| Wifi Network Connections |
GCA programs and platforms require a strong, fast, and reliable source of internet connection to work best. Please read the information below as possible talking points with your local Internet Service Provider when you experience issues staying connected to Class.
**The following information is only intended to guide you.**
**Please reach out to your Internet Service Provider for specifics about your local wifi network connection.**
The first point at which your GCA issued Chromebook is connected to the internet is your home router or hotspot.
- The strength of this connection can be seen in the lower right corner of your Chromebook. If you click the wifi icon, you can see what the signal strength is.
- If your connection is anything less than strong, move your Chromebook closer to the location of the router or hotspot in your home.
- If you have an adapter, you may be able to connect the Chromebook directly to your wifi source which will give you the strongest connection.
- If your connection to the router IS strong and you still experience issues, the problem may be with your router, not the Chromebook's connection to it.
- If your home router is outdated, you may need to consider updating it. Routers age quickly with the rapid advancement of technology. Discuss this with your Internet Service Provider. GCA cannot give advice about the condition of your router or what router to purchase.
- This connection ONLY indicates the strength of the signal from the Chromebook to the router or hotspot. It does not reflect the speed or bandwidth provided by your Internet Service Provider.
Once your Chromebook is connected to your home router or hotspot with a strong signal, it's time to address the speed or bandwidth of your Internet Service Provider. The following information indicates what is required for Class to perform best.
For a high quality experience in Class, GCA strongly recommends the following:
Upload speeds of 20 mbps per person using Class in the household. If other non-students in the household are also using video meeting platforms, they would also need to be counted.
Zero packet loss when testing your connections at the site listed below.
Download speeds are important as well but if you have insufficient upload speeds and/or any packet loss, it will negatively affect your Class experience.
Please use this site below to test your internet speed.
If you are submitting a ticket for assistance, including a screenshot of your home network speed test can be helpful.
The last component of your Class experience over the internet is the amount of data in use.
- Each Internet Service Provider offers data plans for use on their network.
- Data is in use whenever any activity is happening over the internet (ex: use of any device for watching streaming media services, online gaming, video chatting, etc.)
- When the data limits are reached on any internet plan, it is common practice to slow down the connection until the start of the next billing period.