This part contains a description of the protocol implemented by Aravis for the control of the gigabit ethenet cameras. This protocol is a standard used by many video cameras manufacturers for their products. It is a closed standard which should not be confused by what is used on 'IP cameras'. In the case of 'IP cameras' the video stream is a compressed stream (jpeg, h264...) send over HTTP or RTSP, whereas in Aravis, the video stream is a raw stream, mainly targeted to industrial applications (though the protocol supports non raw payload, it is not yet implemented in Aravis).

The protocol implemented by Aravis library is based on UDP packets transmited over an ethernet link. Two different types of packets are used: GVCP packets and GVSP packets. GVCP packets are used for the control of the devices, and GVSP for the transmission of the data stream.

This documentation is the result of a reverse engineering, which means it is far from complete. A more complete description of the ethernet protocol can be found in the GVSP and GVCP dissectors found in Wireshark sources.