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RTSP Camera Stream & Firewall Integration Requirements for EIQ-Platescan

For CCTV Installers and IT Administrators

This page defines the technical, physical, and networking requirements for delivering a stable and accurate RTSP video stream from on-site cameras into the EntranceIQ platform. EntranceIQ only pulls RTSP streams; we do not accept inbound video connections.

Proper camera mounting, optical alignment, network configuration, and stream optimization are essential for reliable system operation and high-accuracy license plate recognition (LPR).

Camera Positioning & Field-of-View Requirements

Proper physical mounting and alignment are the foundation for accurate LPR performance. Cameras must be positioned and zoomed to capture only the rear of the vehicle and the license plate area within a single travel lane.

  • Mounting Height

    Install cameras 8–10 feet above ground level for optimal viewing angle and collision avoidance.

  • Curbside Placement

     Cameras should be mounted on the curbside of the post, positioned no farther than the inside edge of the curb.
    This prevents large vehicles (delivery trucks, vans, RVs) from striking the camera during wide turns. 

  • Setback Distance 

    Cameras equipped with optical zoom must be positioned approximately 35 feet upstream from the vehicle stop point.

    • If no kiosk is installed:
      Position camera approximately 35 feet back from the gate operator.
    • If an EIQ kiosk is installed (EIQ-Welcome or EIQ-ASK):
      Position camera approximately 35 feet back from the kiosk location, as the kiosk becomes the primary vehicle stop and interaction point.

  • Single Lane Capture 

    Each camera must capture only its assigned lane. Multi-lane or wide-angle captures are not acceptable. 

  • Text Signs

    Try to avoid placing text signs in the view of the camera. They may be captured as license plates.

Required Optical Alignment

Aim the camera directly at the rear of the vehicle, centered on the lane.

Use optical zoom so the license plate fills a significant portion of the frame.

Avoid capturing adjacent lanes, opposite-direction traffic, or parking areas.

Why Proper Placement Is Critical

LPR systems interpret any visible plate in the frame. Improper mounting leads to:

  • Cross-lane reads
  • Incorrect vehicle associations
  • Invalid access events
  • Lower recognition accuracy

Correct positioning ensures each camera reliably captures its dedicated lane.

Network & Firewall Requirements

EntranceIQ establishes outbound TCP connections to each camera, and all RTSP communication is initiated by EntranceIQ. A static public IP address is required at the installation location.

Required Firewall Rules

  • Allow TCP inbound to each camera from the EntranceIQ system on the RTSP port.
  • Standard RTSP port: 554/tcp
  • Custom RTSP ports must also be permitted.
  • VLAN-segmented environments must allow RTSP communication across VLAN boundaries.

Multi-Camera Port Mapping (NAT, Remote Sites, Cellular Networks)

When cameras are installed behind NAT, LTE gateways, routers, or isolated networks, port mapping (port forwarding) must be used.

Recommended Mapping Scheme

  • Camera 1 → External Port 30001 → Internal Port 554
  • Camera 2 → External Port 30002 → Internal Port 554
  • Camera 3 → External Port 30003 → Internal Port 554
  • Continue sequentially for additional cameras.

Benefits

  • Internal camera RTSP settings remain standard
  • Each camera receives a unique external access port
  • Eliminates overlapping port conflicts
  • Enables EntranceIQ to pull each stream independently

Note: EntranceIQ requires only outbound access to these ports—never inbound to our system.

Camera Configuration Requirements

Each camera must be configured to deliver a stable, bandwidth-efficient RTSP stream.

Required Stream Settings

  • Resolution: 720p or 1080p
  • Codec: H.264 preferred
  • Frame Rate: 10–15 FPS
  • Bitrate: 4–8 Mbps for 1080p
  • Bitrate Mode: Constant Bitrate (CBR)
  • Keyframe Interval (GOP): Equal to FPS or up to 2× FPS
  • Time Sync: Must use a reliable NTP time source

Stream Profile Selection

Use a stream profile that provides stable quality without excessive bandwidth. Avoid:

  • 4K streams
  • Experimental codecs
  • Ultra-high bitrates

RTSP URL Requirements

EntranceIQ must receive the exact RTSP URL for each camera

The URL must include:

  • Credentials (preferably a read-only user)
  • Camera Public IP address
  • RTSP port (external)
  • Full stream path

Examples

  • Axis:
     rtsp://<username>:<password>@Public_IP:554/axis-media/media.amp
  • Digital Watchdog:
     (Main Stream): rtsp://Public_IP:554/main/ch1
  • Digital Watchdog:
     (Sub Stream): rtsp://Public_IP:554/sub/ch1
  • Ubiquiti:
    (UniFi / UVC): rtsp://<username>:<password>@Public_IP:554/<stream-path>
  • Avigilon (Single Sensor): rtsp://<username>:<password>@Public_IP:554/defaultPrimary?streamType=u
  • Avigilon (Multi-Sensor): rtsp://<username>:<password>@Public_IP:554/defaultPrimary-x?streamType=u
  • Geovision:
    rtsp://<username>:<password>@Public_IP:8554/CH001.sdp

Stream Verification Requirements

Before submitting camera details, installers must verify that the stream functions correctly.

Verification Process

  1. Open VLC Media Player or another RTSP-compatible tool.
  2. Enter the complete RTSP URL.
  3. Verify:
    • Continuous playback for 2–3 minutes
    • No freezes, reconnecting, or buffering
    • Resolution and FPS appear correct
  4. For port-mapped cameras, verify using the external port, not only the internal address.

A stream must pass verification before EntranceIQ can integrate it.

Information Required by EntranceIQ

Provide the following for each camera:

  1. Camera name identifying the view or monitored location
  2. RTSP port confirmed
  3. Verified RTSP URL
  4. Confirmation the stream was tested using VLC
  5. Confirmation that firewall rules allow outbound access from EntranceIQ to the camera or mapped port(s)