RTSPS

RTSPS, or Real Time Streaming Protocol Secure, refers to the secure variant of the Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP). RTSPS uses Transport Layer Security (TLS) to encrypt the RTSP control channel, protecting commands and responses such as DESCRIBE, SETUP, PLAY, PAUSE, and TEARDOWN from eavesdropping, tampering, and impersonation. Unlike RTSP alone, RTSPS does not by itself guarantee encrypted media; the actual media stream is usually carried by RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol) and may be protected by SRTP; however, encryption of media is optional and depends on the deployment.

RTSP is a control protocol used to establish and control streaming sessions between client and server. It operates over TCP and can negotiate streaming parameters, transport mechanisms, and session state. RTSPS implementations typically wrap RTSP messages within TLS. Because RTSP over TLS is not defined by a single universal standard, deployments may vary in preferred TLS versions, cipher suites, port numbers, and whether the control channel is secured only or both control and media channels.

Use cases for RTSPS include IP cameras, surveillance systems, and video servers, where secure streaming over untrusted networks is desired. It is often configured to run on standard HTTPS ports (for example, 443) or dedicated ports defined by device firmware. Security considerations include proper certificate management, strong TLS configurations, and awareness that securing the control channel does not automatically secure the media path unless SRTP is used. Compatibility may vary across clients and devices, affecting interoperability. See also RTSP, RTSP over TLS, SRTP, RTP, IP camera.