Set up Airtame with an Ethernet adapter

Why use Ethernet?

• Stability: WiFi signals sometimes lose data because of external blockers and interference. 

• Transfer speed: The process of transmitting data wirelessly takes more time than using cables since signals need to be transferred in the air and, if there is a loss of data, retransmitted. Therefore it will always add a bit more latency when streaming than when using cables.

Note that it is worth mentioning that the Ethernet connection only helps with the connection from Airtame to the router and not from the router to the Computer.

• Extra setup possibilities: This is especially relevant for organizations with multiple networks. Airtame can handle one wired connection and one WiFi connection.

For example, Internal Network (Wired) + Guest network (WiFi) will allow users from both networks to stream to one device. For more read here.

Minimize interference: All sort of devices uses WiFi and they all interfere with each other and can cause connections to be unstable. With Airtame hardwired the customer can disable the WiFi to minimize active WiFis on their network. 

Security: Having a wired solution minimized the possibility of a security breach. Airtame can be connected to your network via an Ethernet cable by using an adapter (Not included in the box). This connection will generally give you a more reliable performance. 

Not sure why? Read about the benefits of using Ethernet.

Where to get an adapter from?

A compatible ethernet adapter can be purchased from www.airtame.com or independently. If you chose to buy a non-airtame adapter, make sure it meets these requirements:

ASIX AX88772A chipset
Micro USB connector
Native Linux support
100Mb/s

Step 1: Installing & Powering

Plugging in the Ethernet Adapter

1. Plug the micro USB-to-Ethernet adapter into the accessory port, then the Ethernet cable to the router. For Airtame 1 the port needs to be uncovered. On Airtame 2 the micro USB port is on the side of the device.

2. Give power to Airtame and wait for it to boot. Once the device has booted, you will be presented with an IP address if the connection was successful ✔️

Step 2: Configuring Airtame

This setup is intended for a new device.  If you have already connected Airtame to the same network via WiFi, we recommend either starting fresh with a reset or disconnecting this WiFi after the setup.

1. (Optional) Reset Airtame 1 / Airtame 2.

2. Hook up the Ethernet connection and wait for an IP address to be shown on the screen.

3. If no IP address comes up on the screen you may need to allow Airtame onto your network or check that the Ethernet port on your switch is mapped to a VLAN or write to support@airtame.com.

4. Open Airtame application.

5. Select "Set Up" from the green banner at the top of the application.

6. Follow the steps (also available in the gif image below).

7. Test streaming by opening the app and clicking "Share screen" or entering the IP address.

8. If successful, consider password protecting Airtame's own WiFi APs, or connecting the remaining antenna to your guest's WiFi through the device settings.  In order to include some instructions on the overlay background, you can check the article How to edit Airtame's overlay text.

Step 3: Adding a Guest WiFi

Having used a wired (Ethernet) connection, you have the ability to add a second network via WiFi. To do this:

1. Open the device settings

2. Scroll down to "Network" and select your guest WiFi.

3. Type in the password for that network. Portal login WiFi is not yet supported by Airtame.

4. Click "Apply Changes". 

For additional setup examples, please check out this article.

Step 4: Streaming 

Now that the device is set up, go ahead and make your first stream:

1. Open the Airtame app.

2. Find your device in the list or enter its IP address.

3. Click "Share screen" for each device you wish to stream to.

4. When you are done, return to the app and click "Stop" to finish the stream.