6
A Word About 3G/4G netWorks
Summary - Default coding is 2.2Mbps (or lower) up, 400Kbps (or lower) down. The default
video encoders will throttle based on network performance. This works well with LTE or a pair
of 3G modems.
Many users are excited to get started using LiveShot in 3G and 4G networks. Here’s some advice and
suggestions for use on these networks:
The default mode (or “
sweet spot
”) for LiveShot delivers a video feed
coded to 2Mbps, along with an audio feed coded to 48Kbps. With
packetization overhead, this stream comes in around 2.2Mbps total.
A lower quality stream is delivered in the direction to the Portable at
around 400Kbps total. If network connections are constrained, the
video encode rate will be reduced without interruption. These are only
default modes, and lots of profiles exist to raise or lower these data
rates depending on available networks.
The default stream fits nicely within the upload path of one or two 4G LTE services. On GSM-based
3G services (or services marketed as “4G” but not LTE-based, like some HSPA+ networks) this speed
will sometimes fit on a single modem, but may tend to be constricted automatically to below 1Mbps.
For highest quality on these networks, it’s advisable to “
pair up
” with two active wireless modems
simultaneously.
In our experience, CDMA-based 3G services (e.g., Verizon and Sprint in the U.S.) have varying upload
speeds in different areas. It’s usually not possible to deliver the default coding mode on a single CDMA
3G modem, but often possible to use a pair.
Lower quality connections on a single CDMA 3G modem may be established by setting the connection
profile to a lower setting.
