The term bandwidth refers to the speed that you can send data to (download), or receive data from (upload) your device. Check that you have the OTNconnect prerequisites and check the Wi-Fi signal strength of your network connection.
There are several factors to consider when evaluating how much bandwidth you or your service organization should invest in, and the decision may vary from one location to the next.
The minimum required bandwidth is 768k, but a videoconference can use up to 1 Mbps per call in both directions (upstream and downstream). If your bandwidth is low, calls will either be lowered in quality or may not work at all.
If your site expects multiple concurrent videoconferences, you need to calculate your bandwidth requirements. That is, multiply the expected number of concurrent calls times 1 Mbps and also account for any other activity that might use bandwidth. (See factors affecting data usage below.)
It is also important to have a backup plan that will let you connect to the OTN network if your primary network is having issues.
Videoconferencing Data Usage
On average, OTNconnect uses the following bandwidth for a 15-minute videoconference.
- Person-to-person: 400 - 500 MB
- Multi-point: 1000 MB
- Person to room-based system over Wi-Fi: 75 - 100 MB
The above usage examples are estimates based on averages. Actual data usage will vary and the above examples are intended to be used only as a guideline.
Factors affecting data usage (and therefore reducing video quality) can include:
- Screen sharing during the videoconference (e.g., PowerPoint slides or other content).
- Other applications or services using the same Internet connection (e.g., email, peer-to-peer networking).