Introduction to Secured RTSP Streaming

Enhanced Streaming Capabilities

RTSP with Authentication

FlytBase's improved RTSP streaming now includes authentication dialog support, allowing secure access control to your video feeds. When accessing RTSP streams, compatible video players will prompt for username and password credentials, ensuring only authorized users can view your docking station cameras.

RTSPS - Encrypted Streaming

RTSPS (RTSP over TLS) is now available as FlytBase's secure streaming protocol. This encrypted version of RTSP protects your video streams and authentication credentials during transmission, making it ideal for remote access over public networks or when security compliance is required.

Available Streaming Configurations

When generating streaming links, you have the flexibility to choose whether the link requires username and password authentication or provides direct access without credentials.

FlytBase provides four streaming configurations to meet different security and network requirements:

1. RTSP without Authentication:

• Open access streaming without credential requirements
• Universal compatibility with all video clients including VLC, FFplay, Milestone XProtect, Genetec Security Center, and other VMS platforms
• Ideal for trusted network environments where access control is not required
• Simple setup with immediate streaming access

2. RTSP with Authentication:

• Access-controlled streaming with username and password protection
• Video transmission remains unencrypted but access is restricted
• Ideal for local networks where encryption isn't required but access control is needed
• Compatible with all major video clients and VMS platforms

3. RTSPS without Authentication:

• Encrypted streaming without credential requirements
• Newly introduced encrypted protocol for secure video transmission
• Provides data encryption but allows open access to authorized network users
• Useful for encrypted channels where access is controlled at network level

4. RTSPS with Authentication:

• Fully secured streaming with both encryption and access control
• Combines TLS encryption with username/password authentication
• Provides comprehensive security for sensitive video content

Client-Specific Authentication Handling

Different video clients handle authentication in distinct ways, determining how you'll use the generated streaming links:

VMS Platforms and Media Players

• Interactive Authentication: VLC, Milestone XProtect, and Genetec Security Center support credential prompts
• Clean Link Usage: Enter the clean streaming link provided by FlytBase
• Credential Entry: System displays login dialog where you enter username and password separately
• Enhanced Security: Credentials are not visible in the URL and can be managed through the client interface

FFplay (Command-line Player)

• No Interactive Prompts: Cannot display username/password dialog boxes
• Requires Embedded Credentials: For authenticated streams (RTSP or RTSPS with auth), credentials must be embedded directly in the URL
• Works Without Authentication: RTSP and RTSPS streams without authentication work flawlessly
• URL Format: rtsp://username:password@host:port/path or rtsps://username:password@host:port/path
• Use Case: Automated monitoring, scripted access, and command-line operations

VMS Platforms and Media Players

• Interactive Authentication: VLC, Milestone XProtect, and Genetec Security Center support credential prompts
• Clean Link Usage: Enter the clean streaming link provided by FlytBase
• Credential Entry: System displays login dialog where you enter username and password separately
• Enhanced Security: Credentials are not visible in the URL and can be managed through the client interface

Supported Video Clients and Compatibility

Media Players

FFplay (Command-line player)

• Full support for RTSP and RTSPS protocols without authentication
• For authentication-protected streams, credentials must be embedded in the URL
• No interactive authentication prompts - requires embedded credentials for secure access
• Excellent for automated monitoring and scripted applications

VLC Media Player

• Full RTSP support with authentication dialog prompts
• Interactive credential entry for clean streaming links
• Cross-platform compatibility for RTSP streaming
• Note: RTSPS protocol is not supported on macOS and Windows

Professional Video Management Systems

Milestone XProtect

• Native support for both RTSP and RTSPS streaming protocols
• Professional authentication handling through VMS login interface
• Advanced features including recording, motion detection, and multi-camera management
• RTSPS requires proper certificate configuration for encrypted connections

Genetec Security Center

• Enterprise-grade RTSP and RTSPS integration capabilities
• Secure credential management within the VMS platform
• Comprehensive video analytics and security features
• Full certificate authority support for RTSPS deployments