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PERCEPT Cloud Access Service (PCAS)

PERCEPT Cloud Access Service (PCAS) is a Windows-hosted bridge that connects PERCEPT Cloud cameras to a local video management system (VMS). It provides local ONVIF endpoints for selected cameras and a web interface for configuration and administration.

Use ONVIF integration for a VMS that supports standard ONVIF enrollment, or the Genetec Security Center plugin for automatic camera synchronization in Security Center.

PCAS architecture

Requirements

System requirements

Component Recommendation
CPU 4 cores
RAM 8 GB
Operating system Windows 10 or later, or Windows Server 2019 or later

Host sizing depends on the number of exposed cameras and concurrent streams. Keep the PCAS host on a reliable, secured system with LAN access to the VMS and internet access to PERCEPT Cloud. Inbound internet exposure is not required.

Use a PERCEPT Cloud account and organization, and a dedicated application key for the deployment. See Account Creation, Organization Creation, and App Key Generation.

Network requirements

Allow the following outbound connections from the PCAS host.

Protocol / Ports Purpose
UDP / 53 DNS queries
UDP / 123 Time synchronization
TCP / 443 TLS traffic
UDP / 49152-65535 Media streaming
UDP & TCP / 3478 Media streaming
Domain name Purpose
prod-east-us-webpubsub.webpubsub.azure.com Notification/event pipeline
keycloak.east-us.perceptcloud.net Security management
organization.api.east-us.perceptcloud.net Organization management
device.api.east-us.perceptcloud.net Device management
media.api.east-us.perceptcloud.net Media streaming
live-*.millicast.com Media streaming
turn-*.dolby.io Media streaming

ONVIF clients require inbound LAN access to the HTTP ports assigned by PCAS. Each enabled camera has an endpoint in the following format:

http://<pcas-host>:<port>/onvif/device_service

The management web interface uses configurable HTTP or HTTPS ports and can be accessed from localhost or the LAN, depending on the service configuration.

Installation

  1. Run the PERCEPT Cloud Access Service installer on the Windows host and complete the setup wizard.

    PCAS installer

  2. Close the wizard when installation completes. The PCAS tray application is added to the Windows notification area and provides access to configuration and service controls.

    PCAS installation complete

First sign-in

  1. Open the tray application and select Configuration.

    PCAS tray menu

  2. On the dashboard, click Launch PERCEPT Cloud Access Service configuration page.

    PCAS dashboard

  3. Sign in to the web interface.

    PCAS web interface sign-in

  4. Update the administrator password when prompted at first sign-in.

    Initial administrator password

Warning

The browser may display a certificate warning when the service uses a default or self-signed HTTPS certificate. Continue only after confirming that the address belongs to the expected PCAS host.

ONVIF integration

Connect an organization

  1. In the PCAS web interface, open the organization list.

    Organization application key configuration

  2. Add the PERCEPT Cloud application key for the organization.

    Add organization application key

  3. Select the linked organization.

    Organization selection

  4. In the synchronized device list, enable the cameras to expose to the VMS. Disable cameras that are not required.

    Synchronized device list

Add cameras to the VMS

  1. Identify the port assigned by PCAS to each enabled camera.
  2. Add each camera in the VMS using its standard ONVIF enrollment workflow and the PCAS host address and assigned port.

The VMS accesses a local ONVIF endpoint; the camera remains connected through PERCEPT Cloud rather than directly to the local network.

Troubleshooting

Issue Likely cause Initial check
No cameras found in the VMS ONVIF endpoint unavailable or blocked Confirm that the PCAS service is running and the required LAN path is reachable.
No video from an enrolled device Cloud connectivity or media path issue Verify outbound internet access and confirm that the device is healthy in PERCEPT Cloud.
Login to the PCAS interface fails Credential or account configuration issue Check the local account, password state, and any recent policy changes.
Service is stopped or unstable Host, configuration, or dependency problem Restart the service and review host status and recent configuration changes.