Internet Speed
It is important when working from home and utilizing web based services that you have sufficient internet speed.
Poor internet speed will result in delayed response times from website surfing, out of sync audio or pixelated web based video content such as youtube videos or YuJa videos, drop-outs or freezing in Zoom meetings or other synchronous (real-time) video conferencing applications. If your computer starts to experience any of these symptoms, the best first move to make is to test your internet speed by running a speed test (see below).
The number of devices utilizing the home network will also affect your internet speed. The internet speed is being shared among those devices when they are being actively used. The more devices being used simultaneously, the slower your internet speed.
Remember that devices using your internet connection are not only desktops, laptops and tablets, but also smart TV's, gaming devices, home security systems, assisted entertainment devices such as AppleTV's, Roku's, Chromecast and home management devices like thermostats. Most devices sold these days have an option to connect to a home network (the internet) and thus would be another device utilizing your home network.
Running a Speed Test
Internet Speed Test's are free and can be found on numerous websites. The speed test speed tests should last about 30 seconds and returns information relating to your download and upload speed
Download speed - Your download speed is how fast your internet connection can transfer date from a server to you. Download speeds are important for downloading files, loading websites, and streaming videos and music- You bringing the internet content to your local computer
Upload speed - Your upload speed is how fast your internet connection can transfer your data to a server - You sending content from your local computer to a web based service or website
The download and upload speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps).
The recommend Speed Test can be found by going to Google.com, entering "internet speed test" in the search box and pressing enter (windows) or return (Macs) (below is a screen of the Google Search Screen with the preferred Internet speed test)
Web URL for this specific Internet speed test search result
Speed Test Results
To the right is an example of the results generated from the Internet speed test. The important information to note:
a - The download speed
b - The upload speed
c - Specific information regarding the speed test and your internet connection.
The latency is the amount of time it took for data to travel from your computer to the server and back.
The location of the server that was used for test
A general classification of your internet connection based on the speed
An estimation of what type of services (streaming services) and/or devices (gaming) can be used on your network effectively given the internet speed download and upload speeds
Good internet download speed is at or above 25Mbps - also keep in mind that is usually supporting 1-2 devices on your home network.
If your internet connection speed is below your exceptions (i.e. your connection is poor or good), please contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider)
Example of Internet Speed test results
Service Internet Speed Recommendations
Certain web based services such as Zoom, have Internet speed recommendations to ensure adequate service
Zoom Internet speed recommendations
Recommended bandwidth for meetings and webinar panelists:
For 1:1 video calling:
600kbps (up/down) for high-quality video
1.2Mbps (up/down) for 720p HD video
Receiving 1080p HD video requires 1.8Mbps (up/down)
Sending 1080p HD video requires 1.8Mbps (up/down)
For group video calling:
800kbps/1.0 Mbps (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 3.0Mbps (up/down)
For screen sharing only (no video thumbnail): 50-75kbps
For screen sharing with video thumbnail: 50-150kbps
For audio VoiP: 60-80kbps
For Zoom Phone: 60-100kbps
Recommended bandwidth for webinar attendees:
For 1:1 video calling: 600kbps (down) for high-quality video and 1.2Mbps (down) for HD video
For screen sharing only (no video thumbnail): 50-75kbps (down)
For screen sharing with video thumbnail: 50-150kbps (down)
For audio VoiP: 60-80kbps (down)
*Kbps = Kilobits per second.
1 Kbps = 1,000 bits per second
1,000 Kbps = 1 Mbps (Megabits per second)