RIST Introduces IP Multicast Authentication

2nd August 2022: The Reliable Internet Stream Transport (RIST) Forum has announced that the RIST Main Profile Specification (VSF TR-06-2) now supports IP Multicast Authentication. The upcoming TR-06-2:2022 includes a mechanism to authenticate a multitude of receivers, the EAP SHA256-SRP6a Authentication Protocol.

The RIST Forum is an industry group dedicated to facilitating and promoting the adoption of the RIST protocol, the only protocol designed for delivering premium broadcast-grade content over the public internet, without losing quality. It ensures that video content will be reliably delivered to audiences, regardless of bandwidth limitations.

Using the EAP SHA256-SRP6a Authentication Protocol, RIST can be used to securely create a multicast content distribution system without customers being locked into a proprietary vendor system. This new feature enables bidirectional authentication and is based on the use of username/password, thus removing the need to generate and maintain complex SSL certificates. RIST also includes mechanisms to de-authorize receivers on-the-fly without disturbing the content.

Ciro Noronha, President, the RIST Forum, commented: “Since its development, RIST has natively supported IP Multicast, enabling one-to-many transmission with reliable, low-latency delivery. With security a growing concern for broadcasters, authentication becomes even more crucial when transmitting content over a combination of network lines. The RIST Multicast Authentication system offers a free alternative to costly proprietary DRM systems and ensures that only authorized receivers are able to decrypt the multicast content.”

The EAP SHA256-SRP6a Authentication Protocol will be published as part of the 2022 update for both RIST Main Profile (VSF TR-06-2) and RIST Advanced Profile (VSF TR-06-3).

RIST spokespeople will be available to meet at IBC between 9-12 September. Get in touch to arrange a meeting.