Distributing content

Applies To: Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2

Application Protocol Protocol Port Description

RTSP

TCP

554 (Out)

The Windows Media distribution server uses this TCP Out port to establish an RTSP connection to the origin server.

RTSP

UDP

1024-5000 (In)

The Windows Media distribution server uses a port within this UDP In port range to receive data packets from the origin server.

RTSP

UDP

5005 (Out)

The Windows Media distribution server uses this UDP Out port to send correction-oriented control messages to the origin server.

HTTP

TCP

80 (Out)

The Windows Media distribution server uses this TCP Out port to establish an HTTP connection to the origin server.

MSB

UDP

1-65535 (In)

The Windows Media distribution server uses a port within this UDP In port range when receiving a multicast stream from the origin server. The UDP In port number on the distribution server must match the UDP Out port number of the origin server that is delivering the multicast.

A distribution server publishes content that is received from another streaming source (called the origin server), such as another Windows Media server. Any computer that runs Windows Media Services can operate as a distribution server. The origin server is the source of the content that the distribution server streams. Distribution servers are located between the origin server and clients in the content stream. Clients connect to the distribution server as if it were the origin server.

A distribution server can be placed inside your network firewall and source from an origin server that is outside your firewall, providing clients inside your firewall with access to the content without opening additional ports. Alternatively, a distribution server can be placed outside the network firewall and source from an origin server that is inside the firewall, providing clients that are outside the firewall with access to your content.

Note

If the Windows Media distribution server is receiving a multicast stream from the origin server, the port value that is specified must match the port value that is specified in the multicast information (.nsc) file. In addition, you must allow packets that are sent to the IP multicast address that is specified in the .nsc file to come through your firewall.