What RTSP Actually Does — and Why It Still Matters

RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) is a standard used by many IP cameras. Dahua, Hikvision, Axis, Uniview, and countless others rely on RTSP to transmit video over a network. Because it is open, simple, and versatile, RTSP remains one of the most widely supported ways to connect CCTV devices.

However, RTSP itself does not analyse video. It only delivers the stream. This means businesses still need an analytics system that can process the feed, interpret events, and generate meaningful alerts.

This is where Edge AI video analytics hubs fill the gap. They collect the RTSP stream, process it locally, and deliver accurate detections without sending private footage to the cloud.

How Edge AI Enhances RTSP Streams From Any IP Camera

Even basic RTSP cameras can deliver powerful results when paired with Edge AI. Instead of depending on motion detection or cloud-heavy systems, Edge AI enables:

• Local object detection

• Real-time event classification

• Low-latency alerts

• Greater accuracy

• Lower false alarm rates

• Full privacy and data control

Because processing remains on the device, it avoids the performance issues and privacy concerns seen in cloud-centric solutions.

Looking to upgrade your RTSP camera system? Find out more about our Spartan Series, and the full range of features here.

Using Dahua RTSP Streams With a Privacy-First Edge AI Hub

Although Monitoreal is designed and built in the EU under strict privacy and NDAA-compliant standards, it still supports RTSP and ONVIF streams from almost any IP camera, including Dahua. This allows organisations to enhance their existing infrastructure without replacing hardware.

Here is how the process typically works:

1. Connect the Dahua Camera to Your Network

The camera only needs to be visible on the same network as the Monitoreal device. No port forwarding or cloud accounts are required.

2. Add the Camera Using Its RTSP Stream

Installers can paste the RTSP URL directly into Monitoreal’s interface. The system automatically detects stream quality and verifies compatibility.

3. Apply Intelligent Object Detection

Once connected, the Edge AI hub can detect:

• People

• Vehicles

• Animals

• Bags

• Delivery drivers

• And more than 20 additional object types

Advanced behaviours, such as loitering, intrusion, or zone-based detection, can also be enabled.

4. Configure Real-Time Alerts

Monitoreal supports real-time notifications via:

• SMS

• Email

• Mobile push

• Relay outputs

• Lights

• Sirens

• Pre-recorded or live audio announcements

This allows users to take immediate action when an event occurs.

5. Maintain Privacy and Data Sovereignty

This is where Edge AI offers a significant advantage. All analytics remain on the device. No footage is uploaded to external servers, and no cloud processing is required. Even during an internet outage, detections continue.

Why Privacy-First Edge AI Is Safer Than Cloud-Dependent Analytics

Many cloud-based analytics solutions rely on external processing. Although this model may seem convenient, it introduces several risks:

• Higher latency

• Data exposure

• Gateway credentials stored externally

• Service outages

• Vendor lock-in

• Hidden subscription costs

With Edge AI:

• All video stays on-site

• Detections occur instantly

• There are no ongoing subscription fees

• Data sovereignty remains with the customer

• The system remains functional even without internet

This aligns with Monitoreal’s core philosophy: privacy should never be optional.

Compatibility Beyond Dahua: A Truly Camera-Agnostic Approach

Although this blog focuses on how RTSP cameras, including Dahua, can be used with an Edge AI hub, the same process applies to:

• Axis

• Hanwha

• Hikvision

• Uniview

• Bosch

• Oncam

• Milesight

• And all other ONVIF-capable manufacturers

This ensures that large sites with mixed-brand hardware can standardise their analytics across all cameras.

You can learn more about how Monitoreal connects to existing IP cameras using ONVIF and RTSP on our Compatibility page:
👉 https://monitoreal.com/assistants-compatibility/

Troubleshooting RTSP Streams From Dahua and Other Cameras

Although RTSP is simple, a few common issues may appear during setup. Fortunately, most can be resolved quickly.

1. Incorrect RTSP URL
Camera models may use slightly different RTSP formats. Checking the correct path usually fixes the issue.

2. Substream vs Mainstream Settings
Some users accidentally use a substream. Switching to the main stream improves clarity.

3. Codec Mismatch
H.265 and H.264 may behave differently depending on the device. Using H.264 ensures broad compatibility.

4. Network Isolation
If the camera is on a separate VLAN, the Edge AI device must be granted access.

Because Monitoreal processes everything locally, once a camera connects successfully, its analytics remain consistent and stable.

When to Move Away From Dahua Hardware Entirely

Many organisations eventually choose to replace cameras due to:

• Regulatory restrictions (NDAA environments)

• A desire for higher cybersecurity standards

• A shift to EU-manufactured equipment

• Internal compliance or governance rules

• Long-term privacy concerns

Edge AI makes this migration easier. Because the analytics system sits separately from the camera hardware, users can gradually replace cameras without changing their entire infrastructure.

Final Thoughts

RTSP cameras can gain a new level of intelligence when paired with a privacy-first Edge AI video analytics hub. This approach allows organisations to maximise their existing hardware while improving accuracy, reducing false alarms, and maintaining full control over their data.

By processing everything locally, Monitoreal delivers a more secure, more compliant, and more reliable alternative to cloud-dependent platforms.

Transform your existing CCTV setup with Edge AI. Book a free demo today!

📧 sales@monitoreal.com
☎️ +357 24 333 620