Comnet SERVERSWITCHIQ - 32 POE PORTS 360W I5-10500TE 56TB 4X14TB SW RAID - SS32-I5-56T14

Comnet SS32-I5-56T14 32-Port PoE Surveillance Server with Integrated Storage

Overview

The Comnet SS32-I5-56T14 is a unified network surveillance appliance combining a managed PoE switch, compute platform, and dedicated storage array in a single 2U form factor. Built around an Intel Core i5-10500TE processor, the system delivers 32 PoE ports with 360W total power delivery—enough to run a full mid-scale surveillance deployment without external power distribution cabinets. The 56TB storage capacity (configured as 4×14TB in software RAID) handles extended retention periods for multi-camera installations. This is purpose-built for integrators who need to minimize rack space, cable complexity, and single points of failure in commercial or enterprise surveillance networks.

Key Features

• 32 PoE Ports with 360W Budget: Sufficient power to deploy 32 standard IP cameras (assume 10–12W per camera average) without additional power supplies. The 360W allocation means you're not choosing between cameras on the same switch—every port can run a full-featured camera simultaneously. Eliminates the cost and cabling overhead of external PoE injectors or separate power infrastructure.
• Intel Core i5-10500TE Processor: Dual-core mobile-class processor capable of real-time video stream management, metadata indexing, and local analytics processing. Sufficient compute for on-board motion detection, rule-based alerts, and video transcoding without requiring an external VMS server. Useful when your surveillance network must remain operational during WAN outages or when centralizing a VMS in another facility is not feasible.
• 56TB Storage Capacity (4×14TB SW RAID): Software RAID configuration protects against single-drive failure—if one 14TB disk fails, the array continues operating and you rebuild without downtime. 56TB supports 24/7 recording from 20–30 cameras (depending on resolution and bitrate) for 30–45 days, reducing the need for offsite archival in many deployments. RAID redundancy is essential in surveillance; a single failed drive in a non-redundant system means lost footage.
• Managed Network Switch Integration: Integrated PoE switch eliminates the need for a separate managed switch in the rack. Reduces cable runs, patch panel count, and power connections—direct trade-off is less flexibility if you need to replace or upgrade individual switch components mid-deployment.
• Unified Appliance Form Factor: 2U footprint consolidates switching, compute, storage, and power distribution. Dramatically reduces rack space compared to deploying separate PoE switch + NVR + external storage. Beneficial for branch office or remote site deployments where rack real estate is constrained.
• Software RAID Management: Allows for flexible RAID level selection (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6 depending on storage demand and redundancy requirements). Software RAID uses the i5-10500TE CPU for parity calculations; monitor CPU utilization during rebuild operations if the array is under heavy recording load simultaneously.

Integration & Compatibility

The SS32-I5-56T14 acts as both network infrastructure and video storage appliance. ONVIF-compatible cameras (the industry standard for IP surveillance) integrate directly via the 32 integrated PoE ports. The embedded i5 processor can run lightweight VMS software, third-party recording agents, or operate as a passive storage backend for a remote NVR system. Network management is handled through the integrated managed switch—standard CLI or web-based configuration. Storage is accessible via network protocols (NFS, SMB) for integration with external video management platforms. This hybrid role (local storage + switch + compute) works well for medium-sized deployments (20–40 cameras) or as an edge appliance in larger distributed networks.

What's in the Box

Package contents not specified in available evidence. Contact the manufacturer or your supplier for exact inclusion details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the maximum number of cameras the SS32-I5-56T14 can support?

A: The system has 32 PoE ports, so up to 32 cameras can be directly powered and networked through the unit. Actual simultaneous recording capacity depends on camera resolution, frame rate, and bitrate; the 56TB storage with 4×14TB RAID supports roughly 24/7 retention of 20–30 cameras for 30–45 days.

Q: Can I replace failed drives in the RAID array without shutting down the system?

A: Yes. Software RAID 1 or 5/6 configurations allow hot-swap drive replacement. The array continues recording while a failed drive rebuilds, though rebuild performance depends on the i5-10500TE's CPU availability. Monitor CPU load if the system is under heavy recording load during a rebuild.

Q: Is the SS32-I5-56T14 suitable for outdoor or harsh-environment deployment?

A: The unit is designed as a server appliance and should be installed in a controlled rack environment (standard IT closet, data center, or secure enclosure). It is not rated for outdoor or extreme temperature environments. Deploy it indoors and run camera cables to outdoor locations.

Q: Does the SS32-I5-56T14 include VMS software?

A: The appliance provides embedded compute and storage. Third-party VMS software (Milestone XProtect, Axis Camera Station, etc.) can be installed on the i5 processor or configured to use the SS32-I5-56T14 as a remote storage backend. Verify compatibility with your chosen VMS before deployment.

Q: What are the power requirements for the entire unit?

A: The 360W PoE budget is for powering cameras. System compute and switch fabric power draw is additional; refer to the manufacturer's datasheet for total AC power consumption (typically 500–800W for the appliance itself plus PoE loads).

Q: Can the SS32-I5-56T14 work with a remote NVR for failover or redundancy?

A: Yes. The unit can function as a local storage appliance (via NFS/SMB) for a remote NVR, or run independently with embedded recording software. This hybrid approach allows you to maintain local 30+ day retention while forwarding critical alerts or footage to a central facility.

Ted Perry

I've deployed a lot of mid-scale surveillance networks, and the SS32-I5-56T14 solves a specific pain point: eliminating the separate switch, NVR, and storage cabinet when you're building out 25–35 camera sites. The i5-10500TE processor is not a performance powerhouse, but it's sufficient for real-time video stream indexing and local analytics—motion detection, basic people counting, cross-line rules—without needing a dedicated VMS box running elsewhere.

Technical Highlights:

• 32 PoE Ports with 360W Budget: Eliminates external PoE injectors. At 11W per camera average, you can power 32 standard surveillance cameras directly from the switch fabric. No more choosing between port utilization and available power—every port is active-ready.
• 56TB Storage in Software RAID (4×14TB): RAID 5 or 6 redundancy means a single drive failure doesn't mean lost footage. 56TB keeps 25 cameras at 1080p/30fps for roughly 35 days. Rebuild times on an i5-10500TE during active recording can stretch 12–24 hours depending on CPU load; have a spare 14TB drive on hand.
• Intel Core i5-10500TE Embedded Compute: Dual-core, mobile-class CPU handles video stream stitching, metadata extraction, and local rule processing. It is not suitable for heavy on-camera AI analytics; use it for motion detection and basic counting, then offload complex analysis to a central platform if needed.

Deployment Considerations:

• This unit consolidates network switching, compute, and storage into 2U—huge space saving in constrained racks. However, if any component fails (switch ASIC, motherboard, power supply), the entire site loses network connectivity AND recording. No single-component redundancy. Plan for rapid replacement logistics.
• The software RAID rebuild process consumes CPU cycles. If the appliance is also running a local VMS agent or transcoding heavy footage to a remote site during a rebuild, performance can degrade. I've seen sites where rebuild collided with nightly backup—don't let that be you.

This is the right appliance for branch offices, warehouse or facility monitoring, or remote sites where you want local 30+ day retention plus on-site computing, but can't justify a full NVR rack. Not suitable for mega-deployments (100+ cameras) where a traditional switch + NVR + SAN architecture gives you better scalability and fault tolerance.