This article will provide an overview of the bandwidth mode selector that appears within the classroom and is referenced in various areas of the platform. Below is a screenshot of the bandwidth mode selector, as seen from the bottom panel's 3-Dots Menu from within the Live Classroom:
This setting lets you choose between three modes: Low, Medium, and High. Adjusting the mode controls how much bandwidth and CPU load Engageli places on your network and device.
In general, changing the bandwidth mode primarily affects overall video quality. We'll go over the details of each mode below:
- Medium – This is the default mode when you join a classroom. It's a balanced mode that allows for a good classroom experience while minimizing the resources Engageli uses.
- Low - Lowers the resolution of both incoming and outgoing video streams (webcams and screenshares). In some cases, you may only see classmates' profile pictures instead of their video, and depending on your organization’s settings, the Class Gallery may be hidden entirely. This mode can help if your device feels sluggish while running Engageli or if others report that your audio or video is freezing or cutting out. However, it is best used as a temporary fix, since it provides a more limited overall experience.
- High - Enhances the resolution of both incoming and outgoing video streams, including webcams and screenshares. This mode is especially helpful when sharing content with fine details or when using your webcam as a document camera and requiring a high‑quality feed. Note that using High bandwidth mode increases the load on both your internet connection and CPU.
Below are some additional notes regarding the bandwidth modes:
- High bandwidth mode is most effective when all participants in the class are using it. While it improves the quality of your outgoing video streams, others may still see balanced or lower resolution if they are not also set to High.
- If your internet connection has sufficient bandwidth but experiences high latency (e.g., mobile hotspot connections), switching to Low bandwidth mode may help.
- Choosing Low or High bandwidth modes does not affect audio quality; it only impacts video.
- If you are in Low Capacity Mode, the High bandwidth option will not be available to you. You can visit the Low Capacity Mode article to learn more about it.
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If you're still experiencing issues in Low Bandwidth Mode, you try further reducing the load on your device and improving stability by doing the following:
- Close any unnecessary applications or browser tabs to free up CPU resources.
- Avoid opening the Class Gallery unless needed, since processing many incoming videos increases CPU usage.
- Disconnect external monitors, or lower their resolution if you need to keep them connected, to reduce CPU demand.
- Turn off virtual background effects, as they require significant processing power.
- Turn off your webcam if possible to further lighten the load.
- Use a wired connection by plugging your computer directly into your home router with an ethernet cable. A wired connection is typically more stable and responsive than Wi‑Fi.