The Complete Guide to SRT Configuration

Published: September 28, 2026 | Author: Dualz Solutions Team | Reading Time: 15 minutes

SRT (Secure Reliable Transport) has become the de facto standard for professional video transport over unpredictable networks. Its combination of encryption, error correction, and adaptive latency makes it ideal for a wide range of applications. However, getting the most out of SRT requires understanding its configuration options.

Understanding SRT Basics

SRT was developed by Haivision and is now an open-source protocol maintained by the SRT Alliance. It provides:

- Encryption: AES-128, AES-192, or AES-256

- Error Correction: Packet loss recovery

- Latency Control: Adaptive buffering

- Bandwidth Adaptation: Automatic adjustment to network conditions

Key Configuration Parameters

Latency (ms)

The buffer size for error recovery. Higher latency provides better error correction but increases delay.

- Low latency: 60-120ms (for live events)

- Standard: 200-300ms (balanced)

- High latency: 500ms+ (for unstable networks)

Loss Percentage (%)

Maximum acceptable packet loss before SRT gives up on recovery.

- Strict: 5-10% (high-quality networks)

- Standard: 10-20% (typical internet)

- Lenient: 20-30% (challenging networks)

Encryption

- 0: No encryption

- 1: AES-128

- 2: AES-192

- 3: AES-256

Configuration Examples

Low Latency (Live Sports)

Latency: 120ms
Loss Percentage: 10%
Encryption: AES-128

High Reliability (News Contribution)

Latency: 500ms
Loss Percentage: 25%
Encryption: AES-256

Testing Your Configuration

Use SRT's built-in test tools to validate your setup before going live. Monitor packet loss, jitter, and latency metrics.

Conclusion

The right SRT configuration depends on your use case. Start with conservative settings and adjust based on real-world performance data.