Why Your Live Stream Needs Its Own Internet (and What Steve Jobs Taught Us the Hard Way)
There’s a reason professional streamers insist on having a dedicated internet connection. Sharing bandwidth with guests, presenters, or even venue staff can cripple a live stream.
Even if you’re hardwired via Ethernet, guest traffic on the same pipeline can throttle bandwidth, create spikes in latency, and cause dropped frames or outright failures.
Why Separate Networks Matter
Dedicated Bandwidth: With a separate connection, your live stream won’t have to fight against guests browsing the web, uploading files, or running speed tests.
Consistency: A clean, steady signal avoids the unpredictable fluctuations caused by guest traffic.
Failover Options: Professional stream teams often bring cellular bonding systems that combine Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and multiple carriers into one stable connection — but even these are more effective when not competing with hundreds of iPhones on the same Wi-Fi.
Real-World Best Practices
Ask the Venue Early: Confirm there will be a dedicated hardwired Ethernet drop for the live stream team.
Create a Guest Network: If guests need Wi-Fi, have the IT team or venue staff set up a separate network with its own SSID completely separate from the main stream.
Password Protect Everything: Even your dedicated line should not be open to avoid unexpected users.
Bring Backup: We use a cellular bonding device as insurance, especially in venues where internet reliability is uncertain.
Test in Advance: Always run tests with the actual gear you’ll use — ideally under load, simulating the live stream.
Live streaming is unforgiving. When your audience is remote, you don’t get second chances if the stream fails. The best way to avoid becoming your own “Wi-Fi moment” is simple: protect your bandwidth. A dedicated, secured internet connection isn’t a luxury—it’s a non-negotiable.