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Tips for a Quality Zoom Connection

Connection Basics

  • Try connecting your computer directly to your router via a wired Ethernet cable, instead of relying on the WiFi in your home (newer laptops may need an adapter). Note: If you use a Mac, you may need to change your System Preferences to prioritize your wired network.
  • If you are connected wirelessly, try moving your laptop closer to your wireless access point or router.
  • Limit non-essential activities (such as Netflix streaming or gaming) by family members on your home network while you are attending a meeting.
  • To prevent or address issues with Zoom:
    • Before a Zoom meeting, test your audio or video connection on the Zoom test site
    • If you are connecting from a laptop, plug the laptop into wall power. Battery use can adversely affect video quality.
    • If you are experiencing audio or video issues, turn off your Zoom video camera during a call. Sending only audio to meeting participants preserves bandwidth and improves audio quality.
    • If audio issues persist after you turn off video, turn off your audio and connect to Zoom audio using your cell phone or landline.

Other connection suggestions

If your connection problems persist, try one or more of these steps:

  • Reboot your router according to the instructions from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Note: Your internet router can take up to 10 minutes to fully reboot.
  • If your home WiFi offers a choice of connecting at 5GHz or 2.4 GHz, connect to the 5GHz band. This higher band is less crowded but has a smaller range.
  • If your home network cannot support your needs, try tethering your mobile device to your computer to connect to the internet over the cellular network.

How to test your bandwidth

You can test your connection speed to the Internet using links such as speedtest.xfinity.comspeedtest.att.com, or fast.com.

Note: To attend a Zoom video webinar, you’ll need up to 3 Mbps of download and 3 Mbps of upload. See the Zoom bandwidth requirements.

Questions?

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Help Desk at 630.513.3059

Information Adapted from https://uit.stanford.edu/guide/telecommuting/bandwidth

updated Aug 25, 2020