[Glossary](https://telxpress.com/glossary/) / Security & compliance # NVR (network video recorder) A **network video recorder** (NVR) is the appliance or server that receives video from IP security cameras over the network, stores the recordings and lets authorized staff review, search and export footage. - Security & compliance - Updated October 11, 2026 - Written by the Telxpress advisory team 01 In depth ## What it is, why it matters and *what to ask a vendor* IP cameras send compressed video across the network; the NVR records it to hard drives, manages retention, and provides live view and playback through software or a web browser. Many NVRs also power the cameras over Ethernet. ONVIF profiles describe how cameras and recorders from different manufacturers work together, and Profile G is the one for recording and storage. For a growing business the NVR decides what you can prove: how many days of footage are kept, how quickly an incident can be found, and who can see which cameras. Camera counts grow with locations, and storage and network capacity must grow with them. Cameras should sit on their own VLAN so a weak camera password cannot expose the rest of the network. Ask an integrator how many days of retention the storage provides at the chosen resolution, how footage is exported with its chain of custody intact, how remote viewing is secured (MFA, no open ports), how the system is updated, and whether cameras and recorder are ONVIF-compliant so you are not locked to one brand. Hikvision is among the systems Telxpress installs and supports. 02 Related terms ## Terms that usually come up *alongside it* - Security & compliance ### [Access control](https://telxpress.com/glossary/access-control/) Access control is the system of electronic locks, readers, credentials and management software that decides who may enter which door and when, and records every entry, replacing keys that cannot be revoked. - Network ### [PoE (Power over Ethernet)](https://telxpress.com/glossary/poe/) Power over Ethernet (PoE) delivers power to devices such as phones, Wi-Fi access points, cameras and room controllers through the same network cable that carries their data, so no outlet is needed at the device. - Network ### [VLAN](https://telxpress.com/glossary/vlan/) A VLAN (virtual local area network) splits one physical network into separate logical networks, so that phones, computers, guest Wi-Fi, cameras and building systems are kept apart for security and performance without separate cabling. - Security & compliance ### [MFA (multi-factor authentication)](https://telxpress.com/glossary/mfa/) Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires a second proof of identity beyond a password, such as a code from an app or a hardware key, and it defeats most attacks that rely on stolen passwords. 03 At Telxpress ## Where this shows up *at Telxpress* The pages and articles where this term does real work: what we advise, build and support. - Page ### [Business Surveillance Cameras & Access Control](https://telxpress.com/solutions/business-technology/surveillance/) IP cameras from Hikvision, access control and monitoring designed for your site, installed and supported locally with your network and phones. - Page ### [Business Networking, Firewalls & Managed Wi-Fi](https://telxpress.com/solutions/business-technology/networking/) Switching, routing, Fortinet firewalls, Ubiquiti and Cisco Meraki Wi-Fi and managed network services for offices that depend on reliable connections. - Page ### [Structured Cabling & Fiber Installation](https://telxpress.com/solutions/business-technology/cabling/) Structured cabling, fiber, racks and clean terminations for new builds, expansions and office moves across Orange County, installed by our own team. 04 Sources ## Public *references* The standard or law this definition rests on, as published by its owner. Fetched and checked on the review date above. - [ONVIF profiles (Profile G: recording and storage)](https://www.onvif.org/profiles/) onvif.org Next step ## Want This Applied *to Your Business?* Book a free 30-minute AI readiness consultation. You'll leave with three AI opportunities specific to your business, whether you work with us or not. [Book My Free Consultation](https://telxpress.com/book/) [Take the Free AI Readiness Assessment](https://telxpress.com/ai-readiness/) [Or call 24/7: (949) 861-4500](tel:+19498614500) Last reviewed: October 11, 2026. Published by Telxpress, Irvine, CA.