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Version: v2.3.0

URL Syntax

Depending on the input or output type the URL Syntax may have different options and parameters

Multicast/UDP​

Specifying Network Interface​

When streaming content over a network using UDP, it's often necessary to control the network interface used for sending the stream. Bitstreams provides a feature that allows specifying the local address of the network interface for UDP multicast streaming using the localaddr option.

The localaddr option is particularly useful in the following scenarios:

  1. Multiple Network Interfaces: When the streaming server is equipped with multiple network interfaces, specifying the localaddr ensures that the multicast stream is sent through the correct interface. This is crucial in complex network setups where different interfaces are connected to different segments of a network or have different roles.

  2. Network Traffic Control: In environments where it's important to control the flow of network traffic precisely, using localaddr can help manage bandwidth and ensure that multicast traffic does not interfere with other network activities.

  3. Specific Routing Requirements: In some cases, multicast streams need to be routed through specific network paths. By binding the stream to a particular interface, you can influence the routing behavior, assuming the network is configured accordingly.

udp://[multicast_address]:[port]?localaddr=[local_IP_address]
Parameter Details
  • [multicast_address]: The IP address of the multicast group.
  • [port]: The port number for the multicast stream.
  • [local_IP_address]: The IP address of the local network interface that should be used for the outgoing stream.

Example

udp://239.1.1.1:8000?localaddr=192.168.2.1

Source Specific Multicast​

It may be beneficial to set the source of an incoming UDP multicast stream. Bitstreams allows setting the source-specific multicast (SSM) address by using the sources option.

The sources option is particularly useful in the following scenarios:

  1. Selective Multicast Reception: When the streaming server needs to receive multicast traffic specifically from designated sources, specifying the sources ensures that the server only accepts streams from these specified source addresses. This is crucial for enhancing security and reducing unwanted network traffic.

  2. Efficient Network Utilization: In environments where network efficiency is critical, using sources can help in filtering out unnecessary multicast traffic, thereby optimizing bandwidth usage.

udp://[multicast_address]:[port]?sources=[source_IP_address]
Parameter Details
  • [multicast_address]: The IP address of the multicast group.
  • [port]: The port number for the multicast stream.
  • [source_IP_address]: The IP address of the source from which the multicast stream originates.

Example

udp://239.1.1.1:8000?sources=192.168.2.1

MPTS (Multiple Program Transport Stream)​

MPTS (Multiple Program Transport Stream) is used for streaming multiple channels of content over a network. In Bitstreams, specify which program stream to select by using the prg URL parameter.

udp://[multicast_address]:[port]?prg=[ProgramNumber]
note

This only applies for the input URL Address.

Parameter Details
  • [multicast_address]: The IP address of the multicast group.
  • [port]: The port number for the multicast stream.
  • [ProgramNumber]: The number identifying the specific program stream within the MPTS.

Example

udp://239.1.1.1:8000?prg=1432
When stacking multiple URL parameters, use & to separate them:
  • udp://239.1.1.1:8000?prg=123&localaddr=10.0.0.1

RTSP Authentication​

When a username and password is required to access the stream, these parameters can be included in the URL address.

rtsp://[username]:[password]@10.0.128.213:554/stream0
Parameter Details
  • [username]: The required username for the source.
  • [password]: The required password for the source.

Example

rtsp://admin:[email protected]:554/stream0

If authentication is not required then the username and password parameters are not required.

rtsp://10.0.128.213:554/stream0

SRT​

When a stream ID is required for a stream, it needs to be provided as a valid query string. If the stream ID requires special characters, for example & and #, then the string needs to be correctly converted.

Encode the StreamID​

The user can use an URL encoder, for example URL Encoder to paste the stream ID into the provide text box and then click "Encode". If the returned information is the same, then the encoding is not needed and the user can stream ID directly. If the encoded information is different, then use the encoded value as the stream ID.

srt://10.0.128.213:10056?streamid=[Stream ID]
Parameter Details
  • [Stream ID]: The stream ID for the SRT stream.