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Network Overview

The livestream and some of the control systems rely on the church network and internet. This page explains, in simple terms, what uses the network and what to check if the livestream keeps dropping. It is mainly for maintainers (Mills IT), with a short operator section.

What uses the network

Device Uses the network for
RodeCaster Video Sending the livestream to YouTube (needs internet)
PTZ cameras (RoboShot, AVKANS) Control commands (pan/tilt/zoom, presets) over the local network
AVKANS Joy Pro Controller Sending control commands to the cameras
Bitfocus Companion / NUC Talking to the RodeCaster, cameras and other gear
Bluestream HDMI Matrix Its control page (if controlled over the network)

Two different jobs

The network does two things here: 1. Local control — devices talking to each other inside the building (cameras, Companion, matrix). This does not need the internet. 2. Internet — only the livestream to YouTube needs a working internet connection.

For operators: what you need to know

You normally don't touch the network. The two things worth knowing:

  1. If the livestream keeps dropping or won't start, the internet may be the problem — not the AV gear.
  2. If camera control or StreamDeck presets stop working but everything is powered on, the local network may need a restart (a maintainer task).

Operator first aid for a dropping stream

  • Confirm other internet works (e.g. YouTube loads on a phone on the church Wi-Fi).
  • If the internet is down, the in-room service continues normally — the livestream simply can't go out until the internet returns.
  • Note the time it happened and tell Mills IT.

Simple network picture

flowchart LR
    subgraph Local Network
        NUC[NUC + Companion]
        CAM1[Camera 1]
        CAM2[Camera 2]
        JOY[AVKANS Joy Pro Controller]
        MX[Bluestream Matrix]
        RCV[RodeCaster Video]
    end
    RCV --> NET[Internet Router] --> YT[YouTube]

For maintainers (Mills IT)

Record the specifics here so the system can be supported long-term:

  • Router / modem make, model and location: [add]
  • Network switch(es) location and ports: [add]
  • Static IP addresses (record each so devices can be found again):
    • RodeCaster Video: [add]
    • Camera 1 (RoboShot HDMI 12): [add]
    • Camera 2 (AVKANS 20X PTZ): [add]
    • AVKANS Joy Pro Controller: [add]
    • Bluestream HDMI Matrix: [add]
    • NUC (presentation PC): [add]
  • Wi-Fi vs wired: which devices are wired (recommended for cameras, RodeCaster and NUC) vs wireless: [add]
  • Upload speed required/available for the YouTube livestream: [add]
  • YouTube channel and stream configuration location: [add]

Keep streaming on a wired connection

The RodeCaster Video should use a wired internet connection wherever possible. Wi-Fi can cause the livestream to stutter or drop.

Troubleshooting the stream/network

Symptom Likely cause Action
Stream won't start No internet, or YouTube not ready Check internet on a phone; confirm stream is started
Stream keeps dropping Weak/wired connection, low upload speed Use wired connection; contact Mills IT
Cameras won't respond to control Local network/switch issue Check power and cabling; restart network gear (maintainer)
Presets/StreamDeck offline Companion can't reach devices Restart NUC/Companion; check network

➡️ Related: RodeCaster Video · Camera Not Moving · No Camera Video