RTSP is a streaming protocol allowing Verkada cameras to integrate live video into third party applications or media players. We support RTSP 1.0 and RFC 2326. Verkada camera RTSP streams can only be accessed over the local network from private addresses as defined in RFC 1918. The video is streamed directly from the camera to the client, without passing through the Verkada Cloud.
We offer two qualities of RTSP streams: standard-quality and high-quality. The resolution and bitrate of the RTSP streams are the same as in Verkada Command (see defaults here). Up to two concurrent RTSP streams can be set for a single camera.
In order to prevent unauthorized access to the camera feed, RTSP streams are secured with a username and password configured when RTSP is enabled. The password must be at least 8 characters long and contain an uppercase character, a lowercase character and a number. We recommend using special characters to further strengthen the integrity of the password. Note that a valid password is required to enable RTSP streams and users are prompted to enter a valid password the first time they toggle the feature on.
For your convenience, the RTSP URLs are displayed in Verkada Command, allowing the user to copy and paste them with one click. You will have to replace the [PASSWORD] text in the URL with the password that you set-up for the camera, before using it in the RTSP client.
Securing RTSP
RTSP 1.0 is widely supported by vendors for interoperability but because it is an unencrypted protocol, proper network configuration is needed to secure the data. We recommend that you take the following steps to secure your camera network before enabling RTSP:
1. Create a custom username and password for RTSP that is not reused in any other system. Generate a random long password for this purpose.
2. Segregate your cameras onto a separate network, VLAN, or VPN that is not accessible from the Internet or other untrusted systems.
3. If you use a 3rd-party cloud video integration, set up a VPN between the 3rd-party system and your camera network as the RTSP authentication and connection is not encrypted when streaming video.
4. Configure your external/edge firewall to drop RTSP traffic (port 8554).
5. Add only the minimum necessary RTSP client IP addresses in Verkada Command.
6. If you have traffic shaping/limiting capabilities, consider configuring the bandwidth allowed for RTSP.
Requirements
Only Site Admins will have the ability to enable this feature
Process
Navigate to the Settings page for the camera.
Under Devices toggle on Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP)
You will be prompted to enter a username and password
Note: You will need to store your password in a secure location as it will not be displayed again after it is created
Copy the desired standard or high-resolution URL and change the [PASSWORD] section with the password you created
Note: You can also edit this feature in bulk from the Devices page
Once you have updated the link you add it to your third-party application
Note: Audio is not available on all modes. Check the camera datasheet for more information.
Camera | RTSP Type | RFC | RTSP Stream | RTSP Audio | Max. Standard Quality Streams | Max. High Definition Quality Streams | Max Concurrent Streams |
D30 D40 D50 D80 CM41-S CB51-E CB51-TE CB52-E CB52-TE CB61-E CB61-TE CH52-E | 1.0 | 2326 | Yes | No | 2 | 2 | 2 |
CD31 CD31-E CD41 CD41-E CD51 CD51-E CD61 CD61-E CD42 CD42-E CD52 CD52-E CD62 CD62-E CM41 CM41-E CM61 CF81 | 1.0 | 2326 | Yes | Yes | 2 | 2 | 2 |