Open Network Video Interface Forum(ONVIF)
ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) is an organization composed of multiple physical security manufacturers, to produce standards for interoperability between IP-based security cameras and physical security products. It dates back to 2008 and was founded by Axis Communications, Bosch Security Systems, and Sony. They cover not only security camera functionality, but also access control.
Benefits of ONVIF
ONVIF standardizes the communication between security devices and the software produced by various manufacturers, so that a customer can mix and match different products.
ONVIF Use Cases:
- Security Cameras: Purchasing cameras from different vendors, in cases where one cannot garner all the required functionality in one product line, or purchasing various cameras due to cost limitations
- Video Management Software and Devices: using a VMS or NVR in conjunction with cameras manufactured by one or multiple vendors
- System Integration: Integrating two or more systems in case of mergers and acquisitions
Types of ONVIF Devices
ONVIF devices can be IP-based cameras, NVRs, and encoders, while examples of ONVIF clients include VMS servers and media players. The latter uses a mix between the ONVIF protocol (over port 580) to request a particular stream, and the well-known RTSP protocol (over port 554) to carry the data transfer.
The core ONVIF specification covers IP configuration, device discovery and management, viewing and PTZ control, events, analytics, and security. In order to make it easy for one to understand if two different devices or software systems can interact with each other, they need to both have the same profile (such as D, G, M, S, or T).
How to Become ONVIF Enabled
Each ONVIF profile provides clear specifications (sets of features) that each manufacturer must follow for their products to be ratified. Only an ONVIF member can go through this process, utilizing a Test Tool to produce a Declaration of Conformance. Once that happens, the publicly available ONVIF database gets updated, and anyone interested can search and find these products.
Note: a device or software can be certified across multiple profiles, but two different ones must share at least one profile in order for them to interoperate.
One caveat to this is that ONVIF compliance is a self-certified process (with no 3rd party involvement), meaning that the ONVIF group takes no responsibility when two different products or functionalities do not perform well, or not function at all. This means it is solely the responsibility of the customer to test this interoperability, and that vendors are not legally liable to adhere to these standards.
Does Verkada Support ONVIF?
Yes! Verkada Command Connector supports ONVIF Profile S conformant third-party devices. You can easily connect to existing systems and automate your building security using Verkada’s API, webhooks and RTSP streams.
Any client who’s undergoing a long transition from a previous system can use RTSP to pull streams using the Verkada Command Connector, providing an easy on-ramp to our cloud-based system. This enables a simplified cloud transition while keeping financial and operational considerations top-of-mind.
Disclaimer: The Verkada Command Connector is not an ONVIF conformant device. Any references to ONVIF in this article pertain solely to non-Verkada ONVIF conformant cameras.
How to Connect Existing Physical Security Systems using Verkada
The Verkada Command Connector allows organizations to add legacy cameras to their Command organization quickly, easily, and reliably. Command Connector supports most features of native Verkada cameras, including video analytics, easy remote administration, simplified retention, and a single pane-of-glass management platform.
Learn more about Verkada Integrations or view the full list of Integration Partners. Keep in mind we’re constantly adding new partners, so not only will our customers’ products keep evolving with over-the-air feature updates, our security integration ecosystem will also continue to grow.
Designed with simplicity in mind, Verkada’s six product lines — video security cameras, door-based access control, environmental sensors, alarms, intercoms, and workplace software — provide unparalleled visibility through a single cloud-based software platform.
Try Fully Integrated Video Security Systems
Experience how Verkada’s integrated security and smart building solutions work together at any scale. Get a customized demo of Verkada to see how your organization benefits from an easy, but powerful security solution, or get a free 30-day trial with free shipping both ways. Terms apply.