Use a Wired Connection
A wired connection to your Internet router will usually be a faster and more stable connection. Try to use a wired connection to your router whenever possible.
Be Closer to Your Wireless Router
If you must use a wireless connection to connect to the Internet, have your computer or device as close to the wireless router as possible. The signal will be stronger and more stable, and the signal will also have fewer obstacles between your computer and the router, such as walls or interfering wireless signals.
Check Your Internet Bandwidth/Speed
Go to the Speedtest website and check your Internet speed by clicking "Go". Please keep in mind that your Internet speed will fluctuate during the day, so it's a good idea to run the test a few times throughout the day, especially when you're having video or audio issues on Zoom to see if they could be cased by your Internet connection. In general, we recommend having a download speed of 70+ Mbps and an upload speed of 16+ Mbps.
Turn Off Your Webcam
Using the video from your webcam can take up a great deal of bandwidth and, depending on your bandwidth capacity, might contribute to video or audio quality issues or reduction. Consider turning your webcam off when possible, only turning the camera on when necessary.
Disable HD Video in Zoom
You can disable the HD video option by selecting video settings in a meeting - select the up arrow to the right of the video icon in the lower-left of the Zoom Desktop Client application and uncheck the HD video option.
Mute Microphone When Not Talking
Try to keep your microphone muted when you're not speaking in class.
Close Non-essential Applications
Applications that are not essential for your live online class session should be closed. Sometimes the unnecessary applications will use computer or device resources, as well as your bandwidth, and cause connectivity problems. Email software is a particularly bad to have running during a live session because email software, when it intermittently checks for email, tends to use a lot of Internet bandwidth.
Reduce the Number of Devices Connected to Your Internet
If there are multiple devices connected to your router, such as computers or smart TVs, try to reduce the amount of bandwidth being used by those devices. Consider asking household members to temporarily postpone using streaming services, such as Netflix, YouTube, etc.
Switch to Phone Audio
If you have an unstable connection, you can join the meeting by phone. Click on the up arrow to the right of the microphone icon in the lower-left of the Zoom Desktop Client application.
Contact the Cornell IT Helpdesk
If you continue to have issues, consider contacting Cornell IT Helpdesk.