In today’s back to the basics live show, we talk all about bandwidth considerations for live streaming. In this presentation, we discuss the bandwidth required to live stream via RTMP to your CDN (Content Delivery Network) plus the internal video streaming such as RTSP & NDI on your LAN (Local Area Network). Understanding the bandwidth requirements for multiple cameras and content delivery networks will allow live streamers to take full advantage of their potential. 

There are two main areas of “bandwidth” or “network traffic” to consider.

1. Outbound Bandwidth – RTMP Streaming to your CDN
2. LAN (Local Area Network) Bandwidth or Traffic on your Switch

Ethernet LAN Scout

Networking Tip: Paul with a LAN Scout JR. This device helps identify which category cable has been plugged into which port on your network switch.

Our local area network for live streaming

Our local area network for live streaming

As you can see from the pictures above our network is the core of our computer systems which run our video production software. Now that most of our camera are either controlled over the network (IP) or connected for video over IP, our Ubiquiti network switches are a crucial part of our broadcast studio. Our network starts with the Router we purchased from our ISP (Internet Service Provider). The router connects to our Firewall and 24 port managed Gigabit Switch. Our switch connects all of our IP connected devices including our WiFi access points which support 802.11AC Wireless.

Inside our LAN

Here are some example bandwidth scenarios to consider:

1. 720p 3.5Mbps AAC 128kbps = 3.5 Mbps
2. 720p 3.5Mbps AAC 128kbps = 7 Mbps
3. 720p 3.5Mbps AAC 128kbps = 10.5 Mbps
4. 1080p 4.5 Mbps AAC 128kbps = 4.5 Mbps
5. 1080p 4.5 Mbps AAC 128kbps = 9 Mbps
6. 1080p 4.5 Mbps AAC 128kbps = 13.5 Mbps

TIP: Leave 30-50% Headroom on your upload speeds

Don’t forget to download our free Recommended Streaming Settings Guide! ptzoptics.com/downloads!

• (1) NDI Camera “High” = 12 Mbps
• (2) NDI Camera “High” = 24 Mbps
• (3) NDI Camera “High” = 36 Mbps
• (1) NDI Camera “Medium” = 8 Mbps
• (2) NDI Camera “Medium” = 16 Mbps
• (3) NDI Camera “Medium” = 24 Mbps

Example NDI Bandwidth Scenario

Here is an example NDI Bandwidth Scenario: Most NDI Streams from software are 100Mbps. NDI HX cameras are generally between 6-12Mbps.

More on IP Video & Multicasting for live streaming

• Finally a review on affordable networking hardware for IP video production and the NDI here
• Check out our mobile kit for our IP video networking gear here.
• How much bandwidth do you need for live streaming? Inside your network and out. More here.
• Optimizing your RTSP, RTMP and NDI settings for live streaming. Learn more here.
• Multicast Enabled Networks for live streaming here.
• Tutorial on Networking Basics - Setting up a DHCP Router & IP Video Network here.
• What multicasting means for live streaming video here.
• Multicasting with vMix and the NewTek NDI here.
• Accessing PTZ camera controls over the IP network here.