How do I get the best performance for my bandwidth when teleconferencing?

Teleconferencing with Zoom, Teams, WebEx, or other software platforms can be a big bandwidth hog when working remotely, especially when more than one person in your household is teleconferencing at the same time. 

Here are some good tips on how to get better performance from your teleconferencing software: 

  • According to Zoom, bandwidth (voice and video quality) usage is adjusted based on the user’s network (cell, wifi, wired) to optimize the experience. However, more bandwidth is recommended for group video calls vs. 1:1 video calls.
  • Limit high-bandwidth activities by others at your location.
  • Avoid running other data-intensive applications during Zoom sessions
  • Turn off (mute) your video and audio feeds.
  • Turn off HD video in the software's setting.  In Zoom, go into Settings (gear icon), Video, make sure Enable HD is unchecked.  For more Zoom video settings click here.
  • If you are not actively sharing your screen, turn off screen sharing.
  • Turn off VPN.
  • Call in with your phone to the number listed for the audio feed.

 

Here is some technical details from Zoom and Microsoft.

Zoom

  • Recommended bandwidth for meetings:
    • For 1:1 video calling:
      • 600kbps (up/down) for high quality video1.2 Mbps (up/down) for 720p HD video
      • Receiving 1080p HD video requires 1.8 Mbps (up/down)
      • Sending 1080p HD video requires 1.8 Mbps (up/down)
    • For group video calling:
      • 800kbps/1.0Mbps (up/down) for high quality video
      • For gallery view and/or 720p HD video: 1.5Mbps/1.5Mbps (up/down)
      • Receiving 1080p HD video requires 2.5mbps (up/down)
      • Sending 1080p HD video requires 3.0 Mbps (up/down)

 

Microsoft Teams

  • Bandwidth requirements:
    • 30 kbps Peer-to-peer audio calling
    • 130 kbps Peer-to-peer audio calling and screen sharing
    • 500 kbps Peer-to-peer quality video calling 360p at 30fps
    • 1.2 Mbps Peer-to-peer HD quality video calling with resolution of HD 720p at 30fps
    • 1.5 Mbps Peer-to-peer HD quality video calling with resolution of HD 1080p at 30fps
    • 500kbps/1Mbps Group Video calling
    • 1Mbps/2Mbps HD Group video calling (540p videos on 1080p screen)

 

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