Overview
Livewire+ operates over standard IEEE 802.3 Ethernet and is designed to deliver reliable, low-latency audio over IP networks using industry-standard networking practices.
While Ethernet is not strictly deterministic in the sense of guaranteed packet timing, a properly designed Livewire+ network provides highly consistent and predictable performance suitable for real-time audio applications.
Network Design Considerations
Reliable Livewire+ performance depends primarily on proper network design rather than cabling alone. Key elements include:
Managed switches
IGMP snooping for multicast control
QoS (Quality of Service) for traffic prioritization
Clocking
PTPv2 (IEEE 1588-2008 ) or Livewire clocking
General network design
Avoiding congestion and oversubscription
Maintaining a clean, well-segmented network
Cabling Requirements
The role of cabling in a Livewire+ network is to ensure clean signal transmission and minimize errors or timing variation.
Minimum Requirement
Category 5e cable (Cat5e)
Supports 1 Gbps Ethernet (1000BASE-T)
Suitable for Livewire+ when properly installed
Recommended
Category 6 cable (Cat6)
Improved noise immunity
Lower crosstalk
Greater performance margin for real-time audio applications
Additional Cabling Best Practices
Shielding
Use Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) in high-RF or electrically noisy environments (e.g., studios, transmitter sites)
Conductor Type
Use solid copper cable
Avoid copper-clad aluminum (CCA)
Installation Quality
Maintain proper termination practices
Avoid tight bends, kinks, or excessive strain
Keep cable runs within the 100-meter (328 ft) Ethernet limit
Summary
Livewire+ uses standard Ethernet and performs reliably when the network is properly designed
Cabling should be Cat5e minimum, with Cat6 preferred
Overall system performance depends more on network configuration and design than on cable type alone
Additional Information
For further assistance with Livewire+ network design, switch configuration, or troubleshooting, please contact Telos Support.