Hardware requirements

- [Instructor] Using equipment that meets the system requirements for Skype for Business is a good way to minimize quality issues and ensure Skype features are available. Hardware requirements will vary according to device and operating system. For example, an older laptop may have an integrated microphone and webcam, but they may not meet the current requirements for Skype, or their hardware types may not be able to access some of the Skype features. To ensure connection quality for Skype for Business, you will need network adapters that support at least one gigabit per second.

This will allow your network to cope with peak traffic volumes. Thankfully gigabit speeds are becoming more common nowadays, but legacy cabling may need upgrading. When choosing the equipment, try to avoid poor quality devices, as these can cause audio quality issues. And while certified devices are not required, they are recommended for optimal call quality. Good quality devices can help with echo cancellation, noise filtering, video resolution issues, and can help reduce network latency.

On the Microsoft Tech Center website, the Skype for Business Certification Program is outlined together with descriptions of the current devices certified to work with Skype for Business. These devices include IP phones, USB audio and video devices, PCs, and meeting room devices and solutions. The link for the Microsoft Tech Center website is displayed on screen. If you need to upgrade your equipment, you can check to see if it's suitable for use with Skype by checking the Skype for Business Certification Program website.

The link for the Skype for Business Certification Program is displayed on screen. The program website will help you find devices that have been tested and certified against the specification requirements set by Microsoft.