ONVIF Ending Support for Profile S

ONVIF Ending Support for Profile S  

A commonly asked question is ​“what is ONVIF protocol?” This question confuses two different concepts: a standard and a protocol. ONVIF is a security standard, whereas RTSP — a key element of video and audio streaming — is a protocol.

For the avoidance of doubt, ​“ONVIF protocol” is an incorrect term, because it is a standard. The ONVIF standards are defined by several manufacturers in the video security industry, including Pelco, enabling products across brands to work together and interface seamlessly. This standard determines how a protocol like RTSP will work. 

RTSP stands for Real Time Streaming Protocol. It controls video and audio transmission between two endpoints, and enables it to happen with minimal latency (delay) over an internet connection. ONVIF IP cameras use a specific standard (known as a profile) to stream video and audio. In doing so, the standard defines certain rules about how RTSP should work and which ONVIF specifications it should follow.

Over a larger ONVIF security camera system, this means that all devices are using the same streaming protocol to transmit video to network recording devices, which are primed to receive it in that specific format.

ONVIF stands for Open Network Video Interface Forum. Its aim is to provide a standard for the interface between different IP-based physical security devices. In simple  terms, ONVIF specifications provide a consistent way for devices from multiple manufacturers to work together, where previously they would not have been able to. These standardized ONVIF specifications are like a common language that all devices can use to communicate.

The end user benefits from this interoperability because they are no longer tied to a single brand for everything to work; now, a business can use several different brands’ systems, with a single standard to communicate. Want to use the best ONVIF camera from Brand A, but you also want Brand B’s ONVIF IP cameras, and Brand C’s ONVIF NVR? No problem — because the ONVIF standard enables them all to work together.

ONVIF is ending support for Profile S on March 31, 2027. Profile S, which was introduced in 2011, specifies authentication methods that are no longer aligned with current cybersecurity standards. 

“After 14 years, Profile S has served its purpose of enabling basic video streaming interoperability for more than 33,000 conformant devices and clients from different vendors,” said Leo Levit, Chairman of the ONVIF Steering Committee. “As ONVIF profiles do not change to preserve the interoperability of conformant products, we recognize the need to phase it out in line with today’s security recommendations.”

ONVIF recommends the use of Profile T as a replacement for Profile S. Launched in 2018, Profile T includes virtually all Profile S features plus advanced video surveillance capabilities. End users can still use Profile S for basic video streaming between Profile S conformant devices and clients, but for security reasons, ONVIF strongly encourages customers to discontinue the use of the username token authentication method and choose instead more secure authentication mechanisms like digest authentication supported in Profile T or through TLS (HTTPS mode).

Cybersecurity Best Practices for IP-based Physical Security Products

ONVIF recommends following local regulations, industry best practices, and staying on top of updates from the marketplace. ONVIF has outlined a general, non-exhaustive set of recommendations for best practices within cybersecurity. The recommendations should not be considered as the only source or guideline to combat cybersecurity threats.

In addition to the recommendations, ONVIF supports TLS (Transport Layer Security), a secure communication protocol that allows ONVIF devices with that feature to communicate with clients across a network in a way that protects against tampering and eavesdropping.

Profile S Conformant Products

After March 31, 2027, it will not be possible for manufacturers to submit new products or older products with new firmware/software versions for Profile S conformance. Products that have already achieved Profile S conformance will always remain conformant for the specified firmware version and date of conformance. Profile S conformant products will continue to be searchable in the ONVIF conformant products database.

ONVIF conformant products and is the authoritative source for determining whether or not a product is officially ONVIF conformant and supports one or multiple ONVIF profiles. A product is registered in the database after it successfully passes the relevant ONVIF test tool and all the necessary documents have been submitted to ONVIF by the member manufacturer. Conformance is tied to a product’s specific firmware/software version and is valid indefinitely for the specific firmware/software version of that product. To ensure an existing product is conformant, the product’s firmware/software version must match the version listed for the product in the database. ONVIF releases new device and client test tools twice a year (June and December), and each test tool version is valid until a new version is released, plus a further grace period of about three months. For more information, see the Conformance FAQ page.

Note that products may use ONVIF specifications, but they may not claim to be ONVIF conformant without completing the ONVIF Conformance Process. Only ONVIF members can claim conformance, but ONVIF membership alone does not guarantee that products sold by members are ONVIF conformant.

TLS Configuration Add-on

As ONVIF adapts to new cybersecurity requirements, the specifications of the current ONVIF TLS Configuration Add-on will also be upgraded at the end of 2026. Unlike profiles, add-ons are adaptable to changing technology/specification requirements due to version handling.

Luxriot Video Management Software

 Luxriot Video Management Software

A video management software (VMS) is a part of video surveillance system that allows the user to access real time videos, record, store, & playback recorded videos and derive useful insights of the surveillance site.

Current Video Management Systems are capable of offering much more than just surveillance, hence, upgrading a VMS system becomes as important as upgrading the other assets of the business. A VMS system can be upgraded when an organization is:

·        Using a traditional CCTV surveillance system (Old equipment and cameras)

·        Incurring increased maintenance costs of the existing surveillance system.

·        Expanding from Single site to multiple sites (Small to medium to large sized enterprises)

·        In the need of Intelligent Video Analytics for monitoring sites, employees or business processes.

·        Requiring Video Analytics for improving the site operations to benefit the customers, users of the VMS or employees.

·        In need for standardization of VMS system equipment.

There are few things that users must consider while selecting Video surveillance cameras for their VMS system. Users must check:

·        The camera resolution (image quality)

·        Indoor or outdoor camera compatibility

·        Wired or wireless cameras

·        Light sensitivity of the camera (ability of a surveillance camera to work in low light)

·        Shape of the camera (box type, bullet camera or dome camera)

·        Frame rate (more frames per second –fps defines more clear video)

Video Management Software can be classified into three main categories are per the surveillance sites ― small, medium and large sized VMS installations. Small size VMS installations support 10-20 cameras and are suitable for small enterprises, primarily operating in single sites. Mid-sized VMS installations (connecting 20 -50 cameras) are suitable for small to mid-sized enterprises and large-sized VMS installations (more than 50 cameras) are suitable for big multi-site or multi location enterprises. Small enterprises can just purchase plug-and-play VMS packages and get it installed by any technician. In medium or large sized VMS projects, companies can either outsource the services to VMS service providers or system integrators.

Third party systems are compatible devices, systems, and applications (from another vendor) that can be integrated with a Video Management System to improve its functionality. Security devices like access control devices, IP cameras, alarms, fire, and smoke detectors or devices like barcode scanners, speakers, Point of sale systems, electronic tags, etc., which can help businesses to streamline their operations are a few of the third-party systems for a video management software. Luxriot VMS is an open architecture Video Management System (VMS). Luxriot VMS accepts MJPEG, MPEG4 and H.264 as well as HD and megapixel video streams from Network (IP) cameras, encoders and video capture boards. Luxriot® VMS is integrated with over 3000 devices from all major manufacturers including ACTi, Arecont Vision, Axis, Hikvision, Messoa, Samsung, SONY, UDP, Vivotek and others. This along with Luxriot® VMS client-server architecture allows to build hybrid scalable solutions from a single NVR/DVR to the multiple server system handling thousands of cameras. Indian Country business partner is SSA Integrate.

Video Management Software can be classified into three deployment types:

·        On-premise VMS
On-premise VMS solutions are best suitable for managing video surveillance of a single site. All the streaming, recording & management servers, storage devices & applications are installed locally on-site. This allows user to manage their security and connected device ecosystem from the site itself.

·        Cloud based VMS
The cloud based VMS, unlike the on-premise VMS possesses higher flexibility and scalability. It allows the user to manage multiple sites, all at the same time – from any location and at any time.

·        Hybrid VMS
Hybrid VMS solution is a flexible surveillance solution, which generally comes with the capability of managing both analog and IP video signals simultaneously. It allows the enterprises to have traditional VMS solution to coexist with the functionalities of cloud Video Surveillance.

Latency in Video Management System can be defined as a delay in time between the frames captured by the surveillance camera and video feeds displayed on the screen. Latency is measured in seconds and milliseconds (ms). The delay in video feeds (Latency) in a VMS system can occur at different stages of the system; right from IP cameras, transmission network, streamer server to display monitors. To have efficient and real-time video surveillance, VMS systems are intended to function with zero or low latency.

Small businesses with a single location can be secured using on premise video management systems, which may require IP cameras as per requirement (up to 9 / 16 cameras), a DVR for on premise storage, a monitor to display footage, and an open software for basic surveillance functionality. Users can also upgrade their systems with additional security analytical features by purchasing specific licensed versions of the VMS software. Small businesses can also integrate systems like POS software, time and attendance software, and security alarms to manage important business processes with the VMS system.

Video analytics is a capability of leveraging structured algorithms in a video management software to analyse the unstructured video data and generate actionable insights for immediate response and effective decisions. Video analytics continuously scans the live video footage and captures the incidents according to the user configured criteria.  The data generated through live and recorded videos, via video analytics, helps in establishing a comprehensive security solution for retail, fleet transportation, city surveillance & other industry verticals.

Luxriot VMS Software Features

·        English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Czech, Polish, Russian, Hebrew, Hungarian, Chinese, Danish, Estonian, Finnish, Greek, Simplified Chinese, Turkish, Korean, Japanese and Dutch localizations

·        DATA MINING with smart search filters for all Analytics

·        Luxriot API/SDK (Client Kit) 

·        License Plate Recognition (add-on product)

·        Broadcast Server for web and mobile clients

·        Video Analytics (add-on product) (people counting, car counting, object counting, intruder perimeter detection, direction filter, dwell filter, removed object detection, abandoned object detection, tailgating, calibration, camera shake cancellation, camera tamper detection, enter exit filters, stopping filter and more.

·        JPEG, MPEG2, MPEG4, H.264 video compressions 

·        HTTP, RTP, RTSP, TFTP  protocols 

·        Certified ONVIF Profile S compliancy

·        4K Ready

·        Chromecast support

·        Two-way audio for Audio enabled devices

·        Multicast for multicast enabled cameras

·        Support for multiple capture boards for hybrid installations

·        Video and Audio recording, playback and export. Export both remotely and locally

·        Full, time-lapse, motion-controlled, scheduler-controlled recording

·        SAN, DAS and NAS storage support (DAS support for Luxriot® VMS servers)

·        Multiple monitors support 

·        Extensive user/group permissions control

·        Web access from IE, Firefox, Chrome, Safari browsers

·        Mobile Applications for Android and iOS devices

·        PTZ control by Joystick and CCTV Keyboard

·        Bandwidth, FPS and resolution control 

Insights from video analytics not only helps retail stores in improving security, but also helps in improving customer’s shopping experience through in-depth insights on their buying behavior.  Devices like cameras, temperature sensors, handheld scanners, smart shelves, smart carts & access control devices, etc. generate in-store video analytics data.

Multi-site businesses require Video Management Software to be installed as a combination of On-premise and Cloud based VMS systems (Hybrid VMS). While, on premise Video Management Software allows each site to secure its premise through video surveillance, at the same time, cloud based VMS on multi-tenant federated architecture ensures interconnectivity and centralized monitoring of the sites. A federated cloud architecture based VMS also provides scalability and multi-tenancy to VMS system of geographically distributed multi-site enterprises.

Mail us to know more: ssaintegrate@gmail.com