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Network and NAT guide

YiLink prefers direct P2P and works out of the box most of the time. When your network is complicated, this guide gets you connected.

Summary

For stable, high-quality streaming, prioritize upload bandwidth and low packet loss. If direct connection fails, YiLink falls back to a relay automatically, free of charge.

1. Bandwidth and bitrate

  • 1080p@60fps: start at 20 Mbps bitrate, upload at least 20 Mbps. The balance point for quality and cost.
  • 1080p@120fps: start at 35 Mbps. Much more sensitive to packet loss.
  • 4K@60fps: 50 to 80 Mbps, upload at least 80 Mbps. Wired or strong Wi-Fi required.

2. Wi-Fi tuning

  • Prefer wired Ethernet on the host, and 5 GHz Wi-Fi on the client.
  • Stay close to the router and avoid obstructions.
  • Avoid 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi: interference makes latency spike.
  • Avoid large downloads or uploads during a session.

3. NAT types and direct connection

YiLink uses WebRTC P2P, so connection success depends heavily on the NAT type on both ends.

  • Full Cone / Restricted Cone (NAT 1-3): direct connection usually works.
  • Symmetric (NAT 4): direct connection is hard and a relay is usually needed. YiLink covers most NAT4 + NAT3 combinations.

Use the NAT check tool in the console to see your current NAT type.

4. Relay fallback

When P2P fails or quality is poor, YiLink forwards encrypted traffic through a relay server (TURN). Relays are included free for all users.

  • P2P direct: device to device, the lowest latency, success depends on NAT.
  • Relay: device to server to device. Slightly higher latency depending on server location; when a direct P2P path fails, YiLink switches to relays automatically to maximize your connect rate. The relay cannot decrypt your stream.

You can also point the host at your own TURN server in settings.

5. Common problems

  • Stutter, artifacts, or frozen video: usually packet loss from weak Wi-Fi or congestion. Lower the bitrate or move to 5 GHz.
  • Slow decoding: the client device is underpowered. Drop the resolution, for example 4K to 1080p.
  • Audio and video out of sync: audio buffer buildup. YiLink corrects accumulated delay automatically; if it persists, refresh and reconnect.
  • Stuck on Connecting: NAT traversal may have failed. Allow UDP through the host firewall, enable UPnP on the router, and let the relay take over if needed.