WINK Media Router
Government Video Sharing Platform
Technical Whitepaper
WINK Streaming
Firmware 3.0
July 2025
Table of Contents
- 1. Executive Summary
- 2. The Multi-Agency Video Sharing Challenge
- 3. WINK Media Router Architecture
- 4. 20,000 Camera Scale Management
- 5. Five-Tier Permission System
- 6. One-Time Password (OTP) Authentication
- 7. Native VMS Integration
- 8. High Availability and Resilience
- 9. Analytics Integration Platform
- 10. Real-World Government Deployments
- 11. Rapid Deployment and ROI
- 12. Conclusion
1. Executive Summary
The Platform Built for Government: WINK Media Router is the only video sharing platform designed from the ground up for government agencies. It manages 20,000+ cameras simultaneously, provides granular multi-agency access control, and deploys in 30 minutes—not months.
Government agencies face a unique challenge: they need to share video between systems that were never designed to work together - legacy analog, modern IP cameras, different VMS platforms, proprietary systems. Traditional VMS platforms excel at internal management but fail completely at external sharing and protocol translation.
WINK Media Router is the universal media delivery system that bridges ALL video infrastructure:
- Universal Protocol Support: Every streaming protocol from analog to 2025 standards
- Massive Scale: Manage 20,000+ cameras in a single interface
- Protocol Translation: Any input to any output - seamlessly
- Legacy to Modern: Bridge 30-year-old systems with cutting-edge technology
- Multi-Agency Sharing: Connect incompatible systems instantly
- Universal Access: Any device, any location, any protocol
2. The Multi-Agency Video Sharing Challenge
The Current State of Government Video Sharing
The Shocking Reality: During multi-agency incidents, government agencies still resort to texting cell phone photos of monitors, conducting Zoom calls with screen sharing, or driving to each other's command centers to view video. This is 2025, not 1995.
Why Traditional VMS Platforms Fail at Sharing
| Sharing Requirement |
VMS Limitation |
Real Impact |
| Share with other agency |
Requires same VMS, version, licensing |
Impossible in practice |
| Public access (511 systems) |
No public distribution capability |
Separate system required |
| Emergency responder access |
VPN and client software required |
Takes hours to set up |
| Temporary event access |
Permanent user accounts only |
Security risk, admin burden |
| Mobile access |
Proprietary apps, limited functionality |
Poor adoption, limited use |
The Cost of Poor Video Sharing
Case Study: Multi-State Manhunt
Situation: Suspect fleeing across three state lines
Agencies Involved: 3 state police, 15 local PDs, 2 federal agencies
Video Systems: Genetec, Milestone, Avigilon, proprietary federal
Traditional Approach: Phone calls, emails, manual coordination
Result: 4-hour delay in apprehension, suspect crossed additional state line
With WINK Media Router: All agencies viewing same feeds in 5 minutes
3. WINK Media Router Architecture
System Architecture Overview
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ WINK Media Router 3.0 │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ │
│ │ Camera │ │ Stream │ │ Access │ │
│ │ Discovery │ │ Management │ │ Control │ │
│ └──────────────┘ └──────────────┘ └──────────────┘ │
│ │
│ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ │
│ │ OTP │ │ Protocol │ │ Health │ │
│ │ Authenticator│ │ Translator │ │ Monitor │ │
│ └──────────────┘ └──────────────┘ └──────────────┘ │
│ │
│ ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ RESTful API & Web Interface │ │
│ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
│
┌──────────┬───────────────┼───────────────┬──────────┐
│ │ │ │ │
Genetec Milestone IP Cameras Analog/Encoders
Universal Protocol Engine
WINK Media Router is built on a universal protocol engine that can ingest, process, and deliver video using any streaming protocol ever created. From 1990s analog systems to 2025's latest standards - if it's a video protocol, we support it.
Core Components
Camera Discovery Engine
- Automatic discovery via Genetec/Milestone APIs
- ONVIF discovery for direct camera connections
- Bulk import via CSV/JSON
- Automatic metadata extraction (location, type, capabilities)
Stream Management System
- GUID-based stream identification
- Automatic failover and redundancy
- Adaptive bitrate management
- Intelligent caching and distribution
Access Control Framework
- Five-tier permission hierarchy
- Agency-based segregation
- Time-based access windows
- Geographical restrictions
4. 20,000 Camera Scale Management
The Scale Challenge
Reality Check: Major cities have 10,000+ cameras. States manage 20,000+. Traditional management approaches break down completely at this scale.
WINK's Scale Innovation
| Scale Challenge |
Traditional Approach |
WINK Solution |
| Camera organization |
Manual folders/groups |
AI-powered auto-categorization |
| Health monitoring |
Manual checks |
24/7 automated monitoring |
| Access management |
Individual permissions |
Template-based bulk management |
| Performance tracking |
Spot checks |
Real-time analytics dashboard |
| Troubleshooting |
Reactive support |
Predictive failure detection |
Intelligent Camera Management
Smart Features at Scale:
- Auto-Tagging: Cameras automatically tagged by type, location, agency
- Bulk Operations: Update 1,000 cameras with one click
- Smart Search: Find cameras by any attribute in seconds
- Relationship Mapping: Understand camera dependencies and connections
- Performance Scoring: Automatic quality ratings for every stream
5. Five-Tier Permission System
Granular Access Control
Enterprise-Grade Security: WINK's five-tier permission system provides the granularity required for multi-organization sharing while maintaining strict security boundaries.
Permission Tiers
| Tier |
Level |
Capabilities |
Typical Users |
| 1 |
View Only |
Live view, no controls |
Public, media |
| 2 |
Basic Operator |
View + snapshots |
Partner agencies |
| 3 |
Advanced Operator |
View + PTZ control |
Emergency responders |
| 4 |
Supervisor |
All operations + user management |
Agency supervisors |
| 5 |
Administrator |
Full system control |
IT administrators |
Agency-Based Segregation
Horizontal Segregation
- City PD sees only city cameras
- State Police sees state + city
- Federal sees all cameras
- Automatic inheritance rules
Vertical Segregation
- Traffic division sees traffic cameras
- Downtown unit sees downtown only
- SWAT sees all during operations
- Dynamic permission elevation
6. One-Time Password (OTP) Authentication
The Authentication Revolution
Game Changer: OTP authentication allows instant, secure access without creating permanent accounts. Perfect for emergency situations, temporary events, and inter-agency cooperation.
How OTP Works
1. Administrator generates OTP token
- Valid for specific time period (1 hour to 30 days)
- Restricted to specific cameras/groups
- Limited to specific permissions
2. Token shared via secure channel
- Email, SMS, or secure messaging
- No user account creation required
3. Recipient accesses video
- Simple web URL + token
- Works on any device
- No VPN or software required
4. Automatic expiration
- Access revoked automatically
- Full audit trail maintained
- No cleanup required
OTP Use Cases
| Scenario |
Traditional Process |
OTP Process |
Time Savings |
| Emergency response |
Create account, install VPN, configure |
Generate OTP, send link |
2 hours → 30 seconds |
| Media event access |
Individual accounts, manual revocation |
Bulk OTP, auto-expiration |
4 hours → 5 minutes |
| Multi-agency operation |
VPN setup, software deployment |
OTP links via email |
1 day → 2 minutes |
7. Native VMS Integration
Seamless Genetec Integration
Certified Partner: WINK maintains official Genetec SDK certification, ensuring seamless integration with all Security Center versions.
Genetec Integration Features
- Automatic Discovery: All cameras imported with metadata
- Live & Recorded: Access both live and archived video
- PTZ Passthrough: Full camera control via Genetec protocols
- Event Integration: Alarms and analytics trigger notifications
- Federation Support: Multiple Genetec systems as one
Milestone XProtect Integration
Integration Capabilities
- Management Server API connection
- Recording Server direct access
- Smart Client coordination
- Evidence lock preservation
- Bookmark synchronization
Universal Camera Support
For direct camera connections, Media Router emulates native protocols:
Enterprise Cameras
- Axis VAPIX API
- Panasonic CGI
- Sony VISCA
- Pelco D/P protocols
Asian Manufacturers
- Hikvision ISAPI
- Dahua HTTP API
- Uniview SDK
- Hanwha (Samsung) API
8. High Availability and Resilience
VRRP High Availability
┌─────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────┐
│ Media Router │ │ Media Router │
│ Primary │←───→│ Secondary │
│ (Active) │ VRRP│ (Standby) │
└────────┬────────┘ └────────┬────────┘
│ │
└───────────┬───────────┘
│
Virtual IP
│
Load Balancer
│
Clients
Automatic Failover Features
- Sub-second failover detection
- Stateful session migration
- No client reconfiguration required
- Automatic failback when primary recovers
Network Resilience
| Feature |
Benefit |
Use Case |
| Network Bonding |
Aggregate multiple NICs |
Increased throughput |
| Multi-WAN Support |
Automatic ISP failover |
Internet redundancy |
| Adaptive Bitrate |
Adjust to network conditions |
Congestion handling |
| Edge Caching |
Local content delivery |
Reduce bandwidth usage |
9. Analytics Integration Platform
WINK Analytics Add-On
AI-Powered Intelligence: WINK Analytics adds computer vision capabilities to any camera stream, providing object detection, behavior analysis, and pattern recognition.
Analytics Capabilities
- Object Detection: People, vehicles, weapons, packages
- Behavior Analysis: Loitering, running, fighting, falling
- Crowd Analytics: Density, flow, gathering detection
- Perimeter Protection: Line crossing, intrusion detection
- Search: Find objects/events across all cameras
WINK AI Traffic Add-On
Traffic Intelligence Features
- Vehicle Classification: FHWA 13-class system
- Speed Detection: Without radar, using video only
- Traffic Counting: Volume, occupancy, gaps
- Incident Detection: Stopped vehicles, wrong-way, accidents
- License Plate Recognition: ALPR with state database integration
Analytics in Action: City Emergency
Scenario: Active shooter reported at mall
Analytics Response:
- Weapon detection activated on all cameras
- Crowd flow analysis shows evacuation routes
- Person tracking follows suspect movement
- Vehicle identification in parking areas
Result: Suspect located in 3 minutes vs 45 minutes manual search
10. Real-World Applications
State Department of Transportation
Scale: 15,000 Cameras Statewide
Challenge: Cameras owned by state, counties, cities - different systems
Solution:
- WINK Media Router as central aggregation point
- Integration with 5 different VMS platforms
- Public feed to 511 traveler information
- Restricted feeds to law enforcement
- Emergency operations center integration
Results:
- Complete camera visibility achieved across all agencies
- Improved incident response coordination
- Unified platform for all stakeholders
- Public access through 511 website
Major Metropolitan Area
Scale: 20,000 Cameras, 15 Agencies
Challenge: Real-time intelligence center for multi-agency coordination
Solution:
- WINK Media Router managing all camera feeds
- Tiered access for different agency levels
- OTP system for emergency access
- Analytics for pattern detection
- Mobile access for field units
Results:
- Enhanced multi-agency coordination
- Improved evidence collection capabilities
- Mobile access for field units
- Real-time intelligence sharing
Federal Facility Network
Scale: 50 Facilities, 5,000 Cameras
Challenge: Centralized monitoring with local autonomy
Solution:
- Distributed Media Router deployment
- Central command visibility
- Local facility control maintained
- Encrypted transmission via SRT
- Integration with access control systems
Results:
- Unified security operations achieved
- Centralized monitoring with local control
- Maintained compliance requirements
- Improved security coordination
11. Conclusion
The Universal Media Delivery Platform: WINK Media Router is the industry's most comprehensive media delivery system, supporting every live protocol from legacy analog to cutting-edge streaming standards. By serving as the universal translator between all video systems, it enables seamless multi-agency sharing regardless of technology differences.
Key WINK Media Router Features
- 20,000+ Camera Management: Scale to handle the largest deployments
- OTP Authentication: One-time passwords for secure temporary access
- Five-Tier Permissions: Granular access control for multi-agency sharing
- Native VMS Integration: Direct SDK integration with Genetec and Milestone
- 24/7 Health Monitoring: Real-time monitoring and alerting
- Universal Protocol Support: Every live protocol - legacy to modern
- Universal Compatibility: Works with any camera, any VMS, any system
- Analytics Add-ons: WINK Analytics and WINK AI Traffic integration
- VRRP High Availability: Automatic failover for mission-critical operations
- Executive Reporting: PDF reports and CSV exports for management
The Path Forward
Government agencies can no longer afford the luxury of isolated video systems. Public safety demands real-time collaboration, and WINK Media Router delivers it.
Next Steps
- 30-Day Trial: Full platform access with your cameras
- Proof of Concept: Connect to your existing VMS
- ROI Analysis: Custom savings calculation for your agency
- Reference Calls: Speak with deployed agencies
About WINK Streaming
WINK Streaming is the trusted video infrastructure provider for government agencies worldwide. Our solutions power state DOTs, major cities, federal facilities, and emergency operations centers. With 20+ years of experience in government video, we understand the unique challenges agencies face.
Contact Information
Transform your agency's video capabilities in 30 minutes. Contact us today for your free trial.
© 2025 WINK Streaming. All rights reserved.
WINK Media Router is a trademark of WINK Streaming Global, Inc.
All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Version 1.0 - July 2025
