What equipment do I need to do a Live stream?
Part 2a. - The details
Internet connection
Here is a breakdown of the different types of internet connections available. When selecting an internet connection type, remember that you will want 2.5x the upload speed as your chosen bitrate. Note: Not all connection types are available in all areas, check with your local ISPs to confirm availability.
Carrier Technology |
Description |
Speed |
Suitable for streaming? |
Dial-up Access |
On demand access using a modem and regular telephone line (POT). |
2400 bps to 56 Kbps |
Generally not suitable |
ISDN |
Dedicated telephone line and router required. |
64 Kbps to 128 Kbps |
Generally suitable for audio broadcasts |
Cable |
Special cable modem and cable line required. |
512 Kbps to 20 Mbps |
Generally suitable for audio or video broadcasting |
ADSL/DSL
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line |
This technology uses the unused digital portion of a regular copper telephone line to transmit and receive information. |
128 Kbps to 8 Mbps |
Generally suitable, however upload speed varies. Check with your local ISP to determine your actual upload speed. |
Wireless (LMCS) |
Access is gained by connection to a high speed cellular like local multi-point communications system (LMCS) network via wireless transmitter/receiver. |
30 Mbps or more |
Generally suitable, but not available or reliable in all areas. |
Satellite |
Newer versions have two-way satellite access, removing need for phone line. |
6 Mbps or more |
Suitable for streaming, generally used when other connection types are not available. |
Fractional T1 |
Only a portion of the 23 channels available in a T1 line is actually used. |
64 Kbps to 1.544 Mbps |
Generally suitable. |
T1 |
Special lines and equipment (DSU/CSU and router) required. |
1.544 Mbps |
Generally suitable for all broadcasts, possibly excluding very high bitrate streams. |
T3 |
Typically used for ISP to Internet infrastructure. |
44.736 Mbps |
Suitable for all streams, generally used only by large corporations/agencies. |
OC-1 |
Typically used for ISP to Internet infrastructure within Internet infrastructure. |
51.84 Mbps |
Suitable for all streams, generally used only by large corporations/agencies. |
OC-3 |
Typically used for large company backbone or Internet backbone. |
155.52 Mbps |
Suitable for all streams, generally used only by large corporations/agencies. |
