Why a Hardware NAS is Essential for PSAPs

Ensuring data security and continuity is paramount for critical operations such as 911 and other PSAP centers, where call records must be retained for extended periods and can be used as legal evidence. While many Long Term Recorders (LTRs) and Network Video Recorders (NVRs) come with built-in RAID systems, relying solely on them poses risks. Storage failure, physical damage, or malicious attacks could lead to irreparable data loss, significantly impacting organizations’ ability to retrieve important records. This is where a dedicated hardware NAS solution like the Synology RS422+ excels.

In addition to the resilience offered by RAID, NAS such as the Synology RS422+ provides scalable storage expansions, automated backups, and advanced data management features. Archiving essential recordings from LTRs and NVRs onto separate hardware is a robust disaster recovery approach, especially when that hardware is physically located offsite. In the event of a fire, flood, or hardware malfunction, your primary array might be compromised. However, with regular offsite replication, call records and surveillance footage remain safe and accessible, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and facilitating future investigative or audit processes.

Moreover, hardware NAS devices typically boast specialized operating systems optimized for reliability and speed. The Synology RS422+, for instance, features built-in security protocols (MFA and encryption), streamlined data access, and an intuitive management interface. This contrasts with software NAS solutions running on conventional file servers, which often share resources with other applications. Such shared environments can suffer from performance bottlenecks, downtime due to server maintenance, and vulnerabilities if the server’s operating system is compromised. A dedicated hardware NAS is purpose-built, minimizing overhead and ensuring stable, continuous operation.

Furthermore, hardware NAS solutions tend to receive frequent firmware updates from dedicated teams, ensuring ongoing protection against emerging threats. Synology’s operating system also offers a suite of data protection tools, such as snapshot replication, that help recover from accidental deletions or ransomware attacks. By isolating storage for sensitive recordings, agencies reduce the risk that an unrelated issue on the file server will spread to mission-critical data.

Deploying a hardware NAS like the Synology RS422+ for call recorders and video surveillance archives ensures a robust, dedicated platform built for long-term reliability. Even if your LTR or NVR systems incorporate their own RAID configurations, offloading data to a physically separate device offers added layers of protection. This approach mitigates single points of failure, supports regulatory compliance, and preserves essential files for future use. For organizations that demand constant uptime and bulletproof data integrity, a hardware NAS is an invaluable asset. By leveraging dedicated NAS technology, organizations secure critical evidence but also enhance operational efficiency, guaranteeing that vital data remains accessible, protected, and ready for when it matters most.


Why Partner with Capture Technologies?

As a premier dealer for Call-Recording and Video-Surveillance solutions, Capture Technologies brings decades of experience and a commitment to customer success. We understand that the stakes are high—you’re not just managing data; you’re safeguarding communities and helping people through their most vulnerable moments. That’s why we go beyond recording systems to offer end-to-end solutions, including sourcing, installing, and servicing hardware NAS devices tailored to your specific needs.

Our expert team is here to help you design, implement, and maintain a comprehensive recording and storage. By integrating secure, reliable capture capabilities of the recorders, such as Eventide NexLog 740 DX with the durability of a hardware NAS like the Synology RS422+, we ensure your data is not only accessible but also protected against unforeseen events.

Contact us today to learn how Capture Technologies can help you build a resilient and secure data ecosystem!

Gazi Sultan
Communications Service Manager