What do you need for Video conferencing?

 

You have definitely noticed that video conferencing has become an inevitable part of our everyday life. It’s essential not only for us but also for businesses and organizations. As we increasingly work from home or in hybrid environments, we communicate globally, significantly changing how we collaborate and perform daily tasks. Whether it’s team meetings, client presentations, or international conferences, reliable video communication is crucial.

At 2Orange, we have over 15 years of experience with videoconferencing. We want to share our top tips for modern videoconferencing solutions. With our extensive knowledge, we help our clients choose the best solutions and quickly get them up and running. Don’t worry about the technical details; we’ll handle those. However, it is helpful to understand a few key aspects of videoconferencing systems.

Let’s dive into some tips for videoconferencing and how you can ensure a high-quality, well-prepared online video meeting.

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Internet connection for video conferencing

When you have video meetings with clients or colleagues, a good internet connection is vital. You can have the best equipment, but without a stable internet connection, your conversations can quickly become interrupted and low in quality. Obviously, we want to avoid this! We recommend an internet speed of at least 10 Mb/s for both uploads and downloads. This speed keeps your video and audio clear, allowing you to share your screen without issues. For even more stability, consider using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi, especially for important meetings. A strong internet connection is the foundation for successful and professional videoconferences.

What is a good internet speed for videoconferencing

For truly excellent videoconferencing, we recommend an internet speed of at least 25 Mb/s, especially if multiple devices are online simultaneously in your home or office. This speed enables HD video streaming, ensuring your conversations are clear and uninterrupted. A speed of 100 Mb/s is ideal for those who frequently hold videoconferences, particularly in environments with heavy internet usage.

Internet type Min speed Max download speed Max upload speed
ADSL
30 Mb/s
200 Mb/s
20 Mb/s
Cable
50 Mb/s
1000 Mb/s
50 Mb/s
Fiber optic
50 Mb/s
1000 Mb/s
1000 Mb/s

Video conferencing equipment

Choosing the right videoconferencing equipment can be challenging. But don’t worry, you’re not alone in this. At 2Orange, we’re here to help. We’re ready to answer all your questions and guide you step-by-step. Here, we discuss the key points.

  • Cameras

    A good camera is important. Many laptops and devices have built-in cameras, which are usually sufficient for informal meetings. However, if you want a more professional appearance, such as for webinars or important meetings, it's wise to invest in a dedicated webcam. Our experts recommend brands like Poly, Crestron, and Cisco. They offer models with excellent image quality, often higher than 1080p resolution. Additionally, these products have useful features like facial recognition to track and focus on the speaker.

  • Microphones

    The built-in microphone of your device might work for a short one-on-one conversation, but for clear and focused audio, a headset or external microphone is a better choice, especially in noisy environments. Headsets often have excellent microphones with noise cancellation, ensuring you are always clearly heard despite any background noise.

  • Speakers

    Finally, speakers are essential for online video meetings with both in-room and remote participants. Special speakers ensure that audio is evenly distributed throughout the room, so everyone can hear each other clearly and distinctly.

wat heeft u nodig voor videoconferencing

Popular video conferencing platforms

 

Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet are the most well-known and widely used platforms for virtual communication. These tools are particularly popular for facilitating scrum meetings when team members are spread across different locations or working remotely. These video conferencing platforms  various needs, from personal use to large-scale business applications. Below, you’ll find a brief overview of each platform and a comparison table highlighting the key features for videoconferencing.

  • Zoom

    Zoom is known for its simplicity and reliability, making it a favorite for both personal and professional use. It offers various features such as high-quality video and audio, screen sharing, and the ability to host a large number of participants. Zoom is particularly popular for its breakout rooms, which allow large meetings to split into smaller groups.

  • Microsoft Teams

    Teams is designed for seamless integration with Microsoft Office apps, offering a comprehensive collaboration platform. It makes file sharing and chatting easy and also has excellent videoconferencing capabilities. MS Teams is ideal for businesses already using the Microsoft ecosystem.

  • Google Meet

    Google Meet is part of Google's G Suite and works well with other Google services like Gmail and Google Calendar. This platform is easy to use, especially if you are already familiar with Google products. The quality of video and audio has greatly improved, making Google Meet a strong competitor in the market.

Function/platform Zoom Microsoft Teams Google Meet
Maximum number of participants
100 (free), 500 (paid)
300
100 (free), 250 (paid)
Video quality
HD
HD
HD
Screen share
Yes
Yes
Yes
Breakout-rooms
Yes
No
No
Integration
Limited
Extended (Microsoft products)
Extensive (Google products)
Mobile app
Yes
Yes
Yes

While these platforms are the most well-known and popular, it’s wise to consider other options that might better suit your specific needs or preferences. Each platform has its strengths, so the best choice depends on what you require for communication and collaboration.

Secure your online video meetings

When we use the internet, we should always consider cybersecurity.  This also affects how videoconferencing systems operate. Here are some tips to keep your online video meetings secure.

  • Regularly updates

    Make sure your videoconferencing software is always up to date.

  • Monitor meeting links and IDs

    Share your meeting IDs and links only with the intended participants to prevent unwanted access.

  • Password protection

    Use strong, unique passwords for every meeting for added security.

  • Using waiting rooms

    This feature allows you to control who can connect to your meeting, which increases security.

  • Other meeting invitations

    Don't accept meeting invitations from strangers

  • Stay cautious

    Be mindful of what you share during meetings. Please note that sessions can be recorded and shared without your consent.

  • Secure networks

    Use secure and encrypted networks for your meetings. Make sure your Wi-Fi is secured with strong encryption such as WPA2 or WPA3.

  • Strong passwords and two-factor authentication

    Use hard-to-guess passwords and enable two-factor authentication for extra security.

First, always use strong, unique passwords for your meetings and change them regularly. Also, enable waiting rooms or lobbies to control who joins your meetings. It’s also crucial to keep your software up-to-date to protect against the latest vulnerabilities. Furthermore, avoid sharing meeting links on public platforms and use encryption whenever possible.

By following these guidelines, you can significantly enhance the security of your videoconferencing sessions, ensuring a safe virtual environment for your meetings.

If you have any questions or need expert advice, feel free to contact our AV specialists.

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