External RTSP
The Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) is used to stream live audio or video between devices. It supports real-time transmission, making it ideal for applications like video surveillance. Manufacturers of cameras, recorders, and software implement RTSP to ensure compatibility with other devices in the market.
Use Case
External RTSP allows administrators to use third-party software that processes RTSP streams for additional analytics beyond the Meraki dashboard. It also enables the integration of MVs into existing legacy camera deployments.
Prerequisites
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RTSP is supported on second-generation cameras (MV2, MV12, MV22, MV32, MV52, MV72) and third-generation cameras (MV13, MV33, MV63, MV93). It is not supported on MV21 and MV71.
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RTSP is available only on MV firmware version 4.2 and newer. Refer to Managing Firmware Upgrades for steps to schedule this firmware upgrade for your network.
Caveats
- Only live video can be streamed.
- Only 2 simultaneous streams per camera.
- There is no metadata attached to the RTSP stream.
- RTSP currently utilizes TCP streaming on port 9000
- The RTSP stream will respect the resolution, quality, privacy windows, and sensor crop settings that are configured in the dashboard.
Use the bitrate from the quality settings to calculate the impact of RTSP streams on network bandwidth usage.
- There is no secure connection or encryption when streaming video.
Refer to the FAQs for examples on securing camera access.
Configuration
RTSP must be enabled for each camera individually. This can be done through the Meraki dashboard or by using the Meraki Dashboard API:
Dashboard
1. Select Cameras > Monitor > Cameras and select a camera from the list.
2. Select Settings > Video Settings.
3. Under External RTSP select Yes and use the provided stream link to access the camera.
API
The following API call can be used to enable or disable External RTSP:
PUT https://api.meraki.com/api/v0/devices/{serial}/camera/video/settings
Request body: {"externalRtspEnabled":true}
Response code: 200
Response body: {"externalRtspEnabled": true, "rtspUrl": rtsp://10.0.0.1:9000/live}
Troubleshooting
I Cannot Access the Stream Via URL
Ensure the device accessing the RTSP stream has direct network access to the camera. Verify that the streaming device can successfully ping the camera's LAN IP.
Refer to FAQs for more information.