Network requirements

The most crucial element affecting the quality of your video stream is your internet connection. We’ve outlined three options for setting up your network in more detail below: 

1. Wireless router (recommended)

2. Mobile data hotspot

3. Hardwired ethernet connection

Most RECnGO users prefer the flexibility of Wi-Fi and therefore choose one of the first two options. However, in circumstances where you have a designated studio setup and Wi-Fi cannot be optimized to handle high-quality livestreaming, Ethernet is a reliable alternative.

1. Wireless router (recommended)

A wireless router can be used with or without access points. If you’re only utilizing one or two devices for your video production and you can place them close to your router, using a wireless router without access points can easily work.

However, if you intend on use more than two devices, we strongly advise having a wireless router with access point. Access points are used to extend wireless networks and are increasingly prevalent in non-residential network configurations. If you’re using Wi-Fi, using access points is highly recommended.

Recommendations for using a wireless router with or without access points:

• Use a 5GHz Wi-Fi router. 
• Use a network with an upload speed of at least 3Mbps. We advise checking your upload speed prior streaming. 
• Try to avoid using an open or public wireless network. 
• For best connectivity try positioning your devices near your router or access point.
• Ensure that your devices can see the router or access point from where they are located. Your connection might be compromised if your access point or router is on the floor or if there are any obstacles, such as walls.

Additionally, you should examine the following router settings:

• Ports 1900-2100 should be open.
• UDP Traffic should be open.
• Wireless Isolation/Client Isolation should be disabled.
• Frame aggregation/Packet Aggregation/TX Bursting should be disabled.

2. Mobile Data Hotspot

If you are unable to use a conventional router with Wi-Fi, you can establish a 4G/LTE network using a mobile data hotspot. You must ensure that your carrier does not limit your connection, as your hotspot needs an upload speed of at least 3 Mbps. (to stream in low quality is the absolute minimum). The upload speed you require depends on the number of devices you connect and the stream quality you wish to use. The higher stream quality you use, the more devices you connect the higher upload speed you will need. 

One of the greatest limitation of a mobile data hotspot is the distance between the devices used. We recommend positioning the hotspot in the centre and limiting the distance between your devices to 3–5 meters.

3. Hardwired ethernet connection

If you don’t require the versatility of a wireless network setup, hardwiring every device to the same local network using an Ethernet connection offers a very reliable method of streaming your live video. For crowded spaces like music halls and convention centres, this is a popular option. 

Ethernet setup necessities

• An AC router that is reliable 
• Charging cables for your devices
• External USB power adapters/batteries
• Ethernet cables (for each device)
• USB to Ethernet adapter for each device
• USB to Lighting adapter for each device
• USB-C Multiport Adapter for devices with USB-C port (Apple)

Ethernet setup:

1. For your outgoing internet connection, connect your router to an active Ethernet port. Most sites will be able to assist you with setting this up, just make sure to contact them at least a week prior to the event. Large venues may provide you with a static IP address, your router will need to be configured accordingly.
2. Plug-in the USB to Ethernet adapter to the USB slot on the USB-C/Lightning adapter. 
3. Connect a charging cable to the external battery or power source on one end and the Lightning or USB-C adapter on the other.
4. Connect your Android or iOS device to the USB-to-Lightning/USB-to-USB-C converter via the open connection on the bottom of the device.
5. Connect an Ethernet cable to your router by plugging one end into it and the other into the Ethernet adapter currently connected to your Android/iOS device. This connection needs power to function, thus if the device is not plugged into an external power source, it will not work.
6. To connect your other devices to your router via Ethernet, repeat the steps above.