Applies to: WAVE

Issue Summary

WAVE displays a Network Issue notification when it detects lost or out-of-order Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) packets received by a server. The notification appears in the Notifications Panel each time an issue is detected. WAVE also records a packet loss entry in the log file.

Network issues can result from one or more of the following conditions:

• Insufficient network bandwidth - Slow network connections or insufficient capacity between the camera and server can cause RTP packet loss.
   
• Camera/stream or stream issues - Unstable/under-performing cameras can cause dropped frames or lost packets. Third-party systems or interfaces connected to the same camera may compete for its streams.
   
• Networking devices limitations or configurations -  Improperly configured network devices or devices incapable of handling the necessary traffic types.

When using User Data Protocol (UDP) as the connection protocol between cameras and servers, some Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches do not handle this protocol well. There are some inherent limitations of networking devices which may prevent adequate handling of traffic or throughput.

• Network cabling issues - Excessive cable lengths, incorrect or poor-quality cabling, damaged cabling, or too many intermediate switches or connections can cause packet loss.

Resolution

To address a network issue:

• Check your network bandwidth
  
  Open the WAVE Desktop Client. 
  Drag and drop the affected server onto the Viewing Grid. 
  Monitor network traffic for any obvious issues.
   
• Isolate the problem camera/stream
  
  Remove devices one at a time to see if the issue is reproduced.
  Reboot the affected camera.
  If the issue involves an RSTP or HTTP stream, remove and re-add the streams(s) again to see if the issue is resolved.
   

• Test the stream using VLC 
  
  Open the affected camera streams in VLC with logging. 
  Check the VLC logs for packet loss.

  NOTE: The stream URL is available under Camera Settings > Advanced
  (Primary Stream, Secondary Stream).

Preventing a Network Issue

To reduce the likelihood of a network issue:

• Make sure the network is stable and has sufficient throughput between the affected camera and server.
   
• Use stable, dependable cameras and streams.
   
• Simplify the network architecture to provide the most direct path possible between cameras and servers. The more routing you have the more likely a camera/stream can be affected.
   
• Use high quality cabling and wireless access points.