What is ONVIF? Summary of ONVFI related knowledge

If users purchase network cameras from one company and purchase network video recorders (NVRs) or video management software (VMS) from another supplier. During installation and use, the devices are incompatible with each other, which is terrible. For example, the network video recorder cannot recognize the network camera and users cannot add it. At this time, the security monitoring industry needs to follow a common protocol, and the ONVIF protocol was born.

The establishment of the ONVIF standard is to solve the compatibility problem between network video monitoring products. ONVIF is committed to promoting the application of network video in the security market through open interface standards around the world. This interface standard will ensure that network video products produced by different manufacturers have interoperability.

Although most network monitoring products are compatible with ONVIF standards, many users do not fully understand the true content of the ONVIF protocol. Therefore, this article will introduce the 6 common questions about the ONVIF protocol.

1. What is ONVIF?

ONVIF is the abbreviation of Open Network Video Interface Forum. It is an open organization established in 2008. ONVIF focuses on the development of global standards for IP security products based on networks (such as network cameras connected to network video recorders, network cameras connected to monitoring software, and access control systems).

In the past, if a camera manufacturer released a new camera, the camera had to embed its own developed connection protocol. These protocols are usually not compatible with products from other manufacturers. Therefore, users cannot purchase all front-end and back-end products from the same manufacturer at the same time. In most cases, a manufacturer cannot provide all products. Therefore, the use and installation of such products becomes very complicated. The emergence of the ONVIF protocol has well solved the problem that products from various manufacturers cannot be compatible with each other.

The three core principles of ONVIF are: standardization of communication between network security products, interoperability between different brands, and openness to all companies and organizations.

2. What is the ONVIF protocol?

The ONVI specifications include network configuration; device discovery; device management; PTZ camera control; and video analysis, etc. These specifications are written into the ONVIF profile (ONVIF Profiles). Among them, ONVIF Profile C is a protocol standard for network access control systems. ONVIF Profile G is used for video storage and playback. Profile S is dedicated to network monitoring systems.

3. Must ONVIF and Profile S be compatible at the same time?

When understanding the product, we cannot simply know that the product is compatible with the ONVIF protocol. We must know the type of profile (such as Profile S) that the product is compatible with. Just compatible with the ONVIF protocol does not mean that network monitoring devices can interconnect. To truly achieve camera and NVR compatibility, the devices must adopt Profile S configuration. Using Profile S configuration can ensure that the device can work normally for audio and video transmission, video settings, and multi-point transmission.

4. What does ONVIF compatibility mean?

ONVIF compatibility means that you can rest assured to purchase and use the device. The device can work with network devices that adopt the same profile (Profile), such as Profile S devices are compatible with other Profile S products. To ensure compatibility, ONVIF provides specification test tools and product test tools for its members to detect product compatibility. Once passed the test, members can declare that their products comply with the ONVIF protocol. Currently, there are more than 5,000 ONVIF compatible products on the market.

5. How is the ONVIF protocol implemented?

According to ONVIF.org, the interface defined in the ONVIF specification device management and control part is provided in the form of Web Services to ensure compatibility. ONVIF also uses other similar protocols such as RTP/RTSP streaming media protocols for video streaming, audio transmission and motion detection; and H.264 compression standards.

6. Why is ONVIF very important?

According to the ONVIF official website, its official members have reached 500, including Hikvision, Dahua, Huawei and other well-known security brands at home and abroad.

An open standard like ONVIF makes it easier for monitoring products and software to integrate with third-party products. A standard is suitable for all network security products, reduces a lot of repetitive labor for development, and unnecessary manpower, material and time consumption, and improves product reliability. Greater interoperability and compatibility help the industry to upgrade collectively and ultimately bring greater benefits to consumers.

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