This article provides a few requirements and recommendations to ensure a successful implementation of CallHippo and the best experience possible.
Headset requirements
Network requirements
Device requirements
Headset requirements
Headset requirements:
The use of a headset is recommended, as this is the best way to provide acoustic isolation between the speaker and mic; otherwise, you risk hearing an echoing sound in the line.
Before making or receiving calls, it's important to test your microphone to ensure it's working correctly.
Yes, you can use a Bluetooth headset for calls.
You have the flexibility to use either a 3.5mm headset or a Bluetooth headset. The compatibility of these devices depends on your browser and the device you're using. Be sure to check that your chosen headset works with your setup before starting your calls.
Most PC or Mac-compatible headsets will work with CallHippo. We recommend wired headsets with a 3.5 mm jack rather than a USB connection. Also, ensure that the headset has a built-in microphone so that you can make calls with the best possible sound quality.
To help guide your search for the perfect pair of headsets, here are our recommended headsets:
Jabra Evolve 40 UC Stereo – These headphones are not only comfortable but also include both types of noise cancellation mentioned above.
Plantronics Blackwire 325 – Noise-canceling microphone and hi-fi stereo sound at a competitive price-point.
The Boom Pro3 – The Pro3 is sturdy and utilizes patented noise-canceling technology for agents working in a noisy environment.
Please note: Although some of these models may come with a USB adapter, we recommend using the 3.5mm jack instead. We also don't recommend Bluetooth or other wireless headsets as they are more likely to fail or cause audio issues, including missing speech or delays.
Network requirements:
Stable connection:
We strongly recommend LAN (Ethernet) connectivity over Wi-Fi, as the latter unfortunately lacks reliability for use with CallHippo, as an Ethernet cable connection provides increased bandwidth stability and superior call quality. We recommend using at least a Cat 5e Ethernet cable, but ideally a Cat 6.
If your computer doesn't have an Ethernet port, you can use one of these adapters :
On Windows: Ethernet/USB 3.0 adapter
On macOS: Ethernet/Thunderbolt adapter
Although an Ethernet connection is strongly recommended, if you prefer to use Wi-Fi, make sure you're using a professional Wi-Fi connection (at least 802.11ac) as it offers more stability and is capable of handling more users connected at the same time.
Open Ports
Sometimes, a firewall or a router may block voice traffic on your network. CallHippo uses the series of ports below that need to be opened or unblocked to ensure successful calls.
TCP: 443
+ from 10,000 to 20000
Bandwidth
It is the client’s responsibility to provide an internet service provider (ISP). CALLHIPPO uses a secure socket layer (SSL) connectivity to CALLHIPPO’s collocation server facility with sufficient bandwidth to support application services selected by the client for optimum performance and usability. CALLHIPPO personnel will assist the client with SSL and other network component procurement and ISP vendor selection, evaluation, and implementation as needed.
The minimum requirement is the SSL configuration to be recommended by CALLHIPPO, with two commercial-grade ISP broadband connections, each providing at least 2 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload capacity with less than 50-millisecond ping response and less and 1% packet loss over a sustained 8-hour test to the CALLHIPPO data center, for fail-over redundancy. A public static IP address is required at each physical location.
For more users the minimum requirement is the SSL configuration to be recommended by CALLHIPPO with a full T1 dedicated data-only (no voice/phone) ISP connection for primary connection, provided by a Tier-1 T1 vendor, with less than 50 millisecond ping response and less and 1% packet loss over a sustained 8 hour test to CALLHIPPO data center, plus a secondary commercial-grade ISP broadband connection for fail-over redundancy.
Bandwidth Basics:
Minimum for Each User: Aim for at least 16kbps of bandwidth per person using CallHippo. This ensures clear, uninterrupted conversations without choppiness.
Network Stability is Key:
Wired Over Wireless: Whenever possible, use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi. Ethernet provides a more stable connection, meaning fewer dropped packets (bits of data) that can cause one-way audio or distorted sound.
Keep Your Network Flowing Freely:
Minimize Network Strain: Reduce the number of devices using the same network CallHippo uses. This includes things like streaming videos, downloading large files, or having too many devices connected at once. Less congestion means smoother calls!
The Power of Speed:
High-Speed Connection: A high-bandwidth internet connection is crucial. This helps avoid delays (latency) in processing audio and data transfer.
Fine-Tuning Your Network (Optional):
Quality of Service (QoS): If you're still experiencing sound issues, consider configuring your router with QoS rules. This prioritizes data packets for voice calls (UDP) for better audio quality. Check CallHippo's support page for specific instructions on setting up QoS for VoIP.
Device requirements
In order to guarantee a smooth experience with CallHippo apps, we recommend the following :
A computer with an Intel i5 dual-core processor or equivalent
A minimum of 4 GB RAM
64-bit version of Windows 10 or macOS 10.13
Google Chrome 68 or above
To start placing & receiving calls, you can use our Web App.
Some basic queries regarding the headset and bandwidth requirements for using CallHippo:
Q: Do I need a headset to use CallHippo?
A: While it's not mandatory, using a headset is highly recommended for better sound quality and to avoid echo during calls.
Q: What kind of headset works best with CallHippo?
A: Wired headsets with a 3.5 mm jack and a built-in microphone work best. Models like the Jabra Evolve 40 UC, Plantronics Blackwire 325, and The Boom Pro3 are recommended.
Q: Can I use a USB or Bluetooth headset with CallHippo?
A: USB and Bluetooth headsets can be used but are not recommended due to potential audio issues like speech delays or disconnections. Wired 3.5 mm headsets are more reliable.
Q: Why shouldn’t I use Bluetooth headsets with CallHippo?
A: Bluetooth headsets are more prone to connectivity and audio quality issues, including dropped audio or delays.
Q: What kind of internet connection is best for CallHippo?
A: A wired Ethernet connection is preferred over Wi-Fi for greater stability and better call quality. A Cat 5e or Cat 6 Ethernet cable is recommended.
Q: Can I use CallHippo over Wi-Fi?
A: Yes, but it should be a professional-grade Wi-Fi connection, at least 802.11ac, to ensure stability and support for multiple users.
Q: What if my computer doesn’t have an Ethernet port?
A: You can use an adapter—either an Ethernet/USB 3.0 adapter for Windows or an Ethernet/Thunderbolt adapter for macOS.
Q: What ports need to be open for CallHippo to work properly?
A: Ensure TCP port 443 and the range from 10,000 to 20,000 are open to allow voice traffic.
Q: What are the internet speed requirements for using CallHippo?
A: You need at least 2 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload speed with a ping under 50 ms and less than 1% packet loss over 8 hours.
Q: Do I need more than one internet connection for CallHippo?
A: Yes, for optimal performance and redundancy, two ISP connections are recommended: a primary and a fail-over secondary.
Q: Is a static IP address necessary for using CallHippo?
A: Yes, a public static IP address is required at each physical location using CallHippo.
Q: What are the device requirements for running CallHippo smoothly?
A: You need a computer with at least an Intel i5 dual-core processor (or equivalent), 4 GB RAM, and a 64-bit version of Windows 10 or macOS 10.13.
Q: Which browser should I use with CallHippo?
A: Google Chrome version 68 or higher is recommended for the best experience using the CallHippo Web App.
Q: Will CallHippo help me set up my network and internet connection?
A: Yes, CallHippo can assist with SSL configuration, ISP selection, and setting up the necessary network components for optimal performance.
Let us know how it goes, and feel free to reach out if you need further assistance.