FAQ: BANDWIDTH USAGE

On Demand Streaming
 
The amount of bandwidth that you use will depend upon:
 
a) How many streaming visitors you get to your site.
b) How many streams you have on your site.
c) How many visitors play these streams.
d) What bandwidth levels users connect at (modem / broadband)
 
Obviously music and entertainment sites with frequently updated audio and video content attract people who are likely to want to play media clips, whereas websites catering for specialised interests groups will not be as demanding on bandwidth usage.
 
Due to this we have a range of different pricing models for you to choose between and if necessary change between on a monthly basis. We suggest that you sign up for a standard package, and analyse your statistics for three months to gauge your exact requirements, then change the account if necessary.

Live Event Streaming
 
The amount of data transfer used for live events will depend on how many concurrent users tune in to the live stream. The table below shows the bandwidth used at different stream rates per user tuning in to the stream for one hour - these are maximum theoretical levels (it is unlikely that a modem on a phone line would sustain maximum throughput for an hour, and broadband connections such as ADSL and cable modem rarely sustain above 300 kbps).
 
Data  Transfer Used
Modem (56 Kbps) 24 MB
ISDN (64 Kbps) 27.5 MB
ADSL (300 Kbps) 129 MB
 
To work out the total data transfer used for a live stream, multiply the above numbers by the number of users tuning in to the live stream.
 
To find the total amount of transfer in GB divide by 1024.

If you need more explanation use our enquiry form or call us on 01386 792972.

Alternatively try the PlanetStream blog.