CCcam vs OScam: comparison of card sharing protocols 2026

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Protocol architecture: how CCcam and OScam work internally

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CCcam: binary protocol and connection structure

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CCcam is a proprietary binary protocol that operates over TCP. It uses port 12000 by default for data transmission. The main advantage of CCcam is its ease of setup and use. CW (Control Words) are transmitted every 10 seconds, ensuring stable decoding in a good network. However, the closed nature of the protocol and limited scalability make it less flexible in complex scenarios.

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OScam: modular architecture and reader/writer model

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OScam is an open project with a modular architecture. It supports multiple protocols simultaneously, such as newcamd, camd35, radegast, and emulation of CCcam. The key feature of OScam is the use of the reader/writer model, allowing flexible adjustment of the connection with different servers and clients. All of this makes OScam the preferred choice for more complex and scalable configurations.

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How each protocol transmits CW (Control Words)

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The transmission of CW in both protocols depends on the key update frequency, which varies depending on the satellite. For most systems, CW is updated every 10 seconds. CCcam uses a fixed update interval, while OScam can be configured for more frequent updates, which is useful in changing signal conditions.

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Comparison based on key technical parameters

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Latency and decoding stability

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CCcam generally provides stable decoding with minimal latency due to its simplicity and optimization for narrow tasks. However, OScam can offer better performance in complex networks due to flexible configuration and support for multiple protocols simultaneously. This is especially noticeable when there are a large number of clients.

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CPU and memory load: CCcam vs OScam on low-end hardware

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CCcam typically consumes more RAM (around 30-80 MB), while OScam uses only 5-15 MB depending on configuration and the number of clients. The CPU load on OScam is also lower, making it more preferable for weak devices like old receivers or Raspberry Pi.

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Maximum number of simultaneous clients

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CCcam is limited in the number of simultaneous clients, usually specified in the CCcam.cfg configuration file (MaxConnections parameter). OScam, on the other hand, can handle over 50 clients simultaneously due to its architecture and fine-tuning capabilities.

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Support for multi-hop and cascading

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Multi-hop card sharing allows for the use of multiple servers to increase reliability and distribute the load. OScam supports this mode better due to its modular architecture and ability to work with multiple protocols, including CCcam emulation. CCcam is limited in this regard and requires additional configurations for such scenarios.

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Compatibility with receivers and operating systems

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Enigma2 (OpenATV, OpenPLi, OpenViX): native support

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Both CCcam and OScam are available as plugins for Enigma2 through the package manager (opkg install oscam / cccam). This simplifies installation and configuration on popular receiver firmware such as OpenATV, OpenPLi, and OpenViX.

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Dreambox, Vu+, Zgemma: installation features

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On Dreambox, Vu+, and Zgemma receivers, installation is also done through system plugins. CCcam is easier to install, while OScam requires more complex configuration but offers more options for integration and customization.

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Windows clients and emulators (Cccam under Wine)

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On Windows, CCcam can be run through Wine emulation; however, this may be unstable and is not recommended for permanent use. OScam, due to its openness, can be compiled and run directly on Windows, ensuring better stability and performance.

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Raspberry Pi and x86 servers as hosts for OScam

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OScam is well-suited for use on Raspberry Pi and x86 servers due to its low resource load and availability in source form. It can be compiled with the --with-libcrypto flag for enhanced security. This makes it a preferred choice for DIY projects and home servers.

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Configuration: minimal working example for each

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CCcam.cfg: basic client configuration

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Here is an example configuration for a CCcam client:

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\nC: {host} {port} {user} {pass} {reconnect_in_seconds} {des_key_hex}\n
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Here, you need to replace {host}, {port}, {user}, and {pass} with the actual values of your server. The {reconnect_in_seconds} parameter defines the time between reconnection attempts.

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oscam.server + oscam.user: minimal server config

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For configuring the OScam server, the oscam.server and oscam.user files are necessary:

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\n[reader]\nlabel = cccam_server\nprotocol = cccam\ndevice = {host},{port}\nuser = {user}\npassword = {pass}\ncaid = 0500,1810,0604\ngroup = 1\n
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Here, {host} and {port} are the server address and port, and {user} and {pass} are the login credentials. The caid parameter defines the encryption systems used.

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OScam as a CCcam server client (reader type cccam)

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OScam can act as a client for a CCcam server using the cccam reader type. This allows you to integrate OScam into the existing infrastructure without the need for a complete migration.

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Common errors on the first launch

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The most common errors include incorrectly specifying CAID or group (group) in the OScam configuration, which can lead to decoding issues. It is also often forgotten to open the necessary ports in the firewall, which blocks the connection.

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What to choose: decision-making criteria

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When CCcam is preferable

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CCcam is best suited for simple client settings on Enigma2 receivers where minimal configuration and stable operation are required. It is a good choice for users who do not need advanced functionality and scaling.

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When OScam is the best choice

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OScam should be chosen if you have a more complex infrastructure requiring support for a large number of clients or multiple protocols. It is also recommended for servers serving more than 20 clients due to its flexibility and low resource consumption.

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Hybrid scheme: OScam server + CCcam clients

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A hybrid scheme using OScam as a server and CCcam as clients can be an ideal solution for those who want to maintain the simplicity of using CCcam on the client side while leveraging the power and flexibility of OScam on the server side.

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Can I connect an OScam client to a CCcam server?

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Yes, through the cccam type reader in oscam.server. The protocols are compatible; you need to specify caid and group. An example of the config is in the section above.

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What is the default port used by CCcam?

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12000 TCP. The port is specified on the server side in CCcam.cfg (PORT) and must be opened in the firewall (iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 12000 -j ACCEPT).

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Why is OScam not decoding the channel, although the connection is established?

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Most likely, the CAID or SID is specified incorrectly. Check the necessary CAID (for example, 0500 for Viaccess) in oscam.services. Also, check the group (group=) in oscam.user and oscam.server—they must match. Logs can be found in /var/log/oscam.log or through webif :8888.

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How many clients can CCcam handle on Raspberry Pi 4?

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The practical limit is ~30-50 clients with stable operation. OScam on the same hardware can handle 100+ with the proper configuration (threadpoolsize in oscam.conf). CCcam is limited by MaxConnections in the config.

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How does newcamd differ from CCcam and OScam?

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newcamd is an older protocol (port usually 15000-15050) and is supported by older receivers. OScam natively supports newcamd (protocol=newcamd in oscam.server). CCcam does not support newcamd directly. Newcamd is less efficient with a large number of clients.

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Where are the OScam configuration files located on Enigma2?

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The standard path is: /etc/oscam/ (oscam.conf, oscam.server, oscam.user, oscam.services, oscam.srvid). After changing the configs, restart: /etc/init.d/oscam restart or through webif. Backup: tar -czf /tmp/oscam_backup.tar.gz /etc/oscam/

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Is there open source for CCcam?

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No. CCcam is proprietary closed software distributed in binary form. OScam is fully open (source code available on Streamboard/GitHub), which provides active support and builds for any hardware.

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Practical checklist for smooth viewing

Even the best CCCam or OSCam line needs two or three simple preparations. Update your receiver firmware, reset the ECM cache once a week and keep 15–20% free space on the USB stick or internal flash so that the reader can store keys without delays.

When tuning a dish, aim for MER/BER reserve: a two‑degree offset or a loose F‑connector often causes the “freezing” that users blame on cardsharing. Keep a short patch cord to test alternative routers, and save two profiles in OSCam — one for TCP, one for UDP — so you can switch instantly if your ISP starts filtering a protocol.

Utgard.tv monitors each hub 24/7, but you can speed up diagnostics by keeping a short log of your receiver actions. Note the time when you changed the channel, which CAID was active and whether you used Wi‑Fi or Ethernet. This tiny “journal” helps engineers reproduce your environment in the lab and return with a solution in minutes instead of hours.

  • Keep two line slots enabled: if the first server hits a maintenance window, the second one instantly takes over without re-entering credentials.
  • Run a monthly speed and latency test. Stable 1–2 Mbps with ping <80 ms is enough for SD/HD, but if jitter exceeds 20 ms, switch the router to wired mode.
  • Save the Utgard.tv status page and Telegram bot @utgard_tv_bot to bookmarks — they publish maintenance notices before SEMrush or uptime monitors raise alerts.