Remote learning means students and employees are much more reliant on their network connectivity than before. A strong internet connection can make all the difference in your online classes, meetings, and presentations.
Review the information below to learn what network resources are suggested by ITS, as well as how to use these resources.
Network and Bandwidth
When you work online, you are both downloading and uploading data - these speeds are measured in Megabits per second, or Mbps, and they dictate how effective your online experience is.
Download Speed
Your Download Speed dictates how quickly you can download files - this includes browsing websites and watching videos. Download speeds generally are between 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps, although they can get as high as 1,000 Mbps.
Upload Speed
Your Upload Speed dictates how quickly you can send files - this includes video conferencing, submitting assignments, and uploading video files to Panopto. Upload speeds are generally much lower, ranging from 3 Mbps to 25 Mbps.
Zoom Video Conferencing
...requires a minimum of 2Mbps download and 2Mbps upload speeds. However, at these speeds, you may experience lag or disconnection, especially if sharing your connection with others. ITS recommends download speeds of 10-25 Mbps when possible
Panopto
...does not have minimum network requirements for uploading video, but a slow upload speed can mean video uploads take hours or even days. ITS recommends upload speeds of 3-5 Mbps when possible.
Canvas
...requires very little bandwidth to browse. However, downloading and uploading files from Canvas can be more bandwidth-intensive, especially for media files like video and uncompressed images.
The Federal Communications Commission defines Broadband Internet as having a minimum of 25 Mbps download speed and 3 Mbps upload speed. Check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to see if Broadband is available in your area.
The following are some examples of network plans available in the San Diego area. Please note that different regions have wildly varying availability and pricing — please contact your local Internet Service Provider (ISP) for more information on what is available in your area.
Internet Service Provider Bandwidth Selection
| Download/Upload bandwidth Megabits Per second (Mbps) | Best experience/Average cost |
|---|---|
| 25/3 | The FCC minimum definition for Broadband. Recommended as absolute minimum bandwidth for remote learning. |
| 200/5 | Basic browsing Approximately $19.99 – $24.99 |
| 400/12 | Better browsing and streaming Approximately. $24.99 – $49.99 |
| 500/500 (currently offered by Frontier as an example) |
Best overall in both speed and value Approximately $49.99. May not be offered in all areas. Check with your service provider. |
| 1000 mbps (1Gbps) | Pro level Approximately $100. Not offered in all areas. Check with your service provider. |
Note: there are some specialty resources available for low-income and rural areas. Contact your ISP or city administration for more informationon resources available to you
Suggestions and Tips
Checking your network speeds is a great way to prepare before class to ensure your connection is stable and consistent. There are many online resources for checking your network connection, but ITS recommends Fast.com because of its accuracy and lack of ads.
To check your Network Speeds with Fast.com
- Open a web browser and go to Fast.com
- The page will immediately begin testing your Download speeds. Let this process complete
- Click "Show more info"
- You'll be able to see your Latency and your Upload speeds in this section
If your Download or Upload speeds are substantially lower than you expect, check the Maximize your Connection section for troubleshooting steps.
If your connection is lower than you expect, there are some troubleshooting steps you can try:
- Try checking your network speeds on another device, like your phone. If the speeds are substantially better, your computer may need repair, or be too old to handle the network speed
- Try unplugging and re-plugging your router - wait for at least 60 seconds before plugging back in. This will reset your connection to your Internet Service Provider.
- Check for other users on your network - your network speeds are shared across all users
- Call your Internet Service Provider (ISP). They may need to dispatch a technician or make changes on their end.
Sometimes you don't have a choice but to use a slow connection. Here are some strategies for maximizing your network connectivity:
Close Applications
Close out of any resource-intensive applications - especially extra tabs or windows in Google Chrome!
Connect to Ethernet
Connect your computer directly to your network via an ethernet cable to maintain a stronger, more stable connection
Use a Powerline Converter
If your router is too far away for you to connect with ethernet, consider a powerline converter - these devices use your power outlets to transfer a network connection. They don't work in all buildings, however, so check the requirements first!
Use a Wifi Adapter on your Desktop Computer
If your desktop computer is too far away from your router to connect with ethernet, consider a wifi dongle like this one. Note, however, that wifi — especially from a dongle — won't be as fast or stable as an ethernet connection.
Move Closer to your Router
Your wireless connection may struggle to travel long distances or through certain materials
Turn Off Video
If your Zoom session doesn't require video, consider turning it off - audio conferencing takes much less bandwidth
Coordinate with other Network Users
If you are sharing your network connection with anyone else, try to stagger your schedules so your bandwidth isn't split
Come to Campus
If you have large files to download or upload, or if you have an important meeting that needs consistent connection, consider coming to campus and using eduroam
At USD, our Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a tool that connects you to eduroam, even if you are not on campus. That means you can access resources normally only available on campus, like Network Drives. USD's VPN is named Aruba Virtual Intranet Connection (VIA).
When Should I Use a VPN?
You should only use the VPN when you need to access on-campus resources. If you are only accessing resources available off-campus, like the MySanDiego Portal, Canvas, or the USD website, don't use VPN - it can slow down your browsing speeds.
Who Can Use VPN?
VPN is available for all staff and faculty automatically. For students, a faculty or staff sponsor should submit the VPN request form.
For vendors, alumni, and other users, please submit the Confidental Non-Employee Form to Human Resources for issuance of a non-Employee USD ID number, and then submit the VPN request form.
How Do I Use the VPN?
To use the VPN, you need to complete the following steps: