Definition
RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol) is a real-time audio and video streaming protocol based on TCP, launched by Adobe, with a default port of 1935. RTMP supports low-latency streaming and pulling and is widely used in live streaming, video surveillance, image transmission, and other scenarios. Unlike HLS, which is based on HTTP chunked streaming, RTMP is based on long-connection streaming, resulting in lower latency. In the Internet of Things (IoT) scenarios, RTMP is used for in-vehicle image transmission, charging station monitoring, video feedback, and drone image transmission. RTMP can encapsulate audio and video codecs such as H.264 and AAC.
In cross-border scenarios, RTMP streaming requires a stable connection, and one card for multiple countries can ensure continuous streaming for cross-border live broadcasts and cross-border monitoring; attention should be paid to cross-border traffic costs.
Technical Features and Architecture
The RTMP technical architecture includes: connection layer—TCP long connection, handshake, Chunk stream; message layer—audio and video data, control messages (Connect, CreateStream, Publish, Play, etc.); encoding layer—H.264/HEVC video, AAC audio; streaming/pulling—streaming side (Encoder) → RTMP Server → pulling side (Player). Combined with HLS, it allows RTMP streaming and HLS distribution; combined with video feedback, RTMP is one of the feedback protocols. In cross-border scenarios, RTMP servers can be deployed on CDN to support multi-region access; RTT affects latency.
RTMP latency is usually 1–3 seconds; HTTPS requires RTMPS; some browsers no longer support RTMP plugins, and mobile devices often use HLS, WebRTC, etc.
Application in IoT and cross-border scenarios
RTMP is widely used in: video surveillance——charging stations, parks, and cross-border passage monitoring cameras pushing RTMP streams to monitoring platforms; vehicle video transmission——vehicle video transmission, dashcams streaming in real time; drone video transmission——airborne cameras' video streaming; live streaming and inspection——inspection and live broadcasting with RTMP streaming. Cross-border charging station monitoring, cross-border logistics monitoring, and cross-border drone inspections can all use RTMP, multi-country card ensures cross-border streaming connectivity.
SimtoLink provides IoT devices in RTMP streaming scenarios with stable connections, covering over 200 countries and regions, supporting cross-border video transmission and video surveillance.