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  • A wired connection is more reliable than a wireless one. Try using a network or ethernet cable (pictured below) to plug in - to a router if you are home and have that option, or to the network jack in your room if you are on campus. Check your computer; you may require an adapter to allow you to plug in an ethernet cable. Your manufacturer’s website is the best place to verify this.

  • If connecting to Zoom while attending the in-person section of a hybrid class, make sure you’re muted. 

  • For fuzzy Zoom connections, many have found that turning off their video has enabled them to hear and be heard better.

    • Another tip is to minimize your browser windows (all of them!) if you are told that your system resources are limited.

  • You can turn off the wireless on your phone during class or meetings, to reduce the number of devices demanding internet connections at the same time.

  • We recommend a headset, with microphone, that you find comfortable to wear and easy to use. Bluetooth headsets may not meet that last requirement; although they do not have the wires, you may also suffer connectivity issues with your computer.

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  1. There may be nothing you can do. Internet providers are dealing with far more simultaneous traffic than they used to deal with, and they are doing their best to manage these demands. You may simply need to be patient and creative!
  2. Consider moving things around - yourself, your router - and running speed tests (such as the one at https://www.speedtest.net/) to see what placement works best.
    1. You might read about boosting, extending or repeating your wireless network. Keep in mind that your wireless network is a bit like a rubber band in this situation: the extender from your service provider can stretch the signal further, but stretching a rubber band thins it out - just as extending the signal does not actually make it any faster. 
  3. Wired is always better than wireless. If you have the option, plug in an ethernet cable (some routers give you a spot to plug in; some do not).
  4. If you have multiple people working/learning from home, you may need to cut down on the extraneous stuff. If you're having performance problems, try halting things like Netflix just to eliminate a local problem.
  5. The closer you are to the access point (your router), the better. 
    1. Both MacOS and Windows use the "number of curved lines" method for showing WiFi strength, but it's really a rough guide. More is better, position yourself to have more than one or two bars.
  6. Have a backup plan.
    1. If you can, communicate your back up plan with those who will need to know - ahead of time.

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You can find additional suggestions and information from many news sources. Here are a few articles: