WebEx Conference too laggy, how to optimize network DNS​??? Solution//Global IPLC service provider o

WebEx Conference too laggy, how to optimize network DNS??? Solution//Global IPLC service provider of Shigeng Communication

一、When we encounter frequent buffering and connection interruptions in WebEx meetings, we usually first check the bandwidth and network devices, but often overlook a key link - DNS (Domain Name System) settings. Inappropriate or inefficient DNS resolution may cause your device to be unable to find the fastest WebEx server, resulting in high latency and packet loss. This article will delve into how DNS affects the WebEx experience and provide a complete set of operational guidelines from diagnosis to optimization.

1. Diagnosis: How DNS has become the 'invisible killer' of WebEx lag

The smooth operation of WebEx relies on its global server network. When you join the meeting, the client needs to add something similar to

webex.com

This domain name is resolved to a specific server IP address. If there is a problem with this process, it will trigger a series of issues:

Resolution latency: DNS queries that should have been completed within tens of milliseconds can take hundreds of milliseconds due to the use of slow response DNS servers, resulting in slow conference initialization and even connection timeouts.

Sub optimal routing: The IP address returned by the DNS server based on its own location may not be the closest WebEx server node to your geographic location or network path, resulting in data transmission taking longer paths, increasing latency and packet loss rates.

Resolution failure or contamination: Some public DNS or local operator DNS may have unstable or erroneous records, causing clients to be unable to connect or connect to the wrong server, resulting in severe lag or interruption.

IPv6 compatibility issue: If your network supports both IPv4 and IPv6, but the DNS server or WebEx is poorly configured on a certain protocol, it may cause clients to attempt to connect using unstable IPv6 paths, resulting in performance degradation.

Quick preliminary diagnosis:

Running the following command in the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac) can provide a visual experience of DNS resolution speed (replacing it with WebEx related domain names that actually appear in the meeting would be more effective, which can be found by checking network connections during the meeting)

nslookup webex.com

Observe the time of returning the IP address. If the time consumption significantly exceeds 100 milliseconds or the returned IP address appears abnormal, then DNS is likely to be one of the bottlenecks.

2. Optimization: Three Steps to Build a High Performance DNS Resolution Environment

Step 1: Replace with a high-performance public DNS server

This is the most direct and effective optimization method. Change the DNS server address of the computer or router from the default DNS of the operator to a globally recognized public DNS with fast response and high stability.

Preferred recommendation: Google Public DNS

IPv4 address:

8.8.8.8

and

8.8.4.4

IPv6 address:

2001:4860:4860::8888

and

2001:4860:4860::8844

Google DNS has a vast global caching network, fast resolution speed, and can effectively avoid DNS hijacking or pollution by certain operators.

High quality alternative: Cloudflare DNS

IPv4 address:

1.1.1.1

and

1.0.0.1

IPv6 address:

2606:4700:4700::1111

and

2606:4700:4700::1001

Known for privacy protection and speed, it typically has extremely low latency.

Configuration method:

Set up on a single computer (using Windows 11 as an example):

Go to "Settings>Network and Internet>Ethernet/Wi Fi".

Click on the currently connected network and select 'Edit DNS Server Allocation'.

Change to 'manual', enable IPv4, fill in preferred and backup DNS addresses (such as Google DNS mentioned above), and save.

Set up on the router (recommended):

Log in to the router management backend (usually at the address)

192.168.1.1

or

192.168.0.1

）.

Find the DNS server configuration item in "Network Settings" or "WAN Settings".

Replace the primary and secondary DNS servers with public DNS addresses.

Advantage: All devices within the network (computers, mobile phones, conference terminals) automatically take effect, once and for all.

Step 2: Refresh local DNS cache and optimize system settings

After changing the DNS, it is necessary to clear the old error cache of the system and adjust the relevant settings to consolidate the effect.

Refresh DNS cache:

Windows: Open the command prompt as an administrator and run the command:

ipconfig /flushdns

MacOS: Open the terminal and run the command:

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Linux: Open the terminal and run the command:

sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches

(depending on the distribution)

Mandatory priority use of IPv4 (in case of IPv6 issues):

If you suspect that IPv6 is causing the problem, you can temporarily disable IPv6 in the operating system or WebEx client network settings, or force applications to prioritize IPv4 connections by modifying system configuration (such as the Windows registry).

Modify Hosts file (advanced, precise optimization):

For specific WebEx server domain names that repeatedly encounter problems, their optimal IP can be queried (such as using overseas node speed measurement tools) and manually written into the local one

hosts

File (path:

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts

or

/etc/hosts

）Realize "zero latency" parsing.

Format example:

104.115.208.100 meeting.webex.com

Attention: This method requires certain technical knowledge and the WebEx server IP may change, requiring maintenance and updates.

Step 3: Special inspections and temporary measures during the meeting

Verify using nslookup or dig command: before the meeting starts, use again

nslookup webex.com

Verify whether the currently used DNS server has successfully switched and confirm whether the resolved IP address is reasonable.

Enable WebEx client network diagnostics: WebEx clients typically come with built-in network diagnostics tools (usually in Help or Settings), which can be run to view detailed connection reports including DNS resolution.

Temporary use of wired connection: While optimizing DNS, using Ethernet cables to directly connect to routers during important meetings can minimize the impact of unstable Wi Fi on overall network quality.

Utilize the EDNS Client Subnet (ECS) feature: Ensure that the enterprise DNS server or selected public DNS supports ECS. This function can transmit the user's subnet information (without revealing the specific IP) to authoritative DNS (such as WebEx's DNS), which helps to return the server IP closest to the user's physical or network location, achieving accurate routing.

Combining with SD-WAN: In enterprises deploying SD-WAN (Software Defined Wide Area Network), DNS policies can be deeply integrated with SD-WAN's intelligent path selection. SD-WAN devices can dynamically guide DNS queries based on real-time network quality, ensuring that WebEx traffic always travels on the optimal link.

Summary: DNS optimization is the most cost-effective and effective key to improving the WebEx conference experience. By using the default high-performance public DNS and refreshing the system cache, most users can see immediate improvements in connection latency and stability. For deeper or enterprise level lag issues, combining Host file modifications, IPv4/IPv6 protocol adjustments, and even deploying enterprise level DNS architecture can build a fast and accurate network connection foundation from the "first hop", making lag a thing of the past and ensuring smooth and efficient WebEx meetings.

二、Shigeng Communication Global Office Network Products:

The global office network product of Shigeng Communication is a high-quality product developed by the company for Chinese and foreign enterprise customers to access the application data transmission internet of overseas enterprises by making full use of its own network coverage and network management advantages.

Features of Global Application Network Products for Multinational Enterprises:

1. Quickly access global Internet cloud platform resources

2. Stable and low latency global cloud based video conferencing

3. Convenient and fast use of Internet resource sharing cloud platform (OA/ERP/cloud storage and other applications

Product tariff: