Secure Raw Streams

Topics included in this article:

• Overview
  • Secure Raw Stream Details
  • RTSP Security Gaps
• Console Navigation
  • Create a Secure Raw Stream
  • Share a Secure Raw Stream
  • Delete a Secure Raw Stream
• Implementing the Secure Raw Stream
  • VMS/NVR
  • Video Player
• Milestone Configuration
• Helpful Links
• Contact Support or Sales

Overview

Rhombus's decision to use an alternative to Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) is based on security for our clients and their information. Secure raw streams provide an H.264 stream over HTTPS, one of the most reliable and widely used video streaming protocols for online videos. This allows live video to be streamed over LAN from a Rhombus camera to a third-party device.

Note: This feature can only be utilized while viewing cameras on your Local Area Network (LAN).

Secure Raw Stream Details

The Rhombus Secure Raw Streaming feature is a live, stripped-down H.264 stream of a camera feed. Using this stream in an NVR/DVR setup will download the footage to that storage device and, depending on the VMS capabilities, allow you to view previously downloaded footage as well as real-time footage.

Rhombus recommends having a VLAN set up with DCHP IP reservation in case the IP address changes after a camera disconnection or reboot. Static IP can be used in place of DCHP.

Note: The camera stream will not have any AI analytics, timestamps, or event markers. R360 cameras will only stream in fisheye view.

RTSP Security Gaps

Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) does not meet Rhombus standards for the reasons below:

• RTSP is not encrypted via the channel or route the stream is coming from.
  • This can cause an individual to packet sniff the network and acquire stream data.
• RTSP violates Rhombus's user privacy and security.
  • Having RTSP as a default on our Rhombus cameras would not pass our routine third-party security audits.
• RTSP lacks end-to-end encryption.
• Passwords are exposed as plain text in RTSP URLs.

Console Navigation

Create a Secure Raw Stream

Share a Secure Raw Stream

Delete a Secure Raw Stream

Implementing the Secure Raw Stream

Secure Raw Streaming is ideal for customers who want to integrate Rhombus cameras with their existing NVR/DVR system as they gradually deploy Rhombus throughout their organization, enabling a smoother transition process.

VMS/NVR

Our Secure Raw Streams can be used in video management software and on an NVR/DVR system. This lets customers stream live footage within third-party apps to facilitate powerful and niche analytics.

Video Player

Below is an example of how to use the video player VLC to play the Secure Raw Stream. 

Milestone Configuration

Milestone has the ability to ingest Rhombus SRS into their VMS, this can be useful for phased deployments or monitoring cameras of different brands on one platform. The steps below will provide information on how to properly set up Milestone for Rhombus Secure Raw Streams:

1. Navigate to "Add Hardware" and select Manual. Click "Next."

2. Check the box for admin and leave default password as is, and click "Next."

3. Click the drop down for "Universal" and select the "Universal 1 channel driver." Select "Next."

4. Input the camera IP address, preferred port, HTTPS port and select the "Universal 1 channel driver." DO NOT select "Use HTTPS." Select "Next."

5. Assign the camera to a group and click "Finish."

6. The camera will now be populated on the server but the image will show "no video." The next steps will dial in the settings to allow the SRS to stream through the VMS.

7. Navigate to the driver and copy the settings below.

8. Go to the camera in the Rhombus Console, select the SRS link and copy the URI as seen below and place URI in "Connection URI" in the Milestone settings.

9. Navigate back to the camera and copy the below settings.

Note: The URI is part of the SRS URL and is specific per camera.

Helpful Links

• Introducing A Safer Alternative to RTSP: Secure Raw Streaming
• How to Set Up in Milestone

Contact Support or Sales

Have more questions? Contact Rhombus Support at +1 (877) 746-6797 option 2 or support@rhombus.com.

Interested in learning more? Contact Rhombus Sales at +1 (877) 746-6797 option 1 or sales@rhombus.com.