ONVIF releases add-on in support of secure system communications

The add-on supports the configuration for TLS encryption, thereby enabling a conformant video management system to initially configure or update TLS settings in a conformant device, such as a camera, in order to support encrypted communications between the device and the client.

“Cyber security is only growing in importance and using TLS as the foundational layer for cyber resilience is a baseline,” said Leo Levit, chairman of the ONVIF Steering Committee. “With this new add-on, end users and system integrators alike can continue to combine products from different vendors, while in parallel enjoying a standard way in which to configure TLS for improved security.”

The TLS Configuration add-on is the first add-on to be released. An add-on involves a feature or features that address a specific use case or end user need that’s not already covered under an ONVIF Profile. Add-ons are also a new category of ONVIF specifications that complement an ONVIF Profile, enabling manufacturers to conform to not only an ONVIF Profile, but also to extend its conformance to include certain features. Products must conform to an ONVIF Profile before claiming conformance to an ONVIF add-on.

The add-on concept allows ONVIF to respond to the needs of the market more quickly, with increased interoperability and flexibility. An add-on can more easily address evolving technology/specification requirements, such as the case with cyber security.

New technology additions

ONVIF Profiles, meanwhile, are permanent, fixed sets of features that enable a functional product to be developed solely on the Profile. Add-ons also support version handling to accommodate new technology additions or updates, unlike Profiles which don’t change.

ONVIF offers Profile S for streaming video, Profile G for video recording and storage, Profile C for physical access control, Profile A for broader access control configuration, Profile T for advanced video streaming, Profile M for metadata and events for analytics applications and Profile D for access control peripherals.

As an organisation, ONVIF continues to work with its members to expand the number of IP interoperability solutions that conformant products can provide.

*Further information about conformant products, including ONVIF member companies and their conformant models, is available to view on the ONVIF website at www.onvif.org