking Status........................................................................................ 35
6.2.3 Checking Disk................................................................................................................ 36
6.3 Array Management........................................................................................................... 37
6.3.1 Creating an Array .......................................................................................................... 37
6.3.2 Rebuilding an Array....................................................................................................... 40
6.3.3 Array Verification.......................................................................................................... 44
6.4 Virtual Storage Pool Management .................................................................................... 48
6.4.1 Creating Physical Volumes............................................................................................. 48
6.4.2 Creating LUNs............................................................................................................... 50
Chapter 7 Configuring iSCSI Settings (optional) ............................................................................ 52
7.1 Creating iSCSI Volume ....................................................................................................... 52
7.2 Creating iSCSI Connection in Windows 2008...................................................................... 53
7.3 Mapping to Local Disk & Formatting iSCSI Disk.................................................................. 58
7.4 Creating iSCSI Connection in Redhat5 ................................................................................ 59
7.5 Creating iSCSI Connection in Suse 10 ................................................................................. 61
Chapter 8 Configuring NAS Settings (optional) ............................................................................. 62
8.1 Creating NAS Net Disk....................................................................................................... 62
8.1.1 Creating NAS Volume.................................................................................................... 62
8.1.2 Configuring Basic NAS Settings...................................................................................... 63
8.1.3 Adding NAS User........................................................................................................... 63
8.1.4 Creating NAS Disk ......................................................................................................... 65
8.2 Creating NAS Disk Connection ........................................................................................... 66
8.3 Cautions for Proper Use of NAS Disk .................................................................................. 67
Chapter 9 Configuring NAS Settings for DVR (optional) ................................................................ 69
9.1 Creating DVR Storage Space.............................................................................................. 69
9.2 DVR Configuration ............................................................................................................ 71
Chapter 10 System Monitoring and Alarm.................................................................................. 73
10.1 System Monitoring............................................................................................................ 73

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10.2 Environmental Information ............................................................................................... 73
Chapter 11 Bad Disk Management ............................................................................................. 75
11.1 Configuring Alarm for Bad Disks........................................................................................ 75
11.2 Replacing the Bad Disks .................................................................................................... 75
Chapter 12 Appendix.................................................................................................................. 77

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Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Description
Developed on the basis of Linux operating system, the storage system is a kind of
high-performance and cost-effective Gigabit network storage system and is mainly applicable to
the medium and large-scale video security system, featuring flexible allocation and facilitated
configuration. Adopting the embedded modular design, the product promotes the stability and
reliability of the storage system, and provides massive storage space with low cost.
1.2 Features
•Storage for NAS files;
•Storage for IP SAN block data;
•Redundant backup for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 and RAID 50 data;
•Network bonding and load balance;
•Support HDD hot-swap capability;
•Working status LED indicators and alarm by email notification;
•Logs saving and inquiry for working status and operation records.

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Chapter 2 Installation and Working
Environment
The device described in this manual should be installed in a standardized equipment room.
2.1 Power Supply System
The storage system is very sensitive to the change of a voltage, and an excessive high or low
voltage, or a sudden change of the voltage may delete the data in the memory or even cause the
damage of the components. To avoid of such damage, you must ensure the pure power supply
and the power must be grounded. You are recommended to use the UPS, or the multiple power
supply if permitted.
Requirements:
The voltage should be 110V~220V+/-4%, and the sudden change cannot be more than
110V~220V +/-15%; Frequency: 50~60Hz+/-0.5Hz;
Make correct Neutral Line and GND Line connections, and the voltage between them must
be less than 1V.
Grounding for AC power supply system: ensure the GND line is properly connected. The
grounding for the chassis is recommended.
Grounding for DC power supply system: the chassis must be properly grounded.
Connect all power cords before applying power to the redundant power supply module.
The storage system supports management for some UPS models.
2.2 Control of Working Environment
The over-high or over-low temperature and other unsatisfying installation and running
environment factors can cause failures of the chip and mechanical components of the device, and
thus they affect the stable and reliable running of the device as well as the data safety on the
disks. Please follow the measurements shown below to take proper measurements:
Use an air conditioner to control the temperature and the humidity at least 2 or 3 days
before installing the device.
The working environment of the device should meet the temperature of 23 ºC±2 ºC,
humidity of 50%Rh ± 5%Rh and the temperature change rate of <5 ºC/h with
non-condensing.

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The floor in the equipment room must be capable of loading more than 600kg/m2, and the
height between the floor and the ceiling must be more than 2.7 m. The loading capability of
the rack can be computed in 10 kg/U, e.g., for a 4U chassis, the required loading capability of
the rack is 40 kg.
Ensure adequate air ventilation of the rack.
Close all the doors and windows to prevent the dust or use a dust-filtering ventilation
device. The dust particulate (≥5μm) must be less than 18,000 particulate / (dm)³.
In an conditions of non-working status of the device, the horizontal and vertical vibration
acceleration value of the equipment room’s floor surface must be lower than 0.5m/S².
The rack or surface on which the device is installed must be properly grounded, and ensure
that each device is grounded as well. The resistance between the device casing and the
ground must be less than 4Ω.
2.3 Installation and Initial Power-on
The device shall be placed on the fixed flat surface. Tilting surface is not allowed.
You can use the standard plate in the industrial cabinet or use the guide (not provided) to
install the device to the rack. It is recommended to use the bolts to fix the device to the rack
through the mounting screw holes on the rack.
Connect all the power cords of the device to the power socket and wait for 12 hours before
starting up. The temperature of the device and the equipment room must be consistent to
prevent the damage caused by a huge temperature difference.
If the device has been transported and stored for more than 10 days; perform the previous
operation and then start up and run the device for 30 minutes without the hard disks. And
then you shut down the device, insert the hard disks and start the device again.
2.4 Notes for Installation
The device is high-precision equipment. Please keep stable and gentle when moving it.
Multiple people are required to carry the heavy-weight device.
Installation and running environment must meet standards. Take regular investigations and
records for the equipment room, or apply a remote monitoring for the working status of the
device.
Do not unplug the power cord when the device is running.
In case of alarm beeper produced during the system running, please take immediate check
and solution.

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2.5 Device Reliability
To enhance the reliability of the operating of the device, you can take the following
measurements:
Use the mobile alarm software installed on the storage system, and the message will be sent
to your mobile phone as SMS.
Add the Email alarm software module and the alarm information can be sent to the
dedicated Email address.
Use the StorOS Manager software to realize the online management and monitor for all the
storage devices.
Connect to the NTP server to adjust time for the storage server to avoid the inaccuracy of
record time or record loss.
Add a SNMP software module, the system alarm can be sent to the SNMP client on a PC.

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Chapter 3 Hardware Installation
3.1 Hardware System
The Network Storage System includes hardware system and software system, which can be
installed separately. The software storage system is an IP-based system which can manage the
network storage devices online.
The hardware system adopts rack-mounted chassis which provides LED indicators for the status of
power, network and HDD.
3.1.1 Front View
Figure 3. 1 Front View
3.1.2 HDD Slot Number
Figure 3. 2 HDD Slot Number
The storage device can be plugged with 3.5-inch hard disks, and the HDD slot No. is numbered
from left to right and top to bottom.
3.1.3 Description of Front Panel
8
2
5
1
3
4
16
6
7
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

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Figure 3. 3 Front Panel
Table 3-1 Description of Front Panel
Icon
Name
Description
FN Device Positioning
Button
Press the button and the power LED indicator and I/O
FN device positioning indicator flicker.
Mute
This button is used to clear the beep sound when the
Fan and power failure alarm occurs.
Power Switch
Turn on/off the system.
Alarm LED Indicator
The indicator lights in red in case of Fan or power
supply failure alarm.
Power LED Indicator
Indicates the power connection status. When the
device is powered up, the indicator lights in green.
The USB interface is reserved and not available on the front panel of DS-A81 series storage
system.

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3.1.4 Description of Rear Panel
Rear Panel of Single Power Supply
Figure 3. 4 Rear Panel of Single Power Supply
Table 3-2 Description of Rear Panel
Icon
Description
1
Power Supply
2
Power Switch
3
Data Port 2
4
Data Port 1
5
USB Interface
6
Management Port
7
VGA Interface
8
USB Interface
9
Expansion Port
10
Expansion Port Indicator
11
Audio Out
12
FN Device Positioning Indicator
13
FN Device Positioning Button
14
COM 1: Hyper Terminal
15
COM 2: UPS

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Rear Panel of Redundant Power Supply
Figure 3. 5 Rear Panel of Redundant Power Supply
Table 3-3 Description of Rear Panel
Icon
Description
1
Power Supply
2
Power Switch
3
Data Port 2
4
Data Port 1
5
USB Interface
6
Management Port
7
VGA Interface
8
USB Interface
9
Expansion Port
10
Expansion Port Indicator
11
Audio Out
12
FN Device Positioning Indicator
13
FN Device Positioning Button
14
COM 1: Hyper Terminal
15
COM 2: UPS
3.2 Installation Requirement
Before installation, please prepare the following equipment and accessories:
1. Network Storage System
2. Power cord
3. 100M/1000M network cable (CAT 5e recommended)
The following accessories are optional or user-provided:

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1. Gigabit Ethernet switch (second-layer switch, user-provided)
2. Rack guide apparatus (optional)
Please refer to the packing list for the attached accessories.
3.3 HDD Installation
3.3.1 Selecting HDD Model
Adopt the certificated professional HDD models to ensure the stable running of the system and
the reliable data storage. It is highly recommended to purchase the enterprise-class hard disks,
e.g., Seagate Constellation™ ES, Western Digital WD RE3 and WD RE4 series hard disk. The use of
non-enterprise-class hard disks for establishing RAID may cause instability of the system, thus
leading to the data damage. In case of hard disk failure, please replace it with the functional one
immediately so as to prevent the data loss or performance degradation.
Please refer to the List of Compatible HDD Models of our company for recommended HDD
models.
In order to avoid damages during transportation, it is recommended to package and transport
the hard disks separately from the chassis of network storage system.
3.3.2 Installing HDD
To install the HDD on the brackets:
1. Insert the key and turn in clockwise direction to open the panel lock.
Figure 3. 6 Open Panel Lock
2. Separate the top edge of the front panel from the chassis, about 1cm in distance. And then
lift and disassemble the front panel.

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Figure 3. 7 Disassemble Front Panel
To avoid the bayonet damage under the front panel, the separation distance between
the front panel and chassis cannot be too long.
3. Press the spring lock of the HDD, and then pull out the HDD bracket from the chassis along
the guide apparatus.
Figure 3. 8 Pull Out HDD Bracket
4. Remove the plastic module from the HDD bracket.

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Figure 3. 9 Unplug HDD Bracket
5. Use four screws to secure the HDD to the bracket (with the HDD label facing up).
Figure 3. 10 Install HDD to Bracket
6. Press the spring lock of the HDD, insert the HDD bracket to the chassis and push it along the
guide apparatus until to the bottom, to ensure the bracket being seated into position and
locked.
7. Repeat the steps to install all the other HDDs.
8. Finally, close the front panel and lock it with the key again.
3.3.3 Precautions for HDD Installation
Before you plug or unplug the hard disks, please take the following precautions:
1. After you have plugged the hard disk to its mounting bracket, please use the provided screws
to fix the four edges of the mounting bracket.
2. Make sure the HDD mounting bracket is steadily plugged to the chassis along the slot.
3. When you unplug the hard disk, unplug it about 3cm away from the chassis and then make it
stay about 30 seconds on the guide apparatus before totally unplug it from the chassis. Since
the discs of the hard disk are still spinning at high speed just after powering off, unplugging
the hard disk immediately will damage the discs.
4. The system supports disk hot swapping, yet the data storage safety is not ensured.
5. Please avoid frequent plugging/unplugging of the hard disks during the system running so as
to maintain long service life of the hard disks.
6. Check and examine the working status of the hard disks every two months, or configure the
system with auto check and examine task.

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7. The certification for the new hard disk is required when it is plugged to the system for the
first time. Please refer to Chapter 11 Bad Disk Management for details.
Please avoid unplugging a hard disk when it is writing/reading data so as to prevent data loss.
3.4 Hardware Installation
Prior to starting the system, please make sure the following connections have been correctly
made:
1. HDD installation.
2. Power cord connection: connect the power cord to 220VAC power supply.
3. Management port: use a CAT 5e network cable (supplied) to connect the management port
to the Internet, so that the management PC or server is able to access the network storage
system.
4. Data port: use a CAT 5e network cable to connect the data port to the Internet, to transmit
and receive the data.
5. Serial port: initialize the storage system via serial port if needed (not for users).
3.5 Power On/Off
1. Make all power connections before the redundant power supplies.
2. Press the power switch on the front panel to start the system.
3. It takes about 5 minutes to start the system. The device beeps after the startup is complete.
4. If the unit fails to start up, please check whether all connections have been properly made.
5. As the unit has the power-off protection capability, the data will be automatically recovered
when it starts up again if the unit encounters power-off failure in running.
6. To turn off the system, click the Power off button on the System Monitor interface
(Maintenance > System monitor) of the management system.
7. To reboot the system, click the Reboot button on the System Monitor interface
(Maintenance > System monitor) of the management system.

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Chapter 4 System IP Address Configuration
4.1 Login
Management port (mainly for parameter settings) and data port (mainly for data transmission)
are provided. The administrator is allowed to access the system via web browser and then
configure the network parameters if needed.
Before you start:
1. Set the IP address of your PC (e.g., 10.254.254.10), making sure that the PC and the
management port of storage system are in the same network segment.
2. Use a crossover network cable to connect the Ethernet port of your PC and the management
port of the storage system.
3. Make sure the network communication between the storage system and PC has been
successfully established.
The default IP address of the system management port is 10.254.254.254.
Steps:
1. Input the IP address of the storage system in the address bar of the web browser, e.g.,
https://10.254.254.254:2004, and press the Enter key. A login window will pop up.
2. Input the user name web_admin and the default password 123, and click the Login button
to log in the Basic Storage Management system.
Figure 4. 1 Login
The default IP address of the data port is 192.168.0.100.
4.2 Configuring Network Settings

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4.2.1 Modifying Network Parameters
Steps:
1. Click System > Network to enter the Network Management interface.
2. Check the checkbox to select the data or management NIC on the NIC List for configuration.
3. Click Modify to open the Modify NIC Info dialog box.
4. Input the IP address, subnet mask, gateway and MTU for the selected NIC.
5. Click OK to save the new settings.
When the MTU value is higher than 1500, the network transmission performance will be
improved effectively, yet it needs support of the connected router and other network devices.
Figure 4. 2 Modify NIC Information
4.2.2 Configuring Bonding Mode
Steps:
1. Click System > Network to enter the Network Management interface.
2. Click the Modify button of Current NIC bonding mode at the bottom of the interface, and a
drop-down list pops up.
Figure 4. 3 Current NIC Bonding Mode