Setting Up Authenticated RTSP Streaming

Step-by-step guide for generating authenticated RTSP links and configuring VLC Media Player access. Authentication process applies to Milestone XProtect and Genetec platforms.

While this example demonstrates VLC Media Player, the authentication workflow is identical for Milestone XProtect and Genetec Security Center. All three platforms use clean links and display pop-up credential dialogs.

Generating Authenticated RTSP Links in FlytBase

Step 1: Navigate to Flinks Section

From your FlytBase Dashboard, click on the navigation panel in the top left corner and navigate to the Flinks section.

FlytBase Dashboard showing the main interface with docking station locations and live video feeds

Step 2: Access Flinks Library

Go to the Flinks Library section and click on Custom Flink.

Flinks Library showing available integrations including Data Processing, Live Streaming, and Detect and Avoid categories

Step 3: Select Live Streaming Option

Select the Live Streaming option from the available Flink types and click Next.

Add custom Flink dialog showing Live Streaming option selected with Alarms and Data Processing alternatives

Step 4: Configure your Flink

1. Name: Enter a descriptive name that reflects your streaming purpose (e.g., "Security Monitoring RTSP", "Maintenance Team Stream", or "Operations Center Feed")

2. Description: Provide context about the intended use case, such as "Authenticated RTSP stream for external VMS integration" or "Secure streaming access for operations team monitoring"

3. Icon (Optional): Upload a custom icon to easily identify this Flink in your dashboard

4. Click Add to create the Flink and make it available in your My Flinks collection

Custom Flink creation form with name field, description area, and icon upload option

Step 5: Access Your Created Flink

Once created, you will find your new Flink in the My Flinks section. Click on your newly created Flink to configure streaming options.

Step 6: Generate Streaming Links

1. Select whether you want to generate links for the Dock or Payload camera

2. Important: Check the option "Secure the link with username and password" for authenticated streaming

3. Click the Generate Link button

The system will generate:

• Username and Password: Automatically created credentials for authentication

• RTSP Link: Standard streaming link (e.g., rtsp://stream2.flytbase.com:8554/...)

• RTSPS Link: Encrypted streaming link (e.g., rtsps://stream2.flytbase.com:8322/...)

Generated streaming links showing Username, Password, RTSP link, and RTSPS link with copy buttons

Configuring VLC Media Player

Step 1: Open Network Stream

1. Launch VLC Media Player

2. Go to File menu

3. Select Open Network

VLC Media Player File menu with Open Network option highlighted

Step 2: Enter Streaming URL

1. The Open Source dialog will appear

2. Ensure the Network tab is selected

3. Paste your RTSP link (without embedded credentials) in the URL field

4. Click Open

Step 3: Enter Authentication Credentials

1. VLC will display an RTSP Authentication pop-up dialog

2. Enter the Username provided by FlytBase

3. Enter the Password provided by FlytBase

4. Optional: Check Remember to save credentials for future sessions

5. Click OK to authenticate

VLC RTSP authentication pop-up showing username and password fields with Remember checkbox

Step 4: View Live Stream

Once authenticated, the live video stream will open in a new VLC window, displaying your docking station camera feed in real-time.

VLC Media Player showing live docking station camera feed with RTSP stream URL in title bar

Additional Notes

Payload Camera Access

This same process works for accessing your drone's payload camera feed. Simply select "Payload" instead of "Dock" when generating streaming links in Step 6.

Protocol Selection

• Use RTSP for local network access and maximum compatibility

• Use RTSPS for secure transmission over public networks (requires proper certificate configuration)

Troubleshooting Tips

• Ensure your firewall allows access to the streaming ports (8554 for RTSP, 8322 for RTSPS)

• Verify network connectivity between your device and the FlytBase system

• Double-check that you're using the correct username and password from the FlytBase dashboard

• For RTSPS connections, ensure proper TLS certificate configuration

Professional VMS Integration

The authentication process demonstrated with VLC applies identically to professional Video Management Systems:

• Milestone XProtect: Add the clean RTSP/RTSPS link as a camera source, enter credentials when prompted

• Genetec Security Center: Configure the stream URL in camera settings, provide authentication through the VMS interface

Both systems will display similar authentication dialogs and handle the secure connection establishment automatically.