The following requirements are guidelines and suggestions by Refined Data for an optimal set up for users presenting and leading meetings/classrooms using Adobe Connect web conferencing tool.
Minimum Requirements for all users from Adobe Connect.
Hardware Requirements
- Processor → 2.0Gz Intel i3 or faster
- RAM → 2GB of RAM (More than 4GB recommended)
- Monitors → 2 x 19”+ Monitors
Software Requirements
- Operating System → Windows 7+, Mac OS X 10.8+, Ubuntu 14.04; Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6; OpenSuSE 13.1
- Flash → Adobe® Flash® Player 21.0+
- Browser → Microsoft IE 11+, Microsoft Edge 1.0+, Firefox 35+, Chrome 40+, Apple Safari 9.0+
Webcams
- Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920
- Microsoft LifeCam
- Other third-party cameras are typically OK but we prefer plugin webcams over built in cameras on the laptop lid. Integrated laptop lid cameras tend to be of lower quality with poor image resolution and usually provide an “up-the-nose” view of the user. As the lid is angled for the best viewing of the screen, the live camera typically only gets the top of the user’s head or a shot of the ceiling.
Microphone & Audio Headsets
- Speakerphone → Jabra Speak 410 Oc Speakerphone USB
- Wired Headset → Logitech ClearChat Comfort/USB Headset H390
- Wireless Headset → Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930
Screen Resolution
- Sharing Desktop → 1280x720 (720p) preferred.
- Not Sharing Desktop → 1920x1080 (1080p) or higher
Note: Sharing a desktop of more than 1080p will result in high latency and excessive bandwidth for participants at distance locations or with inferior connections.
Due to possible memory leaks and resource consumption, we advise presenters to exit the meeting room and re-enter at least every 90 minutes. This should typically be done during labs and bio-breaks.
Internet Connection & Network
- WiFi or Ethernet → It is strongly recommended that the presenter be connected by a LAN ethernet connection. Anyone presenting should generally avoid WiFi.
- Isolated vs. Shared Internet → Presenters should avoid utilizing public internet access points (e.g. coffee shops, hotels, libraries, etc.). These public access points often have unstable connectivity and the quality can significantly vary throughout the day. The presenter should make every effort to be on a fast, reliable, consistent wired network. They should have control over the network and the ability to reset a router, modem or switch if needed.
- Prefered Types of Internet Connectivity → Fibre internet strongly prefered, but if not available than cable, metro ethernet, or DSL should be sufficient.
- Not Recommended Types of Connectivity → Any cellular connectivity (e.g. LTE/3G hotspot), mobile phone tethering (e.g. iPhone or Android), satellite, any other terrestrial connectivity option.
- Speed → The minimum upload speed is 1.5mpbs and download speed to the presenter’s computer should be 5.0mbps. Anything higher would be better. If the presenter only has 5.0mpbs than they should not be utilizing any other service that could potentially utilize their connectivity (e.g. music streaming, off-site backup, etc.).
- Latency → The presenter’s internet connection should have less than 150ms average latency to the Connect meeting room.
- VPNs → Presenters should not be connected to a VPN at any time while instructing a class.
- Firewall → The presenter should ensure that ports 80,443 and 1935 are open for two-way UPD and TCP traffic.
Logging in to the Meeting and your Classroom Environment
Hosts and Presenters should always enter the meeting as Authenticated Users (never as guests) and they should always be using the latest version of the Adobe Connect Add In.
A host who wishes to log in twice to the same meeting room needs to request a second login for this purpose - DO NOT LOG IN TWICE TO THE SAME ROOM USING THE SAME CREDENTIALS.
If you use one machine for desktop sharing and another for all other aspects of the room control, we request that you use different logins for each machine and ensure that you have sufficient bandwidth to support both instances.The same is true for presenters who log in a second time so they can see the Participant view of the classroom.
Audio Latency tends to be greater when desktop sharing and will often become greater over time. Exiting the meeting and re entering after an extended period of screen sharing, or every hour to 90 minutes can help reduce this effect.
If students complain of audio issues while you are screen sharing, please switch your audio to a phone connection. Phone connections are unaffected by bandwidth constraints of your Internet connection or the impacts of screen sharing.
Always ensure that the resolution of screens you are sharing are kep to a minimum to reduce bandwidth. We recommend using an external monitor set to 720p resolution for screen sharing.
USB 3.0 to HDMI adaptors (single monitor or dual monitor) will allow any laptop to support additional screens for a better teaching environment. Almost all modern Laptops will support a single external monitor and the addition of one or two more will provide a huge improvement in most cases. Units can be purchased online for under $99. An example of such a device is the StarTech USB32HDPRO
We suggest one monitor running Adobe Connect, one for the screen share (set to 720p for best bandwidth results) and a third monitor if possible for other resources that you might need access to.