When does SPChat need a TURN server?
SPChat uses WebRTC for video and voice. Learn when TURN is needed and how to configure your own STUN and TURN servers for reliable calls.
TURN is needed for WebRTC video and voice when a browser cannot connect directly to the other participant or the LiveKit SFU. This can happen behind strict firewalls or certain NAT configurations. The normal SSE text chat does not need a TURN server.
STUN helps browsers discover reachable network addresses. TURN relays encrypted WebRTC traffic as a fallback and therefore consumes bandwidth on the TURN server. SPChat lets the operator configure custom STUN and TURN servers.
Peer mode allows a maximum of 3 connections per person. Sending and watching share this limit. More cameras can be active in the room. The polling interval is at least 2000 ms. These limits do not apply to LiveKit SFU.
The bandwidth table for four cameras shows upload and download usage per person. It also explains why a TURN server does not reduce the multiple video transmissions in peer mode.