Browser and network requirements

Which browsers and computers can play OpenBeam Cloud, what your network needs, and how to get a smooth stream.

Beshoy Hanna

Beshoy Hanna

— 1 min read
Share

OpenBeam Cloud runs the simulation on our servers and streams the picture to your browser. Your computer only decodes video, so it doesn't need a powerful GPU. It does need a browser and network that can carry the stream.

Browser

  • Use Chrome or Edge on a Mac or PC. OpenBeam Cloud streams over WebTransport and decodes with WebCodecs, which these browsers support.
  • Safari, and every browser on iPhone and iPad, can't play yet. Their WebTransport stalls the stream after a few seconds. You can still sign in and manage your mods and recordings there.
  • Other browsers without WebTransport can't play either. The Play tab tells you if yours is one of them.

Network

  • A wired connection helps. Wi-Fi works, but a cable gives steadier frame times.
  • Bandwidth. The stream is 1080p at 60 fps and 20 Mbps by default. In the player you can choose 5 to 50 Mbps, or Auto bitrate. See Use the player toolbar.
  • UDP. The stream uses UDP. Networks that block UDP traffic, such as some company or campus firewalls, can stop it from connecting.

Before a session starts, OpenBeam Cloud checks your connection (Checking your connection…).

For a smooth stream

  • Close other tabs or apps that use a lot of bandwidth.
  • If the picture stutters, lower the bitrate in the player toolbar.
  • Use Stats in the toolbar to see the frame rate and bitrate, and Latency test to measure input delay.
  • Go fullscreen and use Capture mouse for driving and camera control.

Read more