Minimum Requirements for Using Altar Live
If you're curious about Altar's technology requirements, read through the list below to see what browsers and devices we support. To run an event in Altar Live, you must already be live streaming your service or events unless you plan on using RTMP.
Altar Live is built on WebRTC, a framework that uses peer-to-peer (p2p) connections and MESH networking. With these types of connections, audio and video data streams are sent directly between two or more user devices. This can be a great way to send data for smaller groups, but it relies on a fast internet connection and minimal latency. As more users join in on the call, more network speed and bandwidth are required.
We don't currently have a way to measure exactly what the required speed of the connection is between each of the callers, but we can recommend some average network speeds that are suggested for WebRTC products like ours! In general: the higher your internet speeds, the better quality of video and audio you will receive.
Up to four participants per watch party/table: At least 2.0 Mbps outbound (upload) and 2.5 Mbps inbound (download) are required
For latency, you will want to make sure you are experiencing less than 100 ms on your network for the best experience. Up to 400 ms is acceptable, but not ideal for high-quality conversations. You can check your latency by running a Ping test or TraceRoute.
If you or your company use a firewall, you may experience some connection problems depending on your firewall settings. For a smooth experience, we recommend:
Right now we don't recommend using Altar Live with a VPN. Because our service is peer-to-peer, not having a consistent IP address can cause problems connecting to rooms, or in some cases a specific guest in the room. Our recommendation is to turn off your VPN when having a conversation, and then turn it back on after finishing the meeting.
An internet connection – broadband wired or wireless - at least 2.0 Mbps outbound (upload) and 2.5 Mbps inbound (download) are required
Speakers and a microphone – built-in or USB plug-in or wireless Bluetooth
A webcam or HD webcam - built-in or USB plug-in
What should I do if I'm experiencing connectivity problems?
It's a good idea to try out a few different networks to rule out the possibility of a Wi-Fi issue. Switching to a different router or trying an ethernet connection may resolve the issue, so this is the first recommendation.
Using Wi-Fi or Ethernet
Poor Wi-Fi connections are the biggest cause of quality and connectivity problems with Altar Live. In many cases, the connection may be fast and stable enough at the modem, but a bad router or excessive traffic on the router can cause problems in the call. In an office environment, for example, a router may be overloaded due to the number of computers connecting. If this is the case, we recommend using Ethernet.
Check our list of livestream providers to see which ones are currently compatible with Altar Live.
Want to learn more about why Altar Live is the best engagement alternative? Read this: We Shut Off Church Online, and Survived!
Learn how to set up your community, create events and meetings, and other admin features.
Learn how to set up your community, create events and meetings, and other admin features.
Learn how to set up your community, create events and meetings, and other admin features.
Online events that feel just like being in-person.
