Best Practices

Optimize your LEXOH deployment for security and performance

Best Practices

Follow these industry best practices to ensure your LEXOH system operates securely, efficiently, and reliably.

Security

Access Control

  • Principle of Least Privilege: Grant users minimum necessary permissions
  • Regular Audits: Review user access quarterly and remove inactive accounts
  • Strong Authentication: Require 2FA for all administrative accounts
  • Password Rotation: Enforce password changes every 90 days
  • Role-Based Access: Use groups instead of individual permissions

Network Security

  • Segmentation: Isolate IoT devices on separate VLAN
  • Firewall Rules: Allow only required ports and protocols
  • VPN Access: Use VPN for remote administration
  • Certificate Pinning: Prevent man-in-the-middle attacks
  • Regular Scans: Perform vulnerability assessments monthly

Data Protection

  • Encryption at Rest: Enable AES-256 for stored data
  • Encryption in Transit: Use TLS 1.3 for all communications
  • Key Management: Rotate API keys every 6 months
  • Data Retention: Delete old footage per policy (GDPR compliance)
  • Secure Backups: Encrypt backups and store offsite
⚠️ Critical: Never share API keys in emails, chat, or version control. Use environment variables or secrets management.

Network Architecture

Recommended Network Layout

Internet
   │
   ├─ Firewall/Router
   │
   ├─ VLAN 10: Management (192.168.10.0/24)
   │   └─ Admin workstations, servers
   │
   ├─ VLAN 20: Access Control (192.168.20.0/24)
   │   └─ Card readers, door controllers
   │
   ├─ VLAN 30: Cameras (192.168.30.0/24)
   │   └─ IP cameras, NVR
   │
   └─ VLAN 40: Parking (192.168.40.0/24)
       └─ Barriers, kiosks, sensors
                            

Bandwidth Planning

Device Type Avg Bandwidth Peak Bandwidth
Access Control < 1 Kbps 50 Kbps
1080p Camera 2-4 Mbps 8 Mbps
4K Camera 8-12 Mbps 25 Mbps
Parking System 100 Kbps 1 Mbps
Access Control
Avg Bandwidth:

< 1 Kbps

Peak Bandwidth:

50 Kbps

1080p Camera
Avg Bandwidth:

2-4 Mbps

Peak Bandwidth:

8 Mbps

4K Camera
Avg Bandwidth:

8-12 Mbps

Peak Bandwidth:

25 Mbps

Parking System
Avg Bandwidth:

100 Kbps

Peak Bandwidth:

1 Mbps

💡 Formula: Total Bandwidth = (Cameras × 4 Mbps) + (Other Devices × 0.5 Mbps) + 20% overhead

Performance Optimization

Camera Optimization

  • Adjust Bitrate: Use variable bitrate (VBR) for efficient storage
  • Frame Rate: 15 FPS sufficient for most scenarios (not 30 FPS)
  • I-Frame Interval: Set to 2-4 seconds for better seeking
  • Region of Interest: Higher quality for important areas
  • Night Mode: Enable IR cut filter auto-switch

Database Optimization

  • Archiving: Move events older than 90 days to cold storage
  • Indexing: Create indexes on timestamp and device_id fields
  • Partitioning: Partition event tables by month
  • Cleanup: Purge temporary logs weekly

API Usage

  • Batch Requests: Group multiple operations into single API call
  • Caching: Cache device lists locally (refresh every 5 min)
  • Pagination: Request 100 records per page maximum
  • Webhooks: Use webhooks instead of polling for events
  • Rate Limiting: Implement exponential backoff on 429 errors

Maintenance Procedures

Preventive Maintenance

Frequency Tasks
Daily • Check device online status
• Review critical alerts
• Verify backup completion
Weekly • Test access credentials
• Review access logs for anomalies
• Check storage capacity
• Test video playback
Monthly • Clean camera lenses
• Update firmware
• Test UPS batteries
• Review user permissions
• Physical inspection of devices
Quarterly • Full system audit
• Penetration testing
• Disaster recovery drill
• Documentation update
• Training refresher
Daily
Tasks:

• Check device online status
• Review critical alerts
• Verify backup completion

Weekly
Tasks:

• Test access credentials
• Review access logs for anomalies
• Check storage capacity
• Test video playback

Monthly
Tasks:

• Clean camera lenses
• Update firmware
• Test UPS batteries
• Review user permissions
• Physical inspection of devices

Quarterly
Tasks:

• Full system audit
• Penetration testing
• Disaster recovery drill
• Documentation update
• Training refresher

Change Management

  1. Document all changes before implementation
  2. Test changes in staging environment first
  3. Schedule maintenance windows during low-traffic periods
  4. Notify stakeholders 48 hours in advance
  5. Keep rollback plan ready
  6. Monitor system for 24 hours post-change

Disaster Recovery

Backup Strategy (3-2-1 Rule)

  • 3 Copies: Production data + 2 backups
  • 2 Media Types: Local storage + cloud storage
  • 1 Offsite: LEXOH Cloud automatic backup

Recovery Time Objectives (RTO)

  • Critical Systems: < 1 hour (access control, alarms)
  • Standard Systems: < 4 hours (cameras, parking)
  • Non-Critical: < 24 hours (reports, analytics)

Emergency Contacts

Maintain an updated emergency contact list:

  • LEXOH Support: support@lexoh.com (24/7)
  • Network Administrator
  • Security Manager
  • Facility Manager
  • Key vendors and contractors

Compliance & Standards

Industry Standards

  • ISO 27001: Information security management
  • GDPR: Data protection (EU)
  • CCPA: Consumer privacy (California)
  • HIPAA: Healthcare data (if applicable)
  • PCI DSS: Payment card security

Documentation Requirements

  • Network diagrams (updated quarterly)
  • User access matrix
  • Incident response plan
  • Privacy policy and data handling procedures
  • Change log and audit trail

Quick Wins

Implement these easy improvements today:

  • ✓ Enable two-factor authentication
  • ✓ Set up automated daily backups
  • ✓ Configure critical alerts (email/SMS)
  • ✓ Review and remove inactive users
  • ✓ Update all device firmware to latest version
  • ✓ Enable motion detection on all cameras
  • ✓ Test disaster recovery procedure
  • ✓ Document your network topology

Need Help?

Check our troubleshooting guide for common issues and solutions

Troubleshooting Guide →