Definition
Real-time Transport Control Protocol (RTCP) is a networking protocol that works alongside the Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP), which manages the delivery of audio and video over the Internet. Nonetheless, RTCP handles these audio and video streams.
Real-time Transport Control Protocol Application
- Online gaming: RTCP is used in multiplayer online gaming, particularly those with voice chat features.
- Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): This protocol offers metrics like jitter and packet loss for smooth voice communication.
- Video conferencing and live streaming: RCTP monitors the quality of audio and video streams in video conferencing environments. The feedback enables the adjustment of the bitrate and the resolution of synchronization issues.
Types of RTCP Packets
- Sender Report (SR) packets originate from the stream’s primary source and contain details like timestamps, the amount of sent data, and the number of packets.
- Receiver report (RR) packets are sent by the devices receiving the stream. They provide feedback on how the stream is being received.
- Source description (SDES) packets provide details about the participants in the steaming session.
- Goodbye (BYE) packets indicate that a user is leaving the session.
- Application-specific (APP) packets enable the developer to add extra features to the application.