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MPEG-4 protocols and communication methods

To deliver live streaming video over IP networks, various combinations of transport protocols and broadcast methods are employed.

•RTP (Realtime Transport Protocol) is a protocol that allows programs to manage the real-time trans- mission of multimedia data, via unicast or multicast.

•RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) serves as a control protocol, to negotiate which transport pro- tocol to use for the stream. RTSP is thus used by a viewing client to start a unicast session, see below.

•UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is a communications protocol that offers limited service for exchang- ing data in a network that uses the Internet Protocol (IP). UDP is an alternative to the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). The advantage of UDP is that it is not required to deliver all data and may drop network packets when there is e.g. network congestion. This is suitable for live video, as there is no point in re-transmitting old information that will not be displayed anyway.

•Unicasting is communication between a single sender and a single receiver over a network. This means that the video stream goes independently to each user, and each user gets their own stream. A benefit of unicasting is that if one stream fails, it only affects one user.

•Multicast is bandwidth-conserving technology that reduces bandwidth usage by simultaneously delivering a single stream of information to multiple network users. This technology is used prima- rily on delimited networks (intranets), as each user needs an uninterrupted data flow and should not rely on network routers.

How to stream MPEG-4

Deciding on the combination of protocols and methods to use depends on your viewing requirements, and on the properties of your network. Setting the preferred method(s) is done in the control applet for AMC, which is found in the Windows Control Panel. When this has been set, AMC will test all the selected methods in the specified order, until the first functioning method is found.

RTP+RTSP

This method (actually RTP over UDP and RTSP over TCP) should be your first consideration for live video, especially when it is important to always have an up-to-date video stream, even if some images do get dropped. This can be configured as multicast or unicast.

Multicasting provides the most efficient usage of bandwidth, especially when there are large numbers of clients viewing simultaneously. Note however, that a multicast broadcast cannot pass a network router unless the router is configured to allow this. It is thus not possible to multicast over e.g. the Internet.

Unicasting should be used for video-on-demand broadcasting, so that there is no video traffic on the network until a client connects and requests the stream. However, as more and more unicast clients connect, the traffic on the network will increase and may cause congestion. Although there is a maximum of 20 unicast viewers, note that all multicast users combined count as 1 unicast viewer.

RTP/RTSP

This unicast method is RTP tunneled over RTSP. This can be used to exploit the fact that it is relatively simple to configure firewalls to allow RTSP traffic.

RTP/RTSP/HTTP or RTP/RTSP/HTTPS

These two methods can also be used to traverse firewalls. Firewalls are commonly configured to allow the HTTP protocol, thus allowing RTP to be tunneled.

AXIS Media Control

The recommended method of accessing live video (MPEG-4 and/or Motion JPEG) and audio from the AXIS 214 PTZ is to use the AXIS Media Control (AMC) in Microsoft Internet Explorer in Windows. This ActiveX component is automatically installed on first use, after which it can be configured by opening the AMC Control Panel applet from the Windows Control Panel. Alternatively, right-click the video image in Internet Explorer.

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Axis Communications 214 PTZ MPEG-4 protocols and communication methods, How to stream MPEG-4, Axis Media Control, Rtp+Rtsp

214 PTZ specifications

The Axis Communications 214 PTZ is a sophisticated network camera designed for surveillance and security applications. This camera is equipped with advanced features that allow for flexible monitoring and exceptional image quality, making it a preferred choice for various environments including retail, transportation, and public spaces.

One of the standout features of the Axis 214 PTZ is its Pan-Tilt-Zoom capabilities. The camera can pan 360 degrees continuously and has a tilt range of 90 degrees, providing users with the ability to cover large areas. With its powerful zoom function, the camera can magnify subjects up to 36 times, making it easier to identify details from a distance. This is particularly useful for applications requiring detailed observation, such as monitoring entrances or tracking vehicles in a parking lot.

The 214 PTZ also boasts impressive image quality, supporting up to 4CIF resolution at full frame rate. It employs progressive scan technology and delivers clear images, even in challenging lighting conditions. This is further enhanced by features such as day/night functionality, which allows the camera to switch to infrared mode for low-light environments. The built-in wide dynamic range (WDR) capability helps to balance scenes with high contrast lighting, ensuring that both bright and dark areas are visible.

In terms of connectivity, the Axis 214 PTZ utilizes Power over Ethernet (PoE), simplifying installation and reducing cable clutter by allowing the camera to receive power and data through a single Ethernet cable. This enhances flexibility in camera placement as it eliminates the need for separate power supplies. Additionally, the camera supports various video compression formats, including H.264 and Motion JPEG, optimizing bandwidth usage while maintaining high-quality video streams.

Security is paramount in surveillance applications, and the Axis 214 PTZ is equipped with robust security features. It supports HTTPS encryption, ensuring that video feeds are secure from unauthorized access. The camera also includes tampering alarms and a secure access control system that can restrict user access based on specific permissions.

Lastly, the user-friendly interface and compatibility with various Axis Video Management Software solutions allow for seamless integration into existing security systems. The camera's robust construction ensures reliability in diverse weather conditions, making it an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor applications. Overall, the Axis Communications 214 PTZ camera combines advanced surveillance technology with user-centric design to deliver a versatile and dependable security solution.