How can I find out what my internet speed is?

This area is critical since it has a major impact on the stability and quality of your broadcast. Usually when ordering an Internet connection, the Internet service provider describes the speed of your connection as "download speed" and "upload speed" in Kbps (kilobits per second) or Mbps (megabits per second). During your broadcast a large amount of data is transferred from your computer to Lightcast's live streaming network, which is why the upload speed is the most important figure.

Depending on the quality and type of your Internet connection (shared or dedicated line) the upload speed mentioned by your Internet service provider may be just a theoretical value. It is important to check your real current upload speed by using a tool like www.speedtest.net

While performing the speed test please be sure that no one except you is using your Internet connection. This check is of course even more important while you are broadcasting, so no one can interrupt your data transfer. Using wireless networks is also a typical source of instability. We therefore recommend the use of a cable connection.