---
title: "Livewire+ Cabling and Network Considerations"
slug: "what-kind-of-network-cables-should-i-use-for-livewire"
updated: 2026-04-29T18:16:04Z
published: 2026-04-29T18:16:04Z
canonical: "docs.telosalliance.com/what-kind-of-network-cables-should-i-use-for-livewire"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.telosalliance.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Livewire+ Cabling and Network Considerations

## 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.

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## 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

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## 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

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## 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

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### 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

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### Additional Information

For further assistance with Livewire+ network design, switch configuration, or troubleshooting, please contact Telos Support.