Lutefish is built for real-time music collaboration. Because timing matters, your internet connection matters.

Here’s what works best — and what to avoid.

Best Option: Fiber Internet

Fiber is strongly recommended when available.

Fiber typically provides:

• Lower latency

• Lower jitter

• More stable upload speeds

• Symmetrical speeds (equal upload and download)

Fiber connections are often 5–15ms faster than cable and more consistent — which makes a noticeable difference in real-time collaboration.

If fiber is available in your area, it is the best choice.

Good Option: Cable Internet

Cable internet can work well for Lutefish.

However:

• It usually has slightly higher latency than fiber

• Upload speeds may be lower than download speeds

• Performance can vary during peak neighborhood usage times

Many users successfully use cable internet — just make sure your connection is stable and wired.

Not Recommended

The following internet types generally have too much latency and jitter for real-time music:

• 5G home internet

• Satellite internet

• DSL

While these connections may work fine for:

• Streaming video

• Web browsing

• Video calls

They typically introduce:

• Too much delay

• Inconsistent timing

• Audio instability

For real-time music, they are not reliable.

Wired Connection Required

Regardless of your internet type:

• Your Lutefish Stream must be connected via ethernet

• Do not use wireless mesh or wireless extenders

A wired connection ensures the lowest possible latency and jitter.

Quick Summary

• Fiber = Best

• Cable = Usually works

• 5G / Satellite / DSL = Not recommended

• Always use a wired ethernet connection