How to Set Up a Free RTMP Server on a Dedicated Server Using Apache and Red5 in 7 Steps

At iDatam, we specialize exclusively in dedicated servers, ideal for performance-heavy applications like video streaming, gaming infrastructure, and scalable deployments. If you’re looking to set up a free RTMP server on your dedicated machine for live streaming, this guide walks you through the process in 7 simple steps—using the powerful and open-source Ant Media Server (Community Edition).

What You'll Learn

System Requirements & Prerequisites

• A Linux dedicated server (Ubuntu 20.04+ recommended)

• Apache installed (optional, for reverse proxy or frontend)

• Java 11+ installed

• Git and Maven for building Red5

Step-by-Step Setup Guide PHP Version

To ensure the update was successful:

1. Update Your Server

   bash Copy

    
   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
                                       

2. Install Java (Required for Red5)

   bash Copy

    
   sudo apt install openjdk-11-jdk -y
                                       

   Check Java version:

   bash Copy

    
   java -version
                                       

3. Install Maven and Git

   bash Copy

    
   sudo apt install maven git -y
                                       

4. Download Red5 Open Source

   Clone the Red5 GitHub repo:

   bash Copy

    
   git clone https://github.com/Red5/red5-server.git
   cd red5-server
                                       

5. Build Red5 with Maven

   bash Copy

    
   mvn clean install
                                       

   Once the build completes, your Red5 server will be in red5-server/target.

6. Start the Red5 Server

   Navigate to the target folder and run:

   bash Copy

    
   cd target/red5-server
   ./red5.sh
                                       

   Red5 will start and bind to default ports. You can now use it for RTMP streaming.

7. (Optional) Configure Apache as a Reverse Proxy

   If you want Apache to act as a frontend or proxy:

   1. Enable necessary modules:

      bash Copy

      
      sudo a2enmod proxy proxy_http proxy_ajp
                                                  

   2. Add this to your Apache site config:

      apacheconf Copy

      
      <VirtualHost *:80>
          ServerName yourdomain.com
          
          ProxyPass / http://127.0.0.1:5080/
          ProxyPassReverse / http://127.0.0.1:5080/
      <VirtualHost>
                                                  

   3. Reload Apache:

      bash Copy

      
      sudo systemctl reload apache2
                                                  

Test Streaming

Use a tool like OBS Studio to push a stream:

• URL: rtmp://your-server-ip/live

• Stream Key: stream1

Secure and Optimize

• Set up a firewall (e.g., ufw) to limit unwanted ports.

• Consider adding SSL if serving video via HLS over HTTPS.

• Monitor Java heap size and Red5 logs for performance.

Conclusion

Using Apache and Red5, you can set up a robust, free RTMP server on a Linux dedicated server without licensing fees. While Ant Media Server offers more GUI-based tools and WebRTC support, Red5 is still a solid Apache-compatible solution for RTMP live streaming and testing.