5 STEPS FOR BETTER VIDEO CONFERENCES

FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO ENSURE THE BEST REMOTE VIDEO CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE:

1. Check your connection. Sites like www.speedtest.net make it easy to test your connection bandwidth. Additionally, you can use an app like WiFi Analyzer to view which wireless channels are being used by other networks in your area. You can then select a WiFi channel that has the lowest activity from other networks—meaning you’ll get the best bandwidth. You can change your WiFi channel through your network provider’s settings.
   
2. Avoid signal obstructions (doors, walls, etc.). Sitting near your WiFi router, away from walls, doors, and other signal obstructions, ensures you get the best wireless signal. Even microwaves and televisions can interfere with WiFi signals. By sitting close to the router, you eliminate these barriers that hinder your connection. 
   
3. Pause other internet use in the house (downloads, video streaming, etc.). If other members of your household are using WiFi-intensive apps for online gaming, downloading, or other video calls, it can drain bandwidth for your video conference. Make sure to pause all downloads on your own computer, and consider asking other users to temporarily pause their heavy WiFi use during your call. 
   
4. Do a dry run first. Most video conferencing apps offer an option to test your video, microphone, and sound. Always test these beforehand, so you don’t arrive to the meeting with a microphone or speakers that aren’t working. 
   
5. Rethink using HD video. Everyone loves crystal clear HD quality. But conducting your video conference in HD will add an extra demand to your connection—ultimately hampering your signal. This extra demand can result in lagging or frozen videos. If you want a stable connection, disable HD video in the settings of your call.

Photo by: Matthew Henry