Encoder Streamer - Icecast Multiple Mount Points Streaming?

What are Mount Points in Audio Streaming?

When referring to your encoder streamer and you are new to the world of internet radio and audio streaming, you will most likely be introduced to a slew of new technical jargon, like encoder streamer or stream encoding. Most of them, without a doubt, will perplex you and leave you wondering, "What in the world does this mean?"

To clear up any confusion, we would like to introduce you to one of the most important terminologies in audio streaming: "Mount Points," sometimes known as "mounts."

All About Mount Points

Mount points are simply URLs that both listeners and broadcasters can connect to in order to listen to audio. They are, in a sense, unique names assigned to a particular audio stream.

The "point" that connects the source client to the streaming server, such as Icecast or Shoutcast, is referred to as a mount point.

So, to deliver audio to the streaming server, the source client must connect to a mount point on that server. Once connected, the listeners will connect to the same mount point, and the streaming server will broadcast the stream or audio to them.

When a listener connects to the specific mount point, they will get the audio as an HTTP stream from the server. Listeners can use any web browser or mobile device to listen to the audio via this HTTP stream. Almost all HTTP streams are universal, which means that people from all around the world can tune in to the audio stream.

However, when a listener connects to a mount, the broadcaster must also be connected. Otherwise, when the listener connects to the HTTP stream, they will receive an error message that reads "HTTP 404 Not Found." If the broadcaster wishes to avoid this, the mount must be configured with a "fallback" or "relay."

Fallback

Fallback mounts are also known as backup mounts. When a mount point is configured with a fallback, listeners can "fall back" on a backup or alternate audio source when the primary audio source is disconnected.

In other words, broadcasters are not required to stay connected to the mount point 24/7. The audio will be streamed even if the broadcaster is not present.

Relay

Multiple servers can mirror a single, existing stream by relaying a mount point. This configuration setting provides the listener with a seamless listening experience and shields them from network congestion issues.

Relaying can also boost scalability as it helps solve the problem of limited listener slots and bandwidth.

Mount points on Icecast vs. Shoutcast

Icecast and Shoutcast are two popular audio streaming servers that listeners can use.

Icecast has several mount points, whereas Shoutcast has a default mount point called "/stream," and other mount points must be purchased separately. 

In Shoutcast—unlike Icecast—you do not need to specify a mount point. You can create your own mount point if there isn't one already.

Mount point names begin with a forward slash (/) followed by a string of text with no special characters.

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