Home servers for cctv, backup, home assist etc

Considered running Frigate NVR in Home Assistant for your CCTV needs? Assuming your using a mini pc like some that have already been suggested and that you are connecting it to the network via Ethernet then you could repurpose the M.2 key-e wifi slot and use a tensor core to offload ai acceleration too
 
OK, well.. I've received my Lenovo M715q Gen 2

CPU: 2400GE
RAM: 16GB 2666mhz on one dimm, so I have another slot free :)
SSD: Samsung 256GB.
Spare SSD slot for 2.5" drive
M.2 Slot being used currently by wifi, but I could convert to use AI card or 10GB/s Ethernet etc as I don't plan on using wifi.

lots of USB ports. Some USB 3.0 so I could attach NAS through that.
No HDMI only DP, which is fine tbh.

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Now I just have to figure out what software and OS to slap on it.

Pretty much decided to go with Reolink POE cameras at this point already.
Looking at ex-data warehouse Drives such as 12TB HGST drives. Get a few of them and raid/duplicate etc for backup.
 
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Previously, I did a chunk of consultancy work for SMEs. I'm quite versed in these kind of endeavours. One of the biggest challenges with smaller business is that their requirements for different services differ, and that makes it hard to make recommendations without them clearly laid out.

I would recommend expanding on your needs a little further, especially as you're considering putting a webserver/domain in the mix. Can you go into your desired services and their requirements a bit more in-depth? Specifically around availability, integrity, security, and usage. An example:

Service: Webserver
Usage: For customers to access my website. They will use it to view information and create orders.
Availability: Some downtime is acceptable, but processing orders is a priority and necessary to maintain cashflow.
Integrity: The contents of the website are not precious (basic template) and are easily duplicated.
Security: The website needs to be secured as there is sensitive information/PII stored.


That would then translate into a recommendation like:
Run your website on Wordpress and ensure it is hardened by an appropriate web developer.

Just because you can host it yourself, that doesn't necessarily mean it is the right choice that fits your needs. You will soon have a box locally where you will store your CCTV recordings but, in all likelihood, it won't be the right place to provide other services. It would be easier to host a webserver and domain with third party services, for example.

I would pose my first question towards your webserver and domain hosting as do you have a static IP? If you don't it's going to require a dynamic DNS service just to begin with. You can end up making something as simple as a domain and web hosting into a complex matter for the sake of placing it on-prem.

My parting question would be: are you looking at this as an enhancement for your business or is it because you want to play around with cool **** and have fun? If it's the former, drop me a PM. If it's the latter, have lots of fun!!
 
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Well.. right now, I have a 180 degree REOLINK camera with floodlights, and a REOLINK Trackmix (wide + zoom + track + lights). They are currently independent, but on the POE network. I am using SD Cards just to get them up and running.

I have the Tiny PC, and I have a demo version of BlueIris on it for now which I have one camera hooked up, but I'm waiting on a monitor to arrive so I can configure it in it's new location. Will try to see if BlueIris is worth investing in.

I'm holding off on the backup solution for now, until I get the security part done.
 
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