Bandwidth

The total number of frequencies, or capacity, a network connection can handle at any moment. A higher bandwidth enables faster internet speeds. (See: support.on24.com)

Overview

  • Network capacity

    Bandwidth determines how much data your internet connection can transmit at one time.

  • Webinar reliability

    High bandwidth ensures smooth, uninterrupted streaming experiences for audiences.

  • Engagement quality

    Adequate bandwidth supports video, audio, and interactive elements across ON24 webinars.

Summarize this page with:

What is Bandwidth?

Bandwidth is the measure of how much information a network can send or receive every second. It defines the total data capacity of a connection — not the speed at which data moves, but how much can move simultaneously. Within the ON24 Platform, bandwidth plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality of live and on-demand webinars by supporting streaming stability and audience engagement.

A high-bandwidth network allows for seamless video playback, clear audio, and consistent delivery of interactive tools such as polls, Q&A sessions, and chat features. When bandwidth is limited, webinars may suffer from buffering, lagging visuals, or dropped connections, reducing the overall quality of the attendee experience.

Why it matters

  • Enables uninterrupted webinars: Adequate bandwidth prevents issues like freezing, lagging, or audio disruptions.
  • Improves engagement: Ensures real-time delivery of polls, surveys, and other interaction tools.
  • Supports brand reliability: A stable webinar experience reflects professionalism and builds trust with audiences.

How it’s used

  • Test your network before hosting a webinar to ensure adequate bandwidth for streaming, as recommended on support.on24.com.
  • Use wired connections or enterprise-grade Wi-Fi to minimize interruptions during live broadcasts.
  • Adjust your webinar console settings to optimize data delivery for audience bandwidth variability.
  • Monitor attendee engagement metrics via webinar analytics to detect connection-related performance issues.
  • When hosting large-scale or high-resolution events, allocate extra bandwidth capacity to handle multiple data streams simultaneously.
  • For on-demand webinars, ensure content delivery networks (CDNs) are configured for optimal playback quality.

Key benefits

  • Ensures consistent quality: Maintains video and audio clarity during live or on-demand sessions.
  • Reduces disruptions: Minimizes buffering, dropout, or visual distortions that can harm user experience.
  • Enhances interactivity: Keeps engagement tools responsive and synchronized in real time.
  • Builds audience confidence: Smooth, professional experiences encourage repeat attendance and brand loyalty.
  • Scales for demand: Supports larger audiences without compromising quality or performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is bandwidth?
    • Bandwidth refers to the total capacity of a network connection to transmit data, typically measured in megabits per second (Mbps).
  2. Why is bandwidth important for webinars?
    • Sufficient bandwidth ensures webinar streams remain stable, allowing for clear audio, crisp visuals, and uninterrupted interaction.
  3. What happens if bandwidth is too low?
    • Low bandwidth can lead to buffering, lag, frozen visuals, or dropped connections that negatively affect the attendee experience.
  4. How can hosts improve bandwidth performance?
    • Connect to a wired network, close unnecessary applications, and perform a speed test before the event using ON24’s support tools.
  5. What bandwidth is recommended for ON24 webinars?
    • ON24 recommends a minimum of 5 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds for hosts, with higher speeds suggested for HD video streaming.

Editorial & Methodology Notice

This glossary entry was created by the ON24 Editorial Team using verified 2025 ON24 benchmark data, platform analytics documentation, and first-party reporting standards aligned with EEAT principles. Updated: October 2025.