Optimizing your home network for the Lutefish Stream
The main obstacle to performing with other musicians over the internet is network latency. We’ve carefully designed the Stream to operate with as little network latency as possible, but, for the best experience, we recommend you take extra steps to optimize your home network. While some elements of your network’s latency are out of your control, such as your ISP’s network routing and your local internet infrastructure, there are several steps you can take to improve things on your end.
Internet requirements
Internet type: Cable or fiber internet service
Recommended bandwidth: At least 50Mbps download speeds and 5Mbps upload speeds.
Latency: =< 30ms
Test your internet connection https://app.lutefish.com/speedtest/
Why cable or fiber internet?
Fiber internet provides the lowest network latency, followed by cable internet. Fiber internet’s light pulse signals persist for long distances, requiring less amplification and processing, which significantly reduces network latency. Cable internet requires more amplification to cover vast distances, but the signals are still incredibly fast.
5G fixed-wireless internet may be suitable for Lutefish sessions, but that will depend largely on your local infrastructure and ISP. Fixed-wireless may not provide as stable a connection as fiber or cable internet.
Connecting the Stream to your router
The Stream must connect directly to your router via Ethernet. We understand this can be an inconvenience , but it’s necessary to achieve the fast response times required for fluid and responsive jams over the internet. We’ve provided a 25ft Ethernet cable with every Stream.
The Stream does not connect directly to your computer.
Connecting your computer to your router
For the lowest possible latency, connect your computer to your router via Ethernet. It’s not required, but Ethernet connections are almost always more stable than Wi-Fi.
If you are using Wi-Fi to connect your computer to your router, here are a few tips to cut down on latency:
- Do not use a Wi-Fi range extender or booster. Most of these devices are Wi-Fi repeaters that rebroadcast the Wi-Fi signal from your router, usually doubling your connection’s latency. Also, if using a mesh router, connect the Stream and your computer to the main router, not one of the satellites.
- Stay within full range of your router’s Wi-Fi. Raising your router to sit on a piece of furniture instead of keeping it on the ground can significantly improve Wi-Fi range and signal quality.
- Avoid Wi-Fi obstructions like metal and stone between the router and your computer. Wi-Fi passes through drywall easily, but you wouldn’t want your router or computer underneath a metal table, for example.
Router settings
- Enable QoS prioritization for the Stream and your computer. Some routers have a feature called Quality of Service (QoS), which allows you to prioritize certain connections over others. This prioritization can help your sessions maintain a stable connection during network slowdowns and bandwidth fluctuations.
- Avoid double NAT, as it introduces unnecessary additional latency. Double NAT can occur when connecting one router to another router. A common instance of double NAT is when customers purchase their own router and connect it to a gateway from their ISP. You can still use a setup like this with Lutefish, but you must put the gateway or first router into bridged mode. Bridged shuts off certain functions of a gateway or router so your signals are going through the same process twice. You can usually access bridged mode in your router’s web interface or app.
Modems
- If you have cable internet, we recommend you use a DOCSIS 3.1 modem for its improved network latency over the older DOCSIS 3.0 protocol.
- DOCSIS is the protocol used to send internet data over coaxial cables. Most, if not all, cable ISPs in the U.S. use DOCSIS 3.1, but you must have a DOCSIS 3.1 modem to take full advantage of the benefits. If you have an older modem, it may be using the older DOCSIS 3.0 protocol.
- If you rent a DOCSIS 3.0 modem or gateway from your ISP, request an update. If you plan to purchase your own modem, ensure it is a DOCSIS 3.1 modem by reviewing the specifications online or on the product packaging.
Connectivity Troubleshooting
LuteFish Stream won’t go online.
First, check the light bar on your Stream. A solid blue light means the Stream is online. If the light bar is solid white or red, that indicates there’s a connection problem.
Check your connections:
- The Stream connects directly to your router via Ethernet.
- Check that your Ethernet cable is not damaged. You can’t always see cable damage, so it may be best to simply swap out the Ethernet cable to rule out a damaged cable.
- Check that the Ethernet cables are firmly inserted into the Ethernet port on your Stream and your router. Ethernet connectors should make an audible click when fully inserted into the ports. If the cable is loose, possibly due to a worn spring clip, the connection may be incomplete.
- Ensure the Ethernet cable from the Stream is connected to an Ethernet OUT port on your router. Your router likely has one Ethernet IN port (often labeled “WAN” or “Internet”), used to connect the router to your modem or gateway. Do not connect the Stream to the Ethernet IN port. Ethernet OUT ports (the ports used for devices like your Stream) are commonly colored yellow.
- The Stream’s USB cable (for power only) should be connected to a power outlet using the included USB power adapter. The Stream does not connect directly to your computer.
- Connect your computer to the same router as the Stream, ideally via Ethernet. We don’t recommend using Wi-Fi extenders, boosters, or repeaters with the Stream, as this will certainly increase latency and potentially cause other network issues. If you are using a mesh router, connect the Stream to the main router and not one of the satellites.
- Avoid double NAT on your home network when using the Stream, as it introduces unnecessary additional latency.
Double NAT can occur when connecting one router to another router. A common instance of double NAT is when customers purchase their own router and connect it to a gateway from their ISP. You can still use a setup like this with Lutefish, but you must put the gateway or first router into bridged mode. Bridged mode shuts off certain functions of a gateway or router, so your internet signals are not going through the same process twice. Otherwise, can usually access bridged mode in your router’s web interface or app.
Restart your Stream:
To restart the Stream, disconnect the USB cable from the Stream, wait 10 seconds, then reconnect the USB cable. The Stream will need a few moments to reboot.
Use the Stream’s light bar to track its boot progress. An orange and blue flashing light means the Stream is initializing. A while and blue flashing light means the Stream is updating; do not disconnect the power during an update. A solid blue light means the Stream is fully booted and ready.
Restart your router:
To restart your router, disconnect the power cable, wait 10 seconds, and reconnect the power cable. Wait while your router reboots. Your router may have a LED labeled “WAN,” “Internet,” or “Online” that will light up when the router is back online.
Alternatively, you may be able to restart your router via the manufacturer or ISP’s app.
Restart your computer
Rebooting your computer and, subsequently, your OS and network card can help resolve connectivity issues.
Latency: Lutefish Sessions are laggy or delayed
Excessive session lag and delay usually means your network latency is too high. There are several things you can do to reduce latency:
- Use fiber or cable internet
o Test your connection - Ensure all session members are within a 500-mile radius of one another.
- Connect your computer to your router via Ethernet.
- Don’t use Wi-Fi range extenders, boosters, or repeaters.
- Don’t connect the Stream to a mesh router satellite. Connect the Stream directly to the main router.
- Avoid double NAT
- Don’t use a VPN during Lutefish sessions
- Ensure your connection has enough bandwidth (speed)
- Lutefish doesn’t require much bandwidth to function perfectly, but other activities on your network may be choking your connection.
Learn more about network and audio latency.