This section describes the hardware and software required to run RealServer.
Ensure that the machine on which you install RealServer is secure and is not accessible to unauthorized users.
RealServers require approximately 6 MB of available RAM plus 40 KB RAM for each simultaneous stream. For example, to support 100 simultaneous connections-without Authentication or Ad Insertion-requires approximately 10 MB of available memory.
RealServer has a modest CPU impact. A 120 MHz or faster processor is required. For example, a 100-stream RealServer operating on a 120 MHz Pentium computer consumes less than 30% of the CPU cycles. With enough network bandwidth, the same computer can deliver at least 400 28.8 Kbps streams simultaneously.
The RealServer program files require about 3 MB of disk space. You also need disk space for the content files you are serving. See also the RealAudio and RealVideo Content Creation Guide.
Bandwidth requirements for audio and video depend on the encoding/decoding formats used. A T1 line is recommended for all installations.
See the RealAudio and RealVideo Content Creation Guide for a list of hardware requirements for encoding media clips.
You'll need a Web server for presenting your content. If your RealSystem product includes Authentication, you can also use your own database for tracking user information; if your RealSystem includes Ad Insertion, you can use a third-party ad server for scheduling ad placement and rotation.
Although a Web server is required to make the best use of RealAudio and RealVideo, it need not be installed on the same machine as RealServer.
To make the best use of RealAudio and RealVideo, you must have a Web site and a registered domain.
To ensure that the media files are accessible from links embedded in your Web pages, your Web server must be configured to recognize the various MIME types of your anticipated audience. RealServer can be configured to work with any Web server that supports configurable MIME types.
RealServer is compatible with the following Web servers
To view a current list of Web servers that are compatible with RealServer 5.0, visit the RealNetworks Web site.
RealServer comes with a database (mSQL), but can also be used with any ODBC-compliant database. Templates for common databases are included.
RealServer integrates with several third-party advertisement servers. Please check the RealNetworks site for the latest additions.