SRT (Secure Reliable Transport) is an open-source video transport protocol designed to enable the secure and reliable transmission of high-quality video streams over unreliable networks, such as the internet. Developed by Haivision, SRT offers enhanced protection against network issues like packet loss, latency, and jitter, making it ideal for live streaming, remote production, and other applications where low-latency and high-quality video are crucial.

How SRT Works

SRT enhances video streaming by combining reliability, security, and efficiency to overcome the challenges of internet-based video delivery:

1. Packet Recovery & Retransmission – SRT employs automatic retransmission mechanisms to recover lost packets, ensuring video streams remain smooth even during network disruptions.
2. End-to-End Encryption – The protocol includes built-in AES-256 encryption, ensuring that data is securely transmitted from the sender to the receiver without being intercepted or tampered with.
3. Low-Latency Streaming – By adjusting transmission parameters dynamically (like buffering and error correction), SRT minimizes latency while maintaining stream quality.
4. Error Resilience – SRT handles packet loss and network instability gracefully by using Forward Error Correction (FEC) and Adaptive Bitrate Control.

Key Features

• Secure Video Transport – Built-in AES encryption ensures that video streams are protected from unauthorized access or tampering, making it a secure choice for sensitive content.
• High Reliability – By retransmitting lost packets and using error-correction methods, SRT guarantees a smooth, uninterrupted streaming experience, even on unreliable or poor-quality networks.
• Low Latency – SRT minimizes delays in video transmission, making it well-suited for live broadcasts, remote production, and real-time communication.
• Adaptability – SRT adjusts to fluctuating network conditions, ensuring optimal performance for video delivery regardless of network instability.

Challenges & Considerations

While SRT provides many advantages, it does come with some challenges that need to be considered. One major consideration is the network resources required to maintain optimal performance. SRT’s retransmission mechanisms can consume additional bandwidth and processing power, especially when dealing with high packet loss or low-quality networks. This may impact overall network efficiency if not properly managed. Additionally, configuration complexity is another challenge. SRT requires a level of expertise to set up, especially for encryption, error correction, and latency management. Configuring these settings incorrectly may lead to suboptimal performance. Finally, compatibility with legacy systems can sometimes be an issue. Older video streaming infrastructure may require additional components or updates to support SRT effectively.

Common Use Cases

• Live Event Broadcasting – SRT is commonly used in the live broadcast industry to transmit high-quality video in real-time, even over unreliable networks.
• Remote Production – With SRT, broadcasters can remotely produce content by sending video from cameras in the field to central studios without requiring expensive dedicated lines.
• Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) – SRT enables CDNs to deliver video streams to end-users with improved reliability and quality, even in regions with fluctuating internet speeds.
• Corporate Communications & Teleconferencing – Businesses use SRT for secure and high-quality video conferencing, particularly when low-latency is required for real-time interactions.

SRT provides a comprehensive solution for reliable, secure, and efficient video transport, making it an ideal protocol for live streaming, broadcast and other video-based applications that require consistent, high-quality delivery over the internet.