SRT is an open-source protocol that delivers secure, low-latency video and audio streaming over unpredictable networks, using error recovery and encryption.
Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) is a video transport protocol designed to combine the low-latency advantages of UDP with the reliability and security typically associated with TCP-like mechanisms. It operates at the application layer—on top of UDP—and provides features such as packet recovery (via ARQ), controlled latency, and AES encryption, enabling high-quality streaming even across jittery or lossy networks.
Originally developed by Haivision and later released as open source, SRT has gained broad industry adoption through the SRT Alliance. Its resilience, firewall-friendliness, and end-to-end encryption make it a preferred choice for live video contribution and distribution over the public internet.
Benefits & Advantages of SRT
- Low Latency: Tunable streaming delay (often sub-second), optimized for real-time workflows.
- Reliability: Uses ARQ-based packet recovery to withstand jitter and packet loss.
- Security: End-to-end encryption using AES, plus simplified firewall traversal.
- Vendor-Neutral: Wide support across encoders, software frameworks (FFmpeg, GStreamer), and broadcasting platforms.