Troubleshooting Bad Call Quality Issues
FAQ 1: Why is my call quality poor, and how can I fix it?
Answer: If your calls sound choppy or unclear, the issue may be poor internet connectivity. To improve it:
- Test your internet speed using a reliable speed test tool (e.g., speed.cloudflare.com).
- Ensure your connection has at least 50Mbps for both download and upload speeds, a jitter under 10ms, and a ping below 40ms. If your connection is below these standards, consider upgrading your plan or router.
How to Test:
1. Visit speed.cloudflare.com to check your connection speed.
2. If your results show poor performance, contact your internet provider for assistance or consider upgrading your equipment.
FAQ 2: What does 'high-jitter' mean, and how can I fix it?
Answer: Jitter refers to the variation in time between data packets arriving at their destination. High jitter can cause audio distortion, like crackling or choppy speech. To fix this:
- Ensure that your router is not overloaded with other tasks.
- If you're using Wi-Fi, switch to a wired connection for more stable performance.
- Check your router's settings and consider adjusting the Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize VoIP traffic.
How to Use:
- Connect your device directly to the router using an Ethernet cable.
- If you're using Wi-Fi, ensure that you are close to the router and that there are minimal obstructions.
FAQ 3: What is 'high-packet-loss,' and how can I resolve it?
Answer: Packet loss occurs when data packets fail to reach their destination. It can cause poor call quality and even drop calls. To address packet loss:
- Test your network using test.8x8.vc to check for compatibility with VoIP.
- If packet loss is detected, check if other devices are consuming too much bandwidth and consider disconnecting them during important calls.
- Ensure that your router firmware is up to date, and consider using a higher-quality router if needed.
How to Test:
- Visit test.8x8.vc to see if your network is compatible with VoIP.
- If packet loss is detected, contact your internet provider for troubleshooting.
FAQ 4: What does 'high-rtt' mean, and how can I fix it?
Answer: High round-trip time (RTT) means there's a delay in sending and receiving data between you and the other party. To reduce RTT:
- Use a local server or closer data center if possible.
- Check for high network congestion or background applications that may be consuming bandwidth.
- Switch to a faster internet connection, if possible.
How to Fix:
- Visit a speed test site like speed.cloudflare.com to check your RTT.
- If RTT is high, contact your provider to check for network issues or consider a faster internet plan.
FAQ 5: How can I ensure my mobile app doesn't experience call quality issues?
Answer: If you're using a mobile app and experiencing poor call quality, the following steps can help:
- Check for 'high-jitter' or 'high-packet-loss' warnings within the app. These indicators will let you know what might be wrong.
- Move to a location with a stronger signal if you're on Wi-Fi or cellular data.
- Try using the app on a different network to see if the issue persists.
How to Use:
- Open your mobile app and check for any call quality warnings, such as "high-jitter" or "high-packet-loss."
- If warnings appear, move closer to the router or switch to a more stable network.