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RFC · Real-time communicationStandard explained

RFC 3550: RTP: Transporting real-time media

Summary

RFC 3550 describes RTP and RTCP for time-critical audio and video data over packet-switched networks. Real-time communication optimises for timely rather than perfect delivery. Measurable quality feedback enables adaptive media transmission.

Ideas

  • Sequence numbers detect loss and wrong ordering.
  • Timestamps synchronise playback independently of arrival times.
  • RTCP reports quality and participant information.

Facts

  • RFC 3550 replaces RFC 1889.

Remarks

  • RFC 3550 has the status “Internet Standard”; current errata and successor documents should also be checked.

Recommendations

  • Combine RTP with SRTP for confidentiality and integrity.
  • Monitor loss, jitter and delay together.

References

Read the RFC at the RFC Editor

Search the Web Archive

RFC · 2002

RFC 3261: SIP: Setting up sessions over the internet

RFC 3261 defines SIP for locating participants and for setting up, changing and ending multimedia sessions. Signalling and media path can be operated independently. Flexible addressing runs into NAT and security boundaries in real networks.

RFC · 2004

RFC 3711: SRTP: Confidential real-time media

RFC 3711 adds encryption, integrity and replay protection for audio and video streams to RTP. Real-time security must combine low delay with effective protection. Key management remains a central task outside the media format.

RFC · 1993

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