The best advice is simply to experiment. By trying the device in several different locations, you can determine whether or not one area is better or worse than another. Eventually, you will figure out which location works best.
While experimenting, keep in mind that it’s best to install the router as close as possible to your videophone. If you have more than one VP, try to find a central location, but keep in mind that it might be tricky to find a central point that provides all of the VPs with maximum performance.
You might find that installing your router on or near the ceiling works best, because there are fewer physical obstructions. Walls, cabinets, furniture and even reflective surfaces like mirrors and windows can cause interference that reduces video quality. You should also avoid installing your router next to other electrical equipment or appliances like microwaves.
FAQ for Customer Care (Technical)
1. How do I position my wireless router for the best performance?
2. Why do I connect to a ZVRS interpreter when I try to call my friend’s VP-200®?
If you try to call a person who uses a VP-200® and get a ZVRS interpreter instead, it is likely that person’s phone number has not yet been registered with the national database. If the phone number you are trying to call is not registered, the call will not connect to the VP-200®, because it is not recognized as a videophone number.
We recommend the person should contact their VRS provider to request a 10-digit local number. Once the local number is assigned to their VP-200®, you should have no problems connecting point-to-point.
"VP-200® is a trademark of Sorenson Communications, Inc."
3. What are wireless channels, and how do I use them?
Like TV channels, wireless channels transmit signals that allow you to communicate on your videophone via the Internet. But unlike TV channels, wireless channels can overlap, causing interference and creating poor video quality.
There are many electronic devices in your home using wireless channels that could interfere with your videophone. Things like garage door openers, microwave ovens or even your neighbor’s Wi-Fi all use wireless channels and can impact the quality of your video.
If you are experiencing a slow network or dropped network connections, try switching to a different Wi-Fi channel to avoid competing with all of the other devices on the current channel.
4. How do I figure out my videophone speed?
First do a speed test on your network. Remember, it’s best to have at least 256k uplink AND downlink speeds at all times to have good video quality. The Z™ has among the best speed tests, because it tests BOTH! (Most of the others only test downlink speeds.)
Go to http://www.zvrs.com/z-support/speed-test-ip-address to take your speed test now!
Rules of Thumb:
Upload = 275-400kbps
VP Send/Transmit Speed should be = 256kbps
Upload = 400-530kbps
VP Send/Transmit Speed should be = 384kbps
Upload = 530-and over
VP Send/Transmit Speed should be = 512kbps
NOTE: Selecting a speed that is higher than your speed test will cause poor picture quality.
5. Where can I find the speed settings?
Z-20
• Press “Home”
• Press “Settings” (kbps)
• Press “Call Settings:”
• Press “Default Call Rate: ( you can change it)”
• Press “Maximum upstream rate:”
• Press “Maximum downstream rate: ”
Z4
• Click “Configuration Button”
• Click “Network”
• Change “IP Network Type” to “Custom” if you want something other than 384/384
• Enter “Maximum upstream rate”
• Enter “Maximum downstream rate”
Z-150
• Press the (green) “Answer” button
• Select “Default Call Settings”
• Select “Bandwidth” (kbps)
• Select “Auto” (will automatically find the best possible speed for you)
• Select “Set as Default”
Z-Ojo
• Select “Main Menu”
• Select “Connection”
• Select “Bandwidth”
