Streaming/Media Protocols

Streaming and media protocols enable adaptive streaming, live broadcasts, and multimedia content delivery over IP networks. This section covers protocols for real-time video/audio communication, on-demand streaming, and media control.

Protocol

Description

Use Case

DASH

Adaptive bitrate streaming using HTTP. Segments media for client-side quality adjustment.

YouTube, Netflix adaptive streaming

DLNA

Media-sharing protocol suite for consumer devices in home networks.

Home media streaming

HLS

Apple’s segmented HTTP streaming protocol, supports live and VOD.

Apple devices (Safari, iOS, Apple TV)

MPEG-DASH

Standards-based, codec-agnostic adaptive streaming protocol.

OTT platforms, web streaming

RTMP

Low-latency streaming over TCP, originally developed for Flash.

OBS, Twitch, Facebook Live

RTP

Real-time transmission of audio/video, often paired with VoIP.

IP telephony, conferencing

RTSP

Media control protocol (play, pause, etc.) for streaming sessions.

IP cameras, surveillance

RTCP

RTP’s companion for reporting QoS metrics and synchronization.

Media performance monitoring

RFC: ISO/IEC 23009-1

Main Features:

  • Adaptive bitrate streaming over HTTP

  • Segments media into time-aligned chunks

  • Client selects best quality based on network speed

  • Compatible with modern video players and CDNs

Use Cases:

  • YouTube, Netflix, Vimeo adaptive video delivery

  • Streaming under fluctuating bandwidth conditions

Alternative Protocols:

  • HLS – Apple’s HTTP streaming format

  • RTMP – Used for real-time or low-latency streaming

Let us learn more about DASH:

Jump to “DASH”

RFC: No formal RFC (standardized by DLNA.org)

Main Features:

  • Uses UPnP AV and HTTP streaming

  • Enables media sharing between TVs, consoles, phones

  • Works in local/home networks

Use Cases:

  • Home media servers streaming to smart TVs or consoles

  • Auto-discovery and streaming on LAN

Alternative Protocols:

  • Chromecast – Proprietary alternative

  • SMB or NFS – For file-based media sharing

Let us learn more about DLNA:

Jump to “DLNA”

RFC: RFC 8216

Main Features:

  • Developed by Apple for segmented HTTP streaming

  • Supports live and on-demand content

  • Uses M3U8 playlists and media segments (.ts or .m4s)

Use Cases:

  • Streaming on Safari, iOS, Apple TV

  • Live event broadcasts

Alternative Protocols:

  • DASH – Platform-agnostic alternative

  • RTMP – Real-time streaming workflows

Let us learn more about HLS:

Jump to “HLS”

RFC: ISO/IEC 23009-1

Main Features:

  • International standard for adaptive bitrate streaming

  • Codec-agnostic (supports H.264, VP9, etc.)

  • Works across many platforms and devices

Use Cases:

  • Cross-platform video delivery

  • OTT services and HTML5 video players

Alternative Protocols:

  • HLS – Apple ecosystem

  • RTMP – Used for live broadcasting

Let us learn more about MPEG-DASH:

Jump to “MPEG-DASH”

RFC: Proprietary (Adobe)

Main Features:

  • Low-latency, real-time media streaming over TCP

  • Supports video, audio, and metadata

  • Used with Flash and live stream encoders

Use Cases:

  • OBS to YouTube or Twitch live streaming

  • Facebook Live via RTMP ingest

Alternative Protocols:

  • SRT – Secure Reliable Transport for modern low-latency streaming

  • HLS – For segmented HTTP delivery

Let us learn more about RTMP:

Jump to “RTMP”

RFC: RFC 3550

Main Features:

  • Transports real-time audio/video over IP

  • Used with VoIP, video conferencing

  • Works with RTCP for monitoring

Use Cases:

  • WebRTC and SIP-based communication

  • IP phones, Zoom, Teams, etc.

Alternative Protocols:

  • SRTP – Secure version of RTP

  • RTMP – For media broadcasting

Let us learn more about RTP:

Jump to “RTP”

RFC: RFC 2326

Main Features:

  • Controls streaming sessions (play, pause, etc.)

  • Works with RTP for media transport

  • Uses TCP or UDP for control signals

Use Cases:

  • IP cameras, surveillance streaming

  • Media servers with client-side control

Alternative Protocols:

  • HLS / DASH – HTTP-based streaming alternatives

  • WebRTC – Browser-based real-time comms

Let us learn more about RTSP:

Jump to “RTSP”

RFC: RFC 3550

Main Features:

  • Companion protocol to RTP for reporting and control

  • Reports jitter, packet loss, and latency

  • Enables stream synchronization

Use Cases:

  • VoIP and video quality monitoring

  • Media synchronization in conferencing

Alternative Protocols:

  • SNMP – For broader network monitoring

  • SIP – For session setup and signaling

Let us learn more about RTCP:

Jump to “RTCP”