Practice Session IT Checklist
To prepare for Sessions using Prevail, start by planning for a recorded Practice Session, ideally lasting over an hour but at least 15 minutes.
Next, review the following checklist. Once you’ve done that, we encourage your IT Team to meet with Prevail for a 10-15 minute call to help troubleshoot any issues or answer questions before your Practice Session and the subsequent live Session.
To join a Practice Session, first you need to have your organization added to Prevail. If this has not been done yet, please contact CustomerSuccess@prevail.ai. The Prevail Customer Success team can also schedule a Practice Session for you or you can Join a Practice Session once your organization is added.
Consistent Environment
To replicate the actual session conditions as closely as possible, use the same room, computer, operating system, and browser for your practice setup that you plan to use for all sessions.
Document Handling
Include files such as PDFs, Excel, or other document types you anticipate using during a Session. Verify that all documents display correctly and are fully accessible within the system. See Upload a File to Your Session Briefcase for allowed and restricted file formats.
Device Restrictions and Compatibility Checks
Confirm there are no restrictions on devices like cameras, microphones, or headsets that might impair their functionality. Check for device-specific restrictions that could impact the meeting, such as camera usage or microphone access on corporate devices. Verify that system-level permissions do not block access to these devices, particularly on IT-managed corporate machines.
Network Settings
Review and confirm that all necessary ports are open and protocols such as UDP are correctly configured to support real-time communication. For details on supported ports and to help tailor your network environments to Session requirements, refer to our Configure Your Firewall guide. In environments where UDP is restricted or blocked, incorporate TCP fallback options into your setup. This step is necessary for uninterrupted real-time communication and accommodating services that may face limitations due to strict corporate security policies.
MIME Type Configuration
Verify that your network’s firewall settings allow specific MIME types. Adjust firewall and PC settings to prevent blocking outgoing MIME types associated with audio and video files, such as MP4.
STUN/TURN Configuration
Confirm your network does not block STUN and TURN protocols:
- Test connectivity with STUN/TURN configurations to address timeouts and connection issues, especially for external participants on different networks.
- Verify that no specific STUN, TURN restrictions, or unusual timeout settings could impede connectivity.
Software Setup
Verify that video conferencing and remote access applications are configured correctly with all required permissions. Address any potential issues, such as timeouts, in advance. Additionally, check for any network or VPN settings that might cause interruptions during the Session.
Browser Support
Prevail currently supports Chrome. Note that some Chrome extensions may interfere with Session quality or functionality. If you have questions regarding specific Chrome extensions your organization must use, consult the Prevail team during your 15-minute call.
Remote Desktop and Virtual Machine Considerations
If using a remote desktop or operating within a virtual machine environment, verify that all Session functionalities, such as camera and microphone access, are fully operational. Confirm that the virtual setup does not block or limit the performance of Session tools. Check configurations related to network security and hardware access within these environments.
Conduct a Simulation
Live Call Practice
Conduct a live call using the exact setup—backend, room, computer—that will be used during a Session to test communication and troubleshoot any issues.
Extended Recording
Record your Practice Session for a substantial duration, ideally more than an hour, to test stability and performance over time.
Network and Device Testing
Confirm cameras and microphones are unrestricted and fully operational. Simulate conditions with external users on VPNs to test external connectivity and access. See Contact from Outside a VPN for external connectivity. Perform bandwidth tests to confirm network stability and capacity for high-quality video and audio streaming.
File Types and Sizes
During Practice Sessions, include a variety of file types and sizes to simulate real-world usage and identify any potential issues in handling these files under current network settings.