Streaming from an encoder

Applies To: Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2

Application Protocol Protocol Port Description

HTTP

TCP

8080 (In)

1-65535 (Out)

The Windows Media server uses the TCP In port to accept the incoming encoder connection when the encoder "pushes" the stream to the server.

The Windows Media server uses the TCP Out port value that is specified in the encoder to "pull" the stream from the encoder. Many encoders use port 8080 by default.

A Windows Media server can be configured to stream live content directly from an encoder source. For a broadcast publishing point to stream a live encoding session, the content path must be set so that the encoder "pushes" the content through the firewall to the server or the server "pulls" the content through the firewall from the encoder.

When pushing a stream, the encoder initiates an HTTP connection with the server, typically through port 8080. On the other hand, when pulling the stream from the encoder, the server initiates the connection, and port configuration for the outbound port is usually not required unless the encoder administrator specifies a different port (other than port 8080). If a different port is used, you must specify the same port when you identify the encoder connection URL for the Windows Media server and when opening the port on your firewall.

If the encoder is pushing the content, the WMS HTTP Server Control Protocol plug-in must be enabled in Windows Media Services Administrator so that the encoder can connect to the server. If you are pulling the stream from the encoder, set the publishing point path to reference the URL of the encoder from which you want to stream content (for example, https://encoder:port).

Note

If you are planning to deliver content as a multicast stream from the server, you must create and distribute an announcement before you begin encoding. An announcement is the means by which you communicate to clients that your content is available. In addition, if the server is behind a firewall, you must open ports in the firewall for the multicast stream.