Networks and Connectivity
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      2. Networks and Connectivity

      How do I ensure sufficient network connectivity to host an AVATOUR session?

      AVATOUR requires good uplink connectivity at the host location. Here's how to test for connectivity, and some suggestions for managing challenging connectivity environments.

      Minimum Bandwidth Requirements

      We recommend a minimum of 6 Mbps of uplink connection. When uplink bandwidth drops below that, you can still host a session, but quality will suffer. The Avatour host app adapts to low bandwidth by dropping the frame rate.

      Evaluate Connectivity Options

      Identify the different connectivity options at the host location. We recommend testing your options in the following order –

      1. Wifi
      2. LTE from multiple providers
      3. Combine Wi-fi (primary) and LTE (secondary) using channel bonding. Effective when wifi is spotty in certain areas.
      4. Combine Wi-fi from a mobile hotspot and LTE from your phone using channel bonding. Effective when there is no Wi-fi and no single wireless service provider can deliver the bandwidth requirements. Increases odds of success when you’re hosting sessions from locations where you don’t know how good the connectivity is.

      Measure available bandwidth

      We recommend testing connectivity for the available options above by following the steps below:

      • Install Speedtest by Ookla from the Google PLAY Store or Apple App store
      • Check the uplink speed. If your target bitrate is 5 Mbps, having an uplink speed of 8 Mbps (1.6x headroom) is usually good enough.

      Test signal strength and bandwidth at the host location

      The AVATOUR Host app includes a connectivity diagnostic tool which may be used to monitor connection strength throughout the area where you wish to run a tour. The tool does require a compatible Android device but does not require a 360° camera.

      For users without Host access, this tool can be still accessed after creating a login at the following sign up link: Guest Sign-Up

      • Login to the AVATOUR Host app from the phone and launch the connectivity diagnostic tool by clicking on the "connection meter" icon as shown below.
      • The diagnostic test will start automatically. You should see a screen like the below.
      • Walk around the facility with the tool running to check connection quality. The tool streams at the target bitrate that is set in the camera settings (default : 4 Mbps).
      • The graphs indicates signal strength and bitrate fluctuations. Dips in the bitrate can point to areas with poor coverage or switchover between wifi APs
      • You may upload the diagnostics report to get our help with troubleshooting your network.
      • Run the diagnostic tool at your location with the available connection options until you find something that works well.