| 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.
- 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 in your home.
- If your router is outdated, you may need to consider updating it. 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. It does not reflect the speed or bandwidth provided by your Internet Service Provider.
Once your Chromebook is connected to your home router 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.
Recommended bandwidth for meetings:
- For 1:1 video calling:
- For high-quality video: 600kbps (up/down)
- For 720p HD video: 1.2Mbps (up/down)
- For 1080p HD video: 3.8Mbps/3.0Mbps (up/down)
- For group video calling:
- For high-quality video: 1.0 Mbps/600kbps (up/down)
- For 720p HD video: 2.6Mbps/1.8Mbps (up/down)
- For 1080p HD video: 3.8Mbps/3.0Mbps (up/down)
- For gallery view receiving: 2.0Mbps (25 views), 4.0Mbps (49 views)
- For screen sharing only (no video thumbnail): 50-75kbps
- For screen sharing with video thumbnail: 50-150kbps
- For audio VoiP: 60-80kbps
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.