Network Bonding with VidiU Go

This Tutorial will walk through the steps of setting up a bonded network using Teradek Nodes for streaming on your VidiU Go. Bonding can improve the reliability of your internet connection and video stream by aggregating Ethernet, WiFi, and cellular data. Network bonding lets you focus more on making great content and worry less about losing your video stream.

To utilize bonding, you will need to use either Teradek’s Core or Sharelink cloud service. This tutorial will use Core and has already connected configured the VidiU Go to a Core account. If you have not already configured your VidiU Go for Core or Sharelink, click here for instructions for Core or click here for Sharelink instructions, then return here when you’ve completed this step. 

The next things needed to achieve a bonded network are cellular modems. There are many different options when selecting what cellular modem to use, two of which are outlined below.

Here is a Teradek VidiU Go Node, which has 2 high-gain antennas and is purpose-built for VidiU Go.


On the other side, there is a spot for a SIM card. The SIM card provides the modem with cellular data. To make things simple, we include a Telna SIM card with every Node modem. With Telna, you can purchase the appropriate data plan for live streaming from different carriers, all from one platform.
You can use a third-party SIM card if you desire. Though the SIM card is physically the same as if it were in a cell phone, the plan is usually different when purchasing from a carrier. In order to have cellular data for live streaming, you will need a data plan.
Note: Telna will automatically utilize the strongest available cellular network in the area you are connecting.

Here is an example third-party cellular modem from Verizon. These modems also need a SIM card, so be sure to check if one is included with the unit when buying.
Note: we cannot guarantee SIM and modem compatibility. Here is our support center section with different modem support articles. For guaranteed connection, we recommend using Teradek Nodes and their provided Telna SIMs.

It is also good practice to use SIM cards from multiple carriers. If one network becomes congested or you are not close to a tower, there is a second network to rely on. 

1. The first step to set up a bonded network is to attach cellular modems to the VidiU Go. On either side of the device, there are USB ports.
   
   
   This tutorial will use two different modem devices, the first being a Teradek Node. Ensure the SIM card is connected to the Node before plugging it into the USB port on the side of the VidiU.
   Use the thumbwheels on either side to tighten the Node to the VidiU.
   
   
2. Once the Node is secure, attach the next modem to the other side of the VidiU, this time using a third-party modem.
   
   
   
3. Pull up the VidiU app on an iPad or iPhone and tap “Stats” to view your network bandwidth. If there is no change, wait a few moments for it to populate the information on your signal.
   
   
   
4. Once the stats have loaded, it will show the Wifi, USB 1, and USB 2 are being aggregated to create a consistent signal and are increasing the overall bandwidth.
   
   
   
5. At this point, the stream is ready to go live.