Live Streaming Server?

egon223 · #1 07-03-2008, 02:40 AM

Hello.

I want to start a Server for live streaming over h264 flash. Should i use a deticated server or a VPS?

websplash · #2 07-03-2008, 02:53 AM

It all depends on how much traffic you intend on using, how many live stream video's your planning on running and the volume of visitors.

But I would recommend using a VPS at first, if the load tends to be high, you can always upgrade and migrate.

egon223 · #3 07-03-2008, 03:19 AM

The flash media server do only duplicate every byte and send it to the clients, right? I think than the CPU power of a deticated is not needed, because no encoding.

The problem should be the traffic. on a 100 mbit line i think i can handle only 400 lients @ 320 kbits.

I will start with a VPS. Thanks for your answer.

funkywizard · #4 07-28-2008, 01:42 PM

vps's tend to share bandwidth as well as cpu, so you'd see a more stable streaming quality, especially with higher user loads, on a dedicated. But you can certainly go with a vps to start, especially if the provider is good.

Joey1073 · #5 07-28-2008, 03:51 PM

Best to use dedicated .. that way you know what you have got and where it is going.

funkywizard · #6 07-28-2008, 05:47 PM

If your margins support that, sure. I could get dedicated bandwidth at FDC for about double the cost, but with the margin in my business that's not really feasible to double the cost of >4gbit of connectivity, especially since the streaming quality is good enough even with the shared bandwidth segment.

ElTino · #7 08-08-2008, 03:32 AM

I see the point to start with a vps but since I read your post I would say that you will not make a mistake if you pick a dedicated from the get go.

Andy Choopa · #8 08-08-2008, 10:51 AM

Dedicated right off the bat, absolutely.

Ultralite · #9 08-08-2008, 12:53 PM

Vps!

I use a vps for live streaming.

Mike ECI · #10 08-13-2008, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by egon223

The flash media server do only duplicate every byte and send it to the clients, right? I think than the CPU power of a deticated is not needed, because no encoding.

The problem should be the traffic. on a 100 mbit line i think i can handle only 400 lients @ 320 kbits.

I will start with a VPS. Thanks for your answer.

Flash media server uses a lot of memory for cache. I've installed it on a 256 vps before but only for limited traffic. If you have a lot of traffic you'll need more like 2gig memory and fast drives. The limited disk i/o on a vps is another reason you'd consider a dedi.

Titanous · #11 08-21-2008, 09:38 AM

On the software side, there's a free/open source RTMP server called Red5 (osflash.org/red5) that works great.

artherd · #12 08-28-2008, 05:21 AM

You'll want a dedicated box for this, and to cherry pick the hardware. My opinion (been there done that.)

esnetcolo · #13 08-28-2008, 10:43 AM

Another item you'll want to mention here as we help you decide how to proceed is:
Which software are you using?
I have had a great experience with my enterprise clients using wowza media server. They were very helpful and the software's been great.