SERVING The server delivers the audio stream to the internet. For static files, you only require a webserver. For live streaming you will need to configure your server appropriately. A server is a computer running server OS platforms like Windows NT or Unix or Linux. It 'serves' content for the Internet. To turn your server into an audio server for streaming live audio/visual material you need to install RealAudio Server software. If you are content with providing archived material you do not need a RealAudio server. An ordinary http server will do. Here is a list of RealAudio Server software, free, and downloadable from www.real.com Basic Server G2 These are the earlier versions:- RealSystem 5.0 If you can not afford your own audio server you can arrange for the use of one with an ISP. The number of people who can pick up your stream will depend on the network bandwidth that your server is attached to. Network Requirements Depending upon the level of compression, a single stream of RealAudio requires 10-80 kb per second. The better the connection, the more streams for listeners to pick up simultaneously. Examples of network requirements: Connection: Stream Capacity: 56 kbps frame relay 4 streams ISDN BRI Service 5-10 streams T1 Connection 100 streams T3 Connection 3,000 - 4,000 streams |