Adding Cameras to TheRelay

Add your RTSP cameras to TheRelay by providing the camera's RTSP stream URL and credentials. The TheRelay Agent will handle the rest, publishing your streams securely to the cloud.

Adding a Camera - Step by Step

Step 1: Find Your Camera's RTSP URL

Each camera manufacturer uses different stream paths. Use the examples below to find the correct URL format for your camera.

Step 2: Log Into TheRelay Dashboard

Navigate to the Agents section and select the agent where you want to add the camera.

Step 3: Add Camera

Click "+ Add Camera" and fill in the following:

• Camera Name: A friendly name (e.g., "Entrance Camera")
• RTSP URL: The full RTSP stream path from your camera
• Username: Camera login username
• Password: Camera login password

Step 4: Verify Connection

Click "Test Connection" to verify the agent can reach the camera and stream is accessible.

Step 5: Save Camera

Click "Save". The camera will appear in your dashboard within seconds.

RTSP URL Examples by Camera Brand

Use these examples to construct the correct RTSP URL for your camera model. Replace the IP address, username, password, and stream parameters with your actual camera details.

Hikvision Cameras

Main Stream (High Quality):

rtsp://username:password@192.168.1.100:554/Streaming/Channels/101

Sub Stream (Low Bandwidth):

rtsp://username:password@192.168.1.100:554/Streaming/Channels/102

Dahua Cameras

Main Stream:

rtsp://username:password@192.168.1.100:554/stream/main

Sub Stream:

rtsp://username:password@192.168.1.100:554/stream/sub

Axis Cameras

RTSP Stream:

rtsp://username:password@192.168.1.100:554/axis-media/media.amp

Generic RTSP Cameras

Standard RTSP:

rtsp://username:password@192.168.1.100:554/stream

Alternative:

rtsp://username:password@192.168.1.100:554/live

Testing Without TheRelay

To test an RTSP URL before adding it to TheRelay, you can use VLC:

1. Open VLC Media Player
2. Go to Media > Open Network Stream
3. Paste your RTSP URL
4. Click Play
5. If the stream plays, the URL is correct

Finding Your Camera's IP Address

Network Scan Method

Use network scanning tools to find devices on your network:

• On Windows: Use Advanced IP Scanner or Angry IP Scanner
• On Linux: Use nmap or arp-scan
• Look for devices matching your camera manufacturer

Router Method

Check your router's DHCP client list:

1. Log into your router admin interface
2. Navigate to DHCP or Connected Devices
3. Look for your camera by MAC address or hostname
4. Note the assigned IP address

Default Credentials

If you don't know the camera password, check the manufacturer's documentation for default credentials:

• Hikvision: admin / 12345
• Dahua: admin / admin
• Axis: root / (no password)
• Always change default credentials in production

Troubleshooting Camera Connection

Connection Test Failed

• Verify the IP address is correct
• Confirm username and password are correct
• Test RTSP URL in VLC first
• Check firewall between agent and camera
• Ensure RTSP port (usually 554) is not blocked

Camera Offline in Dashboard

• Check if camera is powered on
• Verify network connectivity to camera
• Review agent logs for disconnection reason
• Restart the agent service if needed

Poor Stream Quality

• Use main stream instead of sub-stream for better quality
• Check agent CPU and network bandwidth
• Reduce bitrate settings in camera if available
• Consider using SRT protocol for better reliability