When looking to access the RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) video feed from an IP camera for live streaming or recording, there are a few key steps. This guide covers how to find your IP camera’s RTSP stream URL, access it, stream it securely with RTSPS/SRTP encryption, and work with a professional streaming provider to deliver your RTSP streams online.

 

How to find the RTSP Stream of an IP Camera?

Most IP cameras use the Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) to transport video and audio data from the camera to a server or viewer. To find the RTSP stream URL for your IP camera:

 

1. 1. Check your camera’s documentation or web interface for the RTSP port (usually 554) and stream path (e.g. /stream1)
   2. The basic RTSP URL format is rtsp://cameraIP:554/streamPath

For example: rtsp://192.168.1.108:554/stream1

Coastal Camera Network can assist in discovering and providing the correct RTSP stream URLs for your specific IP cameras.

 

How to Access an RTSP Stream?

To access an RTSP stream, you need a media player or application that supports the protocol like VLC, QuickTime, or IP camera viewing software. Simply enter the full RTSP URL (rtsp://cameraIP:554/streamPath) and the video stream should play.

Secure RTSP using RTSPS/SRTP encrypts the video data between the camera and server/viewer for privacy.

 

How to Stream RTSP?

For streaming an RTSP feed, you’ll need a streaming server that can ingest the RTSP stream and optionally secure it with SRTP encryption before relaying to viewers over RTSP or other protocols like HLS or DASH.

The next step is to work with Coastal Camera Network to professionally ingest your camera’s RTSP stream and deliver it securely to your website or platform. Our streaming experts can optimize and package the feed for reliable live broadcasting.

The streaming server needs the RTSP stream URL to connect to the camera’s feed. It can then transrate, record, or broadcast the stream as needed.

Secure RTSP (RTSPS) Streaming As mentioned, standard RTSP only encrypts login credentials, not the video/audio data itself. For secure/encrypted streaming between camera and server:

 

• • On Axis cameras: Enable RTSPS mode and set the secure streaming port (e.g. 322). Use rtsp://cameraIP:322/axis-media/media.amp for the secure stream URL.
  • On Bosch cameras: Enable RTSPS on Network Services page. The secure stream uses rtsp://cameraIP:9554/ by default (cannot change port).

With the proper secure RTSP (RTSPS/SRTP) setup, the video is encrypted end-to-end between the IP camera and the streaming server or viewing device.