# Improving call quality

## How to improve call quality

#### **Use `group` rooms**

When [creating rooms](https://docs.whereby.com/reference/whereby-rest-api-reference/meetings), we recommend creating rooms that use our selective forwarding unit (SFU) mesh for data transfer instead of peer-to-peer rooms. This is done by setting `"roomMode": "group"` instead of `"normal"` on room creation. 

* Our SFU rooms are generally less intensive on network usage, especially when there are more than 2 people in a call or when cloud recording/live streaming are being used.
* The mesh can make changes on the fly to participants' calls in order to manage the bandwidth usage of different resources and prioritize audio transmission. For example, if a participant decreases the size of their browser window during a call, the SFU will adjust the resolution of the videos they are receiving in order to optimize the quality of the call.  
* Your calls will benefit from the continuous improvements we make to our SFU mesh.

#### **Turn on our device and connectivity test**

Turning on the [pre-call ceremony](https://docs.whereby.com/customizing-rooms/using-url-parameters#precallceremony-less-than-on-or-off-greater-than) will conduct a live device and network connectivity test for the participant before they join the call. 

Read more about this feature in our [release notes](https://whereby.launchnotes.io/announcements/pre-call-device-connectivity-tests).

#### **Turn on low data mode**

Turning on [low data mode](https://docs.whereby.com/customizing-rooms/using-url-parameters#lowdata-less-than-on-or-off-greater-than) will set the participant's video resolution lower by default. This means there is less data to send and receive, which is helpful with poor network conditions.

With [pre-call ceremony](https://docs.whereby.com/whereby-for-web-browser/web-component-and-pre-built-ui/configuring-with-attributes#precallceremony-less-than-on-or-off-greater-than) enabled, we surface an option for the participant to toggle this mode on themselves before they join the call. 

## **Recommended troubleshooting steps for end users**

* Disable any ad-blockers, VPN, or privacy extensions. Occasionally browser extensions can interfere with how video calls load, which can manifest as video, audio, or room joining issues.
* Close any unnecessary applications when on the video call. This will free up resources on the computer and improve the quality of the video call.
* Ensure the browser is up to date. Outdated software may have bugs that can cause packet loss and other problems.
* Move closer to the Wifi router or use a wired connection if one is available, as it is less prone to interference than wireless networks.
* Try joining the call with video turned off.

Our support team has also provided some additional suggestions in our [Troubleshooting guide](https://docs.whereby.com/end-user/end-user-support-guides/end-user-documentation).