Mediasoup Setup: What is it, How to Install, Which Systems are Used? Detailed Guide

1. What is Mediasoup?
Mediasoup is a Node.js-based, very high-performance SFU (Selective Forwarding Unit) server library for WebRTC-based, real-time media broadcasts (video, audio).
It is used in applications such as conferences, live broadcasts, p2p, and webinars.

2. Mediasoup Usage Areas

Video conferencing systems
Online education platforms
Live sports / event broadcasts
Remote business meeting systems
Camera surveillance systems

3. Mediasoup Installation with Docker
Installation with Docker eliminates dependency complexity thanks to encapsulation:

Requirements:

Docker Engine
Docker Compose

Installation Steps:

Create the necessary folder structure:

mkdir mediasoup-docker && cd mediasoup-docker
git clone https://github.com/versatica/mediasoup-demo.git
cd mediasoup-demo

Edit environment variables (in the .env file)
Open ports: 3000, 40000-40100/udp
Start:

docker-compose up --build

Advantages:

Fast installation
Portability
Easy upgrade

4. Node.js (Manual) Installation

Requirements:

Node.js 16+
Python 3
C++ compiler (Linux: build-essential, Windows: windows-build-tools)

Installation Steps:

git clone https://github.com/versatica/mediasoup-demo.git
cd mediasoup-demo
npm install
npm run worker:build
npm start

Advantages:

Docker is not required
More control

5. Which Installation Method to Use on Which Servers?

Operating System	Preferred Installation	Notes
Ubuntu 20.04+	Docker & Manual	Most stable performance, most common environment
Debian 11+	Docker	Fewer dependency issues
CentOS/Rocky	Manual	iptables issues may occur in Docker
Windows Server	Docker (WSL2)	Native support is weak, WSL2 is recommended
macOS	Manual	Suitable for development, not suitable for production

6. Advantage - Disadvantage Comparison

System	Advantages	Disadvantages
Ubuntu	Community support, package support, stability	-
CentOS	Stable, RHEL-based infrastructure	Some dependency issues may occur
Windows	Easy testing environment with WSL2	Performance degradation may occur, no native support
macOS	Ideal for developers	Not suitable for server environment

7. Conclusion and Recommendations

Ubuntu 20.04+ and Docker should be preferred for a scalable Mediasoup broadcasting system.
Manual Node.js installation offers more flexibility in development environments.
Mediasoup provides the best results in terms of both quality and latency in live broadcasting and conference applications.

8. Extra: Usage with TURN Server (Coturn)
Mediasoup requires a TURN server for clients behind NAT. With Coturn installation, UDP/443 port must be opened.

Prepared by Eka Yazılım ve Bilişim Sistemleri.