If your stream keeps dropping, check the SHOUTcast log of your port. The typical error message is:
source dropped connection. disconnecting.
Related messages: no data (30s timeout). disconnecting. These mean the server stopped receiving data from your broadcasting software (e.g. Mixxx), so the problem is on the source side (your connection), not a server crash.
To ensure stream reliability:
- Use a wired Ethernet connection: Avoid using Wi-Fi for broadcasting. Wireless connections are prone to micro-interruptions and packet loss, which instantly drop live streams.
- Stream to one server only: Do not broadcast to the main server and the backup server simultaneously. Streaming twice doubles your upload bandwidth usage and strains your uplink.
- Avoid background network traffic: Pause other downloads and uploads during your set. Keep in mind that running the Second Life viewer also requires significant network bandwidth.
- Enable auto-reconnect: Set Mixxx to automatically reconnect if a momentary network drop occurs.
Switching to a reliable, wired uplink with dedicated bandwidth will make the biggest difference in keeping your stream online.
