Troubleshooting Bad Call Quality Issues

Overview

Poor call quality can be caused by weak internet connectivity, high jitter, packet loss, or latency issues. Whether you’re using desktop or mobile, understanding these network factors and how to fix them will greatly improve call performance. This guide explains the most common problems and solutions.

FAQ 1: Why is my call quality poor, and how can I fix it?

Answer: Poor call quality (choppy or unclear audio) is often caused by weak internet connectivity.

How to Fix:

• Test your internet speed at speed.cloudflare.com.

• Ensure your connection meets these requirements:

  • At least 50 Mbps for both download and upload

  • Jitter under 10 ms

  • Ping below 40 ms

• If results are below standard, contact your internet provider or upgrade your router/plan.

FAQ 2: What does “high-jitter” mean, and how can I fix it?

Answer: Jitter is the variation in packet delivery time. High jitter leads to distorted audio, such as crackling or choppiness.

How to Fix:

• Avoid overloading your router with multiple tasks.

• Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi.

• Adjust Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router to prioritize VoIP traffic.

Pro Tip: If you must use Wi-Fi, stay close to your router and minimize obstructions.

FAQ 3: What is “high-packet-loss,” and how can I resolve it?

Answer: Packet loss happens when data packets don’t reach their destination, leading to dropped or poor-quality calls.

How to Fix:

• Test your network at test.8x8.vc for VoIP compatibility.

• Disconnect devices consuming heavy bandwidth during calls.

• Update your router firmware or switch to a higher-quality router.

• Contact your internet provider if packet loss persists.

FAQ 4: What does “high-rtt” mean, and how can I fix it?

Answer: High round-trip time (RTT) indicates a delay in data transmission, causing lag in calls.

How to Fix:

• Use a local server or closer data center when available.

• Close bandwidth-heavy apps running in the background.

• Run a speed test at speed.cloudflare.com to check RTT.

• Contact your provider if RTT remains high or upgrade to a faster plan.

FAQ 5: How can I ensure my mobile app doesn’t experience call quality issues?

Answer: Call quality issues on mobile are often due to poor Wi-Fi or cellular performance.

How to Fix:

• Open your mobile app and check for warnings (e.g., high-jitter or high-packet-loss).

• Move to an area with stronger Wi-Fi or cellular signal.

• Switch to a different, more stable network if available.