This case study highlights Caltrans District 7’s experience using Red5 as a video streaming solution for their state video surveillance needs. Facing dissatisfaction with their previous provider, Wowza, Caltrans District 7 sought a seamless transition to a more robust solution. With Red5 Pro, they were able to reduce streaming latency significantly – by up to 29 seconds.
Caltrans District 7 is one of 12 districts within the California Department of Transportation. This state agency is responsible for planning, building, and maintaining the highway system in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, as well as overseeing public transportation projects aimed at enhancing mobility, safety, and sustainability.
Frustrated with the 15 to 30-second latency of HLS video streaming on Wowza, they were looking to upgrade their existing system for monitoring traffic cameras across metropolitan Los Angeles. Aiming for better latency, high resolution, and mobile compatibility, Caltrans needed a reliable IP-based solution that could support both new and legacy cameras.
The Challenge
California Department of Transportation’s District required a streaming partner capable of meeting highly specific requirements
Ultra Low Latency Video Streaming: Real-time stream latency below 500ms.
High Load Capacity: Capability to handle over 600 simultaneous RTSP streams.
Legacy Camera Compatibility: Integration of both old and new hardware.
PTZ Control Capability: Full control over Pan, Tilt, and Zoom (PTZ) functions for CCTV cameras, with the ability to send control signals from video walls and ATMS clients.
Adaptive Bitrate Streaming: Client players require an auto option to enable Adaptive Bitrate (ABR) streaming, ensuring optimal quality by adjusting resolution and frame rate based on the user’s CPU and network bandwidth.
Mobile Streaming Access: Ability to broadcast RTSP streams live from any location via iOS and Android apps.
Solution
Why Caltrans Chose Red5
After a thorough evaluation, Caltrans District 7 ultimately chose Red5 Pro to meet their streaming needs for two key reasons:
Superior latency performance with WebRTC streaming compared to other options.
Customization capabilities for integration with the Teledyne Flir Chameleon video management system that they already used.
How Did the Migration Go
During the migration, Caltrans District 7 faced several challenges, including unexpected network restrictions and access issues with the Caltrans VPN.
Together, we achieved significant milestones, including custom API development and the integration of new functionalities such as RTSP authentication for cameras, the ability to lock adaptive bitrate resolution instead of it being automatically adjusted, and building a Terraform provider on-premises cloud infrastructure vSphere.
Benefits and Results
Effective real-time streaming for Caltrans District 7 is crucial for managing traffic congestion and ensuring public safety. Instant video feeds allow traffic managers to detect and respond to issues like accidents, hazards, and congestion as they happen, enabling rapid adjustments to traffic flow and quick responses to emergencies.
Using Red5, the California Department of Transportation achieved latency well below 500ms, reducing overall latency by 14 to 29 seconds.
This has proven effective in solving crimes. For instance, in a recent case involving a highway shooting, Caltrans District 7 was able to identify the suspect using live and recorded video footage.
Client Testimonial
Upgrading our video management system was essential for Caltrans District 7, and the collaboration with Red5 Pro and FLIR has proven to be a game changer. Their IP VDS solution not only addressed the limitations of our legacy system but also enhanced our operational capabilities with web-based real-time video streaming, meeting our stringent security requirements. The unmatched clarity in their proposal and positive customer references gave us the confidence to move forward. The high-availability technology provided by Chris Allen’s team allows our system to scale dynamically, ensuring that we can efficiently manage traffic and improve safety across our network.”
— Mumu Aung Than, P.E., Branch Chief at California Department of Transportation D7
Conclusion
Caltrans District 7’s migration from Wowza to Red5 successfully addressed their primary challenges: achieving ultra-low latency streaming, managing a high volume of simultaneous streams, and integrating with legacy camera systems. With Red5’s expertise and support, Caltrans not only achieved real-time IP camera streaming well below 500ms but also enhanced traffic management capabilities and response efficiency.
