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Improve Slow Network for Video Calls

Measure latency and jitter with the DevicePrep Network Test, then reduce congestion for smoother calls.

Updated 2025-12-09

Check latency, jitter, and speeds before and after each change.

Laggy calls usually trace back to high latency, jitter, or a crowded Wi-Fi link. The DevicePrep Network Test shows those numbers fast; switch to wired, clear downloads, and reboot the router until the metrics settle.

Quick wins (2 minutes)

Run the Network Test and note latency, jitter, and download/upload.
Move closer to the router or switch to a 5 GHz or 6 GHz Wi-Fi band.
Use an ethernet cable for calls when possible.
Pause large downloads, game updates, and cloud backups during calls.
Restart the modem and router to clear stale sessions.
Toggle VPN off to see if it improves ping and jitter.

Step-by-step fix

Run the DevicePrep Network Test and note latency, jitter, and download/upload speeds.
If latency is high, move closer to the router or switch to a 5 GHz or 6 GHz Wi-Fi band.
Use an ethernet cable for calls when possible to cut jitter and packet loss.
Pause large downloads, cloud backups, and streaming while you are on a call.
Reboot the modem and router if latency stays above 150 ms after you clear congestion.
Temporarily turn off VPN or proxy to see if it improves ping and jitter.
If Wi-Fi is crowded, change the router channel or create a guest network dedicated to calls.

Deep fixes

Understand your baseline

Run the Network Test when no one else is streaming. Note latency, jitter, and both speeds; screenshot the results. Latency under 70 ms and jitter under 30 ms are solid for HD calls. Upload above 3 Mbps keeps your outgoing video stable. If numbers swing widely between runs, congestion or Wi-Fi instability is likely. Keep testing after each change so you know which action improved the numbers.

Fix Wi-Fi pain points

Sit within a room or two of the router. Walls and floors add latency fast. Use 5 GHz or 6 GHz bands for calls; 2.4 GHz is crowded and prone to interference. If the router supports band steering, give your device a dedicated SSID to keep it off the busy band. Avoid microwave ovens and Bluetooth congestion during calls; both can spike Wi-Fi noise.

Prefer wired when you can

Ethernet cuts jitter and packet loss compared to Wi-Fi. Use a USB-C or Thunderbolt adapter if your laptop lacks a port. Powerline adapters can help when you cannot run a cable, but test them; some homes add noise that raises latency. If you must stay on Wi-Fi, at least disable power-saving modes that throttle the radio during calls. Test again after plugging in ethernet; numbers should drop immediately if the cable is healthy.

Manage bandwidth during calls

Pause cloud backups, game updates, and large downloads before meetings. Ask housemates to avoid 4K streaming while you present; even a few extra megabits can raise jitter. Use router Quality of Service (QoS) or traffic prioritization to favor conferencing apps if supported. If bandwidth is tight, set your meeting app to 720p or audio-only until the connection stabilizes. If kids stream on another network, consider a separate guest SSID for their devices.

When to reboot or escalate

Reboot the modem and router when latency stays high after clearing congestion. It often resets bad states and firmware hangs. If VPN adds 50 ms or more, disable it during calls or switch to a closer endpoint. Persistent latency above 150 ms even on ethernet points to ISP or line issues. Contact your provider and share your test screenshots. If storms or construction affect lines, tether briefly to a phone as a backup and run the Network Test there to compare.

Quick checklist

Latency under 100 ms and jitter under 30 ms
Wired connection or strong Wi-Fi signal
Heavy downloads paused during calls
Router rebooted after changes
Network test rerun to confirm improvement

FAQs

What speeds do I need for HD video calls?

Aim for at least 3 Mbps upload and 5-10 Mbps download. More headroom helps when several people share the link.

Does upload speed matter as much as download?

Yes. Low upload creates choppy outgoing video even if download is fast. Keep upload above 3 Mbps for stable calls.

Will Quality of Service (QoS) settings help?

They can if your router supports them. Prioritize video conferencing traffic so calls stay smooth when someone starts a download.

Should I change DNS to fix lag?

DNS rarely affects call quality. Focus on latency, jitter, and congestion first; DNS changes mainly impact page load lookups, not media streams.

Wrap up

After each tweak, rerun the DevicePrep Network Test and keep the best settings for calls. When numbers look stable, run the Pre-Call Test to verify mic, camera, and speakers on the improved connection.