GigE Camera Bandwidth Calculator
Image data rate (MB/s) from resolution, pixel format, fps and camera count; share of a 1, 2.5, 5 or 10 GbE link and the highest frame rate that fits.
Formulas
- Image data rate [bytes/s] = width × height × (bits per pixel ÷ 8) × fps
- All cameras = one camera × number of cameras (when they share one adapter port or one switch uplink)
- Gross link rate = link [Gbit/s] × 10⁹ ÷ 8 — 1 GbE = 125 MB/s
- Max fps = usable rate ÷ cameras ÷ bytes per frame
- MB = 10⁶ bytes. Protocol overhead (Ethernet, IP, UDP and GVSP headers) is not included in this simplified calculation — leave room for it by setting the usable rate lower.
Max fps by resolution (1 GbE, usable 110 MB/s, one camera)
| Resolution | Mono8 frame (MB) | Mono8 | Mono12 (16-bit) | RGB8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 640 × 480 | 0.31 | 358.1 | 179.0 | 119.4 |
| 1280 × 1024 | 1.31 | 83.9 | 42.0 | 28.0 |
| 1920 × 1200 | 2.30 | 47.7 | 23.9 | 15.9 |
| 2448 × 2048 | 5.01 | 21.9 | 11.0 | 7.3 |
| 4096 × 3000 | 12.29 | 9.0 | 4.5 | 3.0 |
Camera limits (sensor maximum fps, exposure time) are not included. The table shows what the link allows; the real frame rate is the lower of this and the camera datasheet's maximum.
Pixel formats and size per pixel
| Format | Bits per pixel | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mono8 · Bayer**8 | 8 | One 8-bit component |
| Mono10 · Mono12 · Bayer**10 · Bayer**12 | 16 | Unpacked — each component padded with zeros to the next byte |
| Mono10p · Bayer**10p | 10 | lsb packed — no padding bits |
| Mono12p · Bayer**12p | 12 | lsb packed |
| Mono16 | 16 | One 16-bit component |
| RGB8 · BGR8 | 24 | Three 8-bit components |
| YCbCr422_8 | 16 | 4:2:2 — two pixels carry two Y and one each of Cb and Cr |
In Bayer** the ** is the RG, GR, GB or BG pattern. Some cameras use older names (e.g. Mono12Packed) — check the bits per pixel in the camera manual.
How to read it
- Over 100 % of the link means the settings cannot all be sent. Lower the frame rate, cut the resolution with a region of interest, switch to an 8-bit or packed format, or spread cameras over more adapter ports.
- As in the Beckhoff example, three 1920 × 1200 Mono8 cameras at 30 fps (207 MB/s) do not fit on one 1 GbE link; at 15 fps they need 104 MB/s and fit.
- Mono12 (unpacked) takes 2 bytes per pixel, twice Mono8. If you need 12 bits, check whether the camera offers Mono12p (1.5 bytes).
- If frames drop while the link share is low, look at adapter settings (jumbo frames, receive buffers), the firewall and the switch before bandwidth — see the guide below.
Where it is used
- Choosing a vision PC: how to spread cameras over adapter ports, and whether 1 GbE is enough or 2.5, 5 or 10 GbE is needed.
- Joining several cameras through one switch — they all share the single uplink from switch to PC.
- Raising the frame rate and seeing dropped frames — first check whether the link is the limit.
FAQ
How do I calculate GigE camera bandwidth?
Width × height × bytes per pixel × fps. 1920 × 1200 Mono8 (1 byte) at 30 fps is 69.12 MB/s. Leave separate headroom for protocol overhead.
How many MB/s is 1 GbE?
The gross rate is 1 Gbit/s ÷ 8 = 125 MB/s. The rate you can actually use for images is lower — the Beckhoff example assumes about 110–115 MB/s.
What is the difference between Mono12 and Mono12p?
Mono12 puts each 12-bit value in 2 bytes with 4 zero bits (16 bits); Mono12p packs values with no padding (12 bits). At the same frame rate Mono12p carries 25 % less data.
Two cameras through a switch into one PC port?
Their combined rate must fit within that one port's link. Enter 2 in the camera count.
For jumbo frames, receive buffers and interrupt moderation on the adapter, see the GigE camera network adapter settings guide. To check the camera and PC are on the same subnet, use the IP Subnet Calculator. To read this PC's adapter settings on one screen, use PortDock Port Inspector.
Basis
- Formula and examples (1920 × 1200 Mono8 at 30 fps = 69.12 MB/s, three cameras 207.36 MB/s, 15 fps 103.68 MB/s, 1 Gbit/s = 125 MB/s, usable about 110–115 MB/s assumed): Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 Vision — Bandwidth management for GigE Vision
- Bits per pixel (component bits × components, unpacked padded to byte boundaries, «p» with no padding, 4:2:2 order): EMVA GenICam Pixel Format Naming Convention 2.4 (2021-06-16) §3.1.3, §4, §6.1