Step #2: Wired Broadband Internet Access
To deliver interpretation over-the-phone you must have consistent, reliable internet access capable of at least 500 kbps (aka 0.5 mbps) in both directions. In practice, most cable or DSL-based internet service is more than sufficient.
We strongly advise against delivering interpretation over a wireless (Wi-Fi) network!
The occasional, random loss of connectivity common to wireless networks causes awkward gaps in conversation. This can result in an unsatisfactory experience delivering interpretation.
We strongly recommend using a wired Ethernet connection to your network switch or router.
- What if my laptop doesn't have a wired network connection?
If you are using a laptop that does not have a built-in Ethernet adapter we suggest that you purchase a USB-to-Ethernet adapter. We recommend one manufactured by Pluggable that is conveniently available from Amazon.
- What if my workspace doesn't allow me to run a long network cable?
In some buildings it’s just not practical to run an Ethernet cable from your network router to your computer. In such cases we recommend using a Powerline Ethernet Extender. This will provide a reliable, wired network connection with minimal cost or effort.