Oscam+server+config May 2026
OSCam (Open Source Conditional Access Module) server configuration revolves around three primary files: oscam.conf, oscam.server, and oscam.user. These files work together to define global settings, establish connections to external readers or proxies, and manage local client access. Core Configuration Files
oscam.conf: This is the main configuration file containing global parameters.
[global]: Required section for basic operations like logging (logfile), debugging, and server IP binding.
[webif]: Configures the web interface for remote management. Security is critical here; for instance, setting httpallowed to a broad range like 0.0.0.0-255.255.255.255 exposes the server to unauthorized access from any IP.
oscam.server: Defines the "readers" or remote servers OSCam connects to for card sharing.
Parameters typically include a label for identification, the protocol used (e.g., CCcam, Newcamd), the device (address and port), and user credentials.
oscam.user: Manages local users or clients that connect to your OSCam server.
It defines account details, including which group a user can access and optional parameters like au (Auto-Update) for refreshing card entitlements. Technical Parameters & Best Practices Recommended Setting clienttimeout
How long the server waits for a client response before timing out. ~6000 ms (depends on network stability) clientmaxidle Time before an idle client is disconnected. 0 (disables idle disconnection for stability) group Ties users in oscam.user to readers in oscam.server. Match group numbers to control access httpallowed Specifies which IPs can access the Web Interface. Whitelist specific local IPs only Management & Deployment mapi68/oscam-connection-manager - GitHub
Configuring an OSCam (Open Source Conditional Access Module) server involves setting up three primary files: oscam.conf oscam.user oscam.server oscam+server+config
. These files work together to manage the global settings, user permissions, and connection to your card readers or remote proxies. 1. Global Configuration ( oscam.conf
This file defines the basic server behavior and the web interface.
: Sets general parameters like log file locations, debug levels, and client timeouts. : Essential for managing your server via a browser. httpport = 8888 (Default port) httpuser = admin httppwd = password httpallowed = 127.0.0.1,192.168.0.0-192.168.255.255
: Defines the protocols used to share keys with clients. You must specify a port and the DES key (for Newcamd). 2. Reader Configuration ( oscam.server
This file tells OSCam where to get the decryption keys. You can configure physical chip card readers or remote "proxy" readers.
: For physical readers, this points to the USB or serial port (e.g., /dev/ttyUSB0 : Common protocols include smartreader for remote servers. : A unique name for the reader to identify it in logs. : A numeric ID (e.g.,
). Users must belong to this group to access this specific reader. 3. User Configuration ( oscam.user
This file defines the accounts for clients connecting to your server. : Each client needs its own block. user / pwd : The credentials the client will use to log in. : Matches the group ID from oscam.server . If a user is in , they can only access readers in
or the reader label if you want the user to send Administrative Units (EMMs) to update the card. Installation and Path When building a large server (e
On most Linux-based systems (like Enigma2 boxes or Raspberry Pi), these files are located in /etc/tuxbox/config/oscam/ /usr/local/etc/
. You can find specific installation steps for platforms like Raspberry Pi on Snapcraft or general setup guides on the OpenPLi Wiki
When building a large server (e.g., 20+ local cards and 50+ remote peers), you must optimize resources.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Solution |
|---------|--------------|----------|
| No decryption | Wrong CAID/boxid | Check provider CAID, run oscam -d to debug |
| High ECM time | Network latency or slow reader | Reduce mhz, check network, enable cache |
| Card not detected | Wrong device path | ls /dev/sci* or lsusb for USB readers |
| Clients disconnecting | Timeout too low | Increase clienttimeout to 8000+ |
Before you put this into production, run these validation steps:
OSCam stands for Open Source Conditional Access Module. It's a software that runs on various platforms, including Linux-based satellite receivers, PCs, and other devices. OSCam is used to decode television channels that are encrypted, requiring a subscription or a specific access card.
Introduction OSCam (Open Source Conditional Access Module) is the Swiss Army knife of satellite and cable television software. Unlike standard proprietary decoders, OSCam is a softcam—a software-based emulator—that handles the decryption of subscription television signals. At its core, an OSCam server acts as a centralized hub that manages smartcard access and distributes "Control Words" (CWs) to various clients within a local network. The Core Configuration Files
Setting up an OSCam server requires configuring three primary text files. Each serves a specific purpose in the communication chain: 1. oscam.conf (The Brain)
This is the global configuration file. It defines how the OSCam process behaves, which network protocols it uses (like Newcamd or CCcam), and how the web interface (WebIf) is accessed. Before you put this into production, run these
WebIf: Essential for beginners, it allows you to monitor traffic and edit configs via a browser.
Protocols: You must define a port and a "DES key" for protocols like Newcamd to allow external or internal boxes to connect. 2. oscam.server (The Source)
This file defines your "Readers." A reader is the source of your decryption keys. This could be a physical USB card reader (like an Omnikey or Smargo) holding a legal subscription card, or a remote proxy server. Device: Points to the hardware path (e.g., /dev/ttyUSB0).
Group: A critical parameter. Every reader must belong to a "group" (e.g., group = 1). Clients can only access readers if they are assigned to the same group number. 3. oscam.user (The Clients)
This file manages access control. Every device in your home that wants to watch TV needs an entry here. Account: Defines the username and password.
Group: Matches the user to the reader groups defined in oscam.server.
AU (Auto-Update): If enabled, this allows the client to send "Entitlement Management Messages" (EMMs) back to the server to keep the smartcard's subscription active. Security and Optimization
A well-configured server prioritizes low "ECM times"—the speed at which a key is cleared. High latency leads to picture freezing. To optimize this, users often use oscam.dvbapi to prioritize specific provider IDs (CAIDs) and ignore others, preventing the server from wasting time on incorrect decryption attempts.
Security is equally vital. Because OSCam communicates over a network, using strong passwords, non-standard ports, and IP whitelisting is standard practice to prevent unauthorized access to the card's resources. Conclusion
OSCam’s power lies in its modularity. While the initial learning curve is steep due to the technical nature of CAIDs, PIDs, and serial protocols, the result is a highly stable, multi-room viewing environment. By mastering the relationship between the Server (global settings), the Reader (the source), and the User (the destination), you can create a seamless television experience across your entire local network.
The configuration of an OSCam server involves editing its configuration files, usually found in /etc/tuxbox/config/ or a similar path depending on your installation. The main files are: