What if I experience high latency?

High latency can make real-time music collaboration feel delayed or disconnected. The good news: there are several steps you can take to reduce it.

1. Use the Right Type of Internet

The most important factor is your internet connection.

Best Option

  • Fiber internet (lowest latency and jitter)

Good Option

  • Cable internet (usually works well, slightly more latency than fiber)

Not Recommended

  • 5G home internet

  • Satellite

  • DSL

These options typically introduce too much delay and instability for real-time music.

2. Use a Wired Ethernet Connection

Both your:

  • Lutefish Stream

  • Computer

Should be connected directly to your main router via ethernet.

Do not connect through:

  • Mesh satellite nodes

  • Wi-Fi extenders

Only connect to:

  • The primary router (or the mesh node that is physically wired to your modem/ONT)

Wireless connections add:

  • Extra latency

  • Jitter

  • Packet instability

3. Check Your Router and Modem

Old or underpowered equipment can contribute to high latency.

Common issues:

  • ISP-provided modem/router combos

  • Outdated routers

  • Congested or budget hardware

In many cases:

  • ISP rental equipment isn’t optimized for low latency

  • You can improve performance by purchasing your own modem and router

  • Returning rented equipment can also save you money monthly

If your hardware is more than a few years old, it may be worth upgrading.

4. Reboot Your Equipment

Before troubleshooting further:

  1. Power down your modem.

  2. Power down your router.

  3. Wait 30 seconds.

  4. Power on the modem and wait until fully connected.

  5. Power on the router.

This can resolve temporary routing or congestion issues.

5. Reduce Network Load

High latency can also happen if:

  • Someone is streaming 4K video

  • Large downloads are running

  • Cloud backups are syncing

  • Gaming consoles are active

For best results:

  • Pause heavy internet use during sessions.

Quick Checklist

  • Fiber (best) or cable (good)

  • Ethernet connections only

  • No mesh satellite or Wi-Fi extender

  • Modern modem and router

  • Minimize other network traffic

If you continue to experience high latency, contact us at support@lutefish.com and include:

  • Your internet type (fiber or cable)

  • Your modem and router model

  • Whether you are wired directly

  • Your approximate distance from other participants

We’ll help you narrow it down.