In this section:
In this section: |
The Flash media streaming server delivers streaming content to students. This content includes Echoes (on-demand content) and/or real-time live webcasts. You can use either the Wowza Media Server (Wowza) or the Adobe Media Server (Adobe).
Besides the configuration information contained on this page, you may also want to review the bandwidth requirements and example scenarios provided in Bandwidth Requirements for Capture and Media Formats. While the information provided there is in the context of live webcasting, the specifications shown apply to both live webcasting and on-demand content delivery.
Live webcasting requires the Wowza Media Server. EchoSystem 5.5 requires Wowza 3.5, 3.6 or 4. Refer to the Wowza website for more information about their products. In particular, existing users with an Internal Wowza configuration who are upgrading to 5.5 should refer to the Note in the section below for information regarding upgrading their Wowza version and configuration. |
The following pages provide the necessary instructions for installing and configuring the flash media server:
While you can install the flash media server on the same server as the ESS, for performance and scalability, we strongly recommend using a separate server. Both configurations are referred to as "external" because you will select "External Flash Server" in the Streaming Settings section of the System Settings page on the ESS. "Internal" configurations are only available for existing customers who are upgrading. See the note below.
You can use a single flash media server for both on-demand and live content, or you can use multiple flash media servers to deliver streaming content. Note the following points:
If you use multiple flash streaming servers, one must be used for live content and one must be used for on-demand content; you cannot stream one type of content from two different servers (load-balancing).
Be sure you also obtain the proper licensing for the flash media server. For example, the use of Wowza requires a Wowza Production license, to allow for the number of concurrent connections required to stream ESS content to users. Refer to your flash media server documentation or sales representative for additional information.
As always, if you have questions or need clarification, contact Echo360 Technical Support for additional assistance.
Existing users upgrading to EchoSystem 5.5 or any of the 5.5 Service Packs, and who are using an Internal configuration of Wowza can continue to do so; the ESS will work with the existing Wowza v3.5, and will update the necessary items on upgrade. However, if you want to upgrade to Wowza 4, you must change to an External Configuration of Wowza. Upgrading to Wowza 4 and converting to an External Wowza media server configuration are both strongly recommended. The instructions linked above provide all the necessary steps for installing and configuring an external Wowza or Adobe media server. |
Because media server load can vary dramatically from one installation to the next, it is difficult to make general recommendations. However, these are baseline requirements:
You are strongly encouraged to refer to the product websites for additional information and server requirements:
Beyond these minimum requirements, consider the proportions of on-demand versus live content.
Consider these questions when determining media server requirements and configuration options.
These links can help you estimate system needs:
If you are using a Wowza media server, you should review and, if necessary, adjust the settings applied by the initial configuration. Refer to these pages on the Wowza website:
Review the Firewall Port settings for the Wowza Media Server, especially if you do live webcasts.
Please note that all licensing for your Wowza server is provided through Wowza. Echo360 no longer provides licensing for the Wowza server. Please see the following communications: |