Network Requirements

Your internet network is the most important factor for the quality of your video stream. There are three options for setting up your network, which we’ve outlined in more detail below:

  1. Wireless router (Recommended)

  2. Mobile data hotspot

  3. Hardwired Ethernet connection

Most Switcher Studio users want the flexibility of Wi-Fi and opt for one of the first two options. However, in instances where Wi-Fi cannot be optimized to support high-quality livestreaming, and if you have a designated studio setup, Ethernet is a reliable option.

Wireless Router (Recommended)

You can use a wireless router with or without access points. Using a wireless router without access points can work if you’re using only one or two iOS devices for your video production, and if you can position them close to your router.

However, if you plan on using more than two devices, we highly recommend using a wireless router with access point. Access points extend a wireless network and have become increasingly more commonplace for non-residential network setups. We highly recommend using access points if you’re using Wi-Fi. Switcher Studio users have seen great success with Google/Nest Wifi and NetGear Nighthawk M1. 

Recommendations for using a wireless router with and without access points

  • Use a 5GHz Wi-Fi router. 

  • Use a network with an upload speed of at least 3Mbps. We recommend checking your speed here: https://speedof.me/

    • Note: You will not get a reliable speed test result if you use your ISP's testing too or if you simply Google "speed test." Most speed tests are optimized by ISPs to show you higher results than you actually get. If you have any issues that indicate a network problem, we will ask you to send us a screenshot of your results from https://speedof.me/.

  • Avoid using an open or public wireless network.

  • Position your devices near your router or access point.

  • Make sure you have a line of sight between your devices and the router or access point. If your router or access point is on the floor or if there are walls in the way, it will have an impact on your connection.

You will also want to check the following router settings:

  • Ports 1900-2100 must be open.

  • UDP Traffic must be open.

  • “Wireless Isolation" (sometimes referred to as "Client Isolation”) must be disabled.

  • “Frame aggregation” (sometimes referred to as “Packet Aggregation” or “TX Bursting”) must be disabled.

Mobile Data Hotspot

If you’re unable to use a traditional router-enabled Wi-Fi, you can set up a 4G / LTE network using a mobile data hotspot. Your hotspot needs an upload speed of at least 3 Mbps, and you’ll want to ensure your carrier does not throttle your data. That minimum is to stream at a low quality setting. The more devices you connect and the higher stream quality you use, the more upload speed you need.

The biggest limitation with a mobile data hotspot is the distance between devices. We recommend positioning the hot spot at the center of your iOS devices and limiting the distance between devices to 10–15 feet (3–5 meters).

Note: A mobile data hotspot is essential; 4G or LTE on the device alone will not work.

Hardwired Ethernet Connection

If you don’t need the flexibility of a wireless network setup, using an Ethernet connection to hardwire all your devices to the same local network provides an extremely reliable way to stream live video. This is a popular option for crowded venues such as concert halls and convention centers.

Ethernet setup requirements

Ethernet Setup

  1. Connect your router to an active Ethernet port for your outgoing internet connection. Most venues will be able to set this up; just make sure to check in with them at least a week before your event. If you are working at a large venue, they may provide you with a static IP address. You will need to configure your router accordingly.

  2. Plug the USB-to-Ethernet adapter into the USB slot on either the Lightning or USB-C adapter.

  3. Plug a charging cable into the external battery/power supply on one end, and plug the other end into the Lightning or USB-C adapter.

  4. Plug the USB-to-Lightning or USB-to-USB-C adapter into the open connection on the bottom of your iPhone, iPod, or iPad.

  5. Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your router and plug the other end into the Ethernet adapter that is currently attached to your iPhone, iPod, or iPad. This connection requires power and will not work if you do not have the device plugged into an external power source.

  6. Repeat the steps above to connect your other devices to your router via Ethernet.

  7. Go to the General tab inside of the Settings app of each iOS device and make sure that WiFi is disabled. Select the Ethernet option below the WiFi option.

  8. Launch Switcher Studio on all your of devices, connect them in the “Inputs” tab, and you are now setup to go live.