Quick Tips for Webex

Even if you aren’t using them, applications on your device are using precious resources. Before your meeting, close any applications and browser sessions that you are not using for the best experience.

Your location and the number of people using your Wi-Fi connection affect the speed of your connection. A wired ethernet connection may provide a faster connection.

Join meetings using the Webex Meetings Desktop App instead of using the browser-based Web App. It is the fastest way to join a meeting. Download the Webex App through Software Center on CMU devices, or download from the Webex site for personal devices.

There’s no substitute for experience. Experiment with sharing content, connecting audio and video, and screen annotation. Try joining a test meeting.

CMU provides a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service that allows you to use the company network while working remotely. VPN can limit the bandwidth available to Webex. Unless the meeting requires VPN to access shared resources, use Webex Meetings outside of VPN.

We all love a binge-worthy TV series, but if you are joining a meeting, ask your family to hold off on that next episode of their favorite show until your meeting is over. Download shows ahead of time to save work-day bandwidth.

Not sure if your Wi-Fi can handle the call? Use the “Health Checker” feature at the top right-hand corner of your Webex Meetings app. You can also use any internet-based speed test to better understand your connection speeds. Learn more on the Cisco website.

Send files before a meeting, or share a link to the file, rather than sharing your screen. This saves valuable bandwidth, and in turn, gives you a better audio and video experience.

With low connection quality, your collaboration experience is worse. Webex will suggest or automatically lower your video resolution and may eventually turn off your video. You can turn off your own video at any time. See more slow connection tips on the Cisco website.

If your internet audio and video experience or Call Me/Call Me Back does not work, you can keep collaborating. Use the dial-in numbers in your meeting invitation to join via cell phone or landline. If the primary phone number is temporarily unavailable, the invite includes a long list of other global login numbers to try. See tips for finding the global dial-in number for your meeting.

If you are the host of a larger meeting, consider the “mute on entry” option under the participant menu. Let your participants know they’ll need to unmute themselves to speak. Remember to mute your own mic when you are not contributing to prevent feedback and background noise.