Best Practices -- Technology

Best Practices -- Technology

System requirements

● Conduct a speed test https://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/ . Recommended

download speed is at or above 12mbps and upload speed is at or above 8mbps.

● Each laptop/desktop should be using the Chrome browser.

● All mobile devices should download and install the Zoom Video app.

● All devices should be plugged into a power supply. The battery is drained rapidly

when using video conferencing software.

● Each device should allow the browser/app to use the microphone and camera.

Recommended Devices

● Laptop

○ Laptop is the best option since most of them have built in microphone and

webcam. Tilting the laptop screen can easily adjust the the position of the

webcam. We highly recommend that all judges use laptop or desktops.

● Desktop with microphone & webcam

○ Make sure the microphone is working & webcam can be adjusted easily.

● Tablet & Phone

○ Tablets and phones are the least preferred options for a few reasons:

positioning the camera can be a little tricky; the connection might be less

robust; it requires a few more steps when using the Zoom Video app.

moving the device creates a lot of movement on the screen.

● Microphones & webcams

○ If the system allows for an external microphone or webcam, please consider

using it. Headphones work great, as well.

Improve Connectivity

● Wired Internet connection

○ Plug the computer into the router (i.e. the network device that provides

Internet connection) with a network cable. The computer may need an

adapter to make this possible.

● Move closer to the router

○ If wired is not an option, the next best option is to place the computer in the

same room as the router. The closer the device is to the router, the better

the signal quality. The video/audio could freeze if the device is too far away.

● Reboot the router

○ If the device has repeated connection issues, reboot the router to reset all

connections

● Minimize interference

○ Remove any solid objects between the WiFi antenna and the router. Avoid

using microwaves, washing machines, furnaces and other electrical

appliances while online.

● Don’t crowd the router

○ Reduce other Internet usage while online (e.g. don’t stream Netflix in the

other room).

● Go Dual-band

○ Many routers can operate in 2.4GHz and 5GHz. 2.4GHz is more commonly

used so more prone for interference. Switch to 5GHz.