Flash Player 10 new network protocol: RTMFP
RTMFP (Real-Time Media Flow Protocol) is a new communication protocol from Adobe that enables direct peer-to-peer communication between multiple Adobe Flash Players and Adobe AIR applications. This new protocol requires Flash Player 10 and a new release of Adobe AIR framework as well as a new release of Flash Media Server (FMS).
Applications that rely on live, real-time communications, such as social networks and multiuser games will be able to deliver higher quality communication solutions. RTMFP enables end-users to connect and communicate directly with each other using a webcam and microphone. Document sharing will not be supported with RTMFP.
RTMFP Benefits
RTMFP adds a number of basic networking benefits including reduced bandwidth, lower latency, lossy transmission, and an increased quality of delivery using UDP (User Datagram Protocol). Additional benefits include:
- Reduced Bandwidth Costs: RTMFP flows data between end-user clients and not the server, bandwidth is not being used at the sever so solutions are less expensive to scale.
- Quality of Delivery: Using UDP, RTMFP also increases the quality of delivery. UDP ensures that connections are not interrupted if variations occur within the network.
- Two features that improve connection reliability over other protocols, such as TCP:
- Rapid Connection Restore: Connections are reestablished quickly after brief outages. For example, when a wireless network connection experiences a dropout. After reconnection, full capabilities are instantly restored.
- IP Mobility: Even if a client changes to a new IP address, active network peer sessions are maintained. Although TCP does support this feature, it would take much longer to restore performance.
RTMFP Security
RTMFP network traffic is encrypted with 128-bit cipher. A client is required to know the name of the stream and have the Peer ID of the publisherfor the client to play a stream that is published with RTMFP. The Peer ID is a 256-bit value associated with the publisher's identity. The publisher must accept a peer request before a connection is made.
To use RTMFP you need to publish content for Flash Player 10 beta that communicates with a version of Flash Media Server (FMS) that supports RTMFP.
Note: As of September 5, 2008, no release plans have been announced for the new versions of Adobe AIR or Adobe Flash Media Server that will support RTMFP.
Additional Information
See the RTMFP FAQ (PDF, 166K) for more information about the new Real Time Media Flow Protocol feature in Flash Player 10.
For an overview of the changes for Flash Player 10 beta, read Introducing Flash Player 10.
Flash Player 10 beta is available to download and install on Adobe Labs.
This content requires Flash
To view this content, JavaScript must be enabled, and you need the latest version of the Adobe Flash Player.
Download the free Flash Player now!
