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Performance of Microsoft Teams' Network Connection and Media Quality
Enterprise Security Magazine | Friday, August 11, 2023
Monitoring media quality and network connectivity to ensure optimal performance of Microsoft Teams, leading to increased productivity and better business outcomes.
FREMONT, CA: The network performance standards for Microsoft Teams services offer guidance on selecting between the internet and express route connectivity options based on network evaluation. The performance of real-time media such as audio, video, and application sharing in Microsoft Teams is extensively influenced by the quality of end-to-end network connectivity. To ensure optimal media quality in Microsoft Teams, it is essential to establish a high-quality connection between one’s company network and Microsoft teams. The most effective approach is to configure an individual's internal network and cloud connectivity to handle the peak traffic volume for Microsoft Teams across all connections.
Factors that Impact Microsoft Teams Media Quality
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Numerous elements impact the quality of real-time media such as audio, video, and application sharing in Microsoft Teams, including the network connectivity, environment and devices used.
The quality of Real-Time media sessions in Microsoft Teams is influenced by the devices used by all participants, including headsets and webcams, which capture and render audio and video. The overall audio and video quality can be significantly affected by lower-quality devices or devices with incorrect drivers, resulting in lower sound and image quality. Certified or good-quality devices can help to reduce latency, improve echo cancellation and noise filtering, and enhance video resolution.
While it's not obligatory to use certified audio and video media devices for Microsoft Teams, it's strongly suggested for optimal media experience. A list of all certified devices for Microsoft Teams is available under the Phones and Devices for Skype for Business section. To ensure devices are functioning correctly and to monitor audio and video media quality, individuals can use the Microsoft Teams Call Quality Dashboard located in the Skype for Business admin centre.
The latency, which is the delay between the sending and receiving of real-time media, is affected by not only network dormancy but also by the processing latency of the media device and software used. This processing latency, along with network latency, can significantly impact the overall latency and user experience of real-time media in Microsoft Teams.
The environment and location where audio and video devices are used greatly affect the quality of Real-Time media. Noise in the background, low light, and improper placement of microphones and cameras in conference rooms can result in poor audio and video quality. Users in noisy environments may experience audio quality issues, while users in low light conditions may not be able to produce clear video quality. In a conference room setting, the positioning of microphones and cameras has a direct impact on the sound and image quality experienced by participants.
Latency refers to the delay in getting an IP packet from one point to another on a network and is primarily affected by the physical distance between the two points and the speed of light. Additionally, the various routers in between the two points may add extra overhead, which can also contribute to latency. It is typically measured as either one-way or round-trip time (RTT).
Packet loss is the loss of packets in a given time frame, often expressed as a percentage. This loss can have a direct impact on audio quality, ranging from almost no effect for the loss of a small number of individual packets to complete audio cut-out in the case of consecutive burst losses.
When the delay between packets is inconsistent, it can cause disruptions in the audio or video quality of a real-time media session. Microsoft Teams, like other VoIP software, can adjust to a certain amount of jitter by buffering packets. However, if the jitter exceeds the buffering capacity, it can negatively impact the participant's experience.
To avoid network congestion and maintain high-quality real-time media in Microsoft Teams, it is essential to ensure sufficient bandwidth or even the entire network path that connects the network to the Microsoft Teams service, especially when there are multiple concurrent media sessions and other network traffic generated by other business applications or Microsoft 365 or office 365 services.
Implementing Quality of Service (QoS) Across Congested Networks
Network congestion can negatively affect real-time media quality, making it important to prioritise audio and video packets over other network traffic. Quality of Service (QoS) can be used to ensure that audio and video packets are given priority over other types of traffic on the network, enabling them to travel more quickly through the network and resulting in a better user experience.
QoS prioritises network packets that carry audio or video data by assigning them a higher priority than packets used for other network sessions like file transfers or web browsing. This prioritisation ensures that audio and video communications travel faster and with fewer interruptions than other network sessions, which are assigned as a best-effort priority. If media packets are also assigned best-effort priority, they will be processed along with all other network traffic, potentially leading to lower audio and video quality due to network congestion. Therefore, assigning higher priority to media packets is necessary for an optimal user experience.
To ensure that QoS has the maximum impact, it's recommended that all networking endpoints support it, meaning that they must honour QoS marking and packet prioritisation. Microsoft Teams services are designed to honour QoS marking and prioritisation within the Microsoft network. However, if traffic is routed across a public connection like the Internet from your company network to the Microsoft network, the QoS markings and packet prioritisation may not be preserved. To address this, private connections from your network to Microsoft 365 or Office 365 using Azure ExpressRoute can be used to preserve QoS markings and packet prioritisation, which will improve overall audio and video quality for end users.
Network performance requirements to connect to Microsoft Teams
Real-time media in Skype for Business goes through a variety of devices, client applications, server software, and networks. The total amount of latency across all these components and network segments is known as end-to-end latency. The network segment with the lowest quality determines the quality of the overall network connection, as it acts as a bottleneck for network traffic.
In this conferencing scenario, the media path consists of the following network segments:
The connection between User 1 and the Microsoft network edge involves various components, including a network connection like WiFi or Ethernet. The WAN connection from user 1 to the internet egress point, and the internet connection from the network Edge devices of the user’s network to the Microsoft network edge device.
The connection within the Microsoft network refers to the network path between Microsoft Edge and the Microsoft Teams data centre, where the A/V conferencing servers are located. This refers to the network connection within the Microsoft network that spans from the Microsoft Teams data centre to the Microsoft network edge.
It refers to the network path between Microsofts network edge and user 2, which includes the internet connection from Microsoft's network edge to the user's network edge, the WAN connection from the user's network edge to the internet egress point, and the user's network connection such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
The initial connection is made via skype for business client callers, which includes their local network connection, for instance, WiFi or Ethernet. The connection from individuals' devices to the internet egress point such as a router or firewall, and the subsequent connection over the public internet Microsoft network edge.
Connection within the Microsoft network refers to the network path between Microsoft Edge and the Microsoft Teams data centre, where a Mediation Server is utilised. The connection within Microsoft Network refers to the network path between the Microsoft Teams data centre and Microsoft network Edge.
The connection that is established between the Microsoft network and the PSTN (public switched telephone network) service providers to make a phone call from the Skype for Business client that is located outside of the Microsoft network.
Network Performance Requirements from a Skype for Business Client to Microsoft Network Edge
To achieve the best quality of media in Skype for Business, it is necessary to meet certain network performance targets or thresholds for the connection between your company's network and the Microsoft network Edge. This includes your internal network, such as WiFi and Ethernet connections, as well as any site-to-site traffic over a WAN connection, like MPLS. Additionally, it covers the Internet or ExpressRoute partner connections to the Microsoft network Edge.
Other Performance Target Requirements:
Microsoft has more than 160 Edge locations globally, and they collaborate with major internet service providers (ISPs) around the world through these Edge sites. The latency metric target assumes that the company’s location and Microsoft Edges are located on the same continent.
The connection between the company sites and the Microsoft network Edge involves initial network access, which may be established through WiFi or any other wireless technology.
The expected network performance level mentioned earlier is based on the assumption that the bandwidth and quality-of-service configurations are properly planned for. The performance level especially applies to situations where there is a high volume of skype for business in real-time media traffic being transmitted over the network connection.
Microsoft Teams is a powerful communication tool that has revolutionised the way businesses collaborate and communicate. However, the quality of media and network connectivity are crucial factors that can significantly impact the user experience. It is essential to ensure that your network infrastructure meets the requirements of Microsoft Teams to ensure optimal performance. Monitoring media quality and network connectivity performance regularly can help organisations identify and address issues before they impact the end users. By optimising media quality and network connectivity, businesses can ensure that their employees can communicate and collaborate effectively and efficiently, leading to increased productivity and better business outcomes.
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Email remains the primary channel for business communication, making it a frequent target for cyber threats. As phishing attacks, business email compromise, credential theft, and social engineering techniques become increasingly sophisticated, traditional security tools often struggle to keep pace.
Agentic email security platforms address this challenge by combining intelligent automation, behavioral analytics, and contextual awareness to detect and respond to threats in real time, helping organizations strengthen security, protect sensitive communications, and improve operational efficiency.
How Do Agentic Email Security Platforms Improve Threat Detection?
Unlike conventional security systems that primarily rely on predefined rules and known threat signatures, agentic email security platforms analyze a broader range of indicators. By leveraging artificial intelligence and behavioral analytics, these solutions examine communication patterns, sender reputation, message context, and user activity to identify suspicious behavior that may otherwise go unnoticed.
This approach is particularly effective against modern phishing and impersonation attacks. Cybercriminals increasingly exploit trust and human behavior rather than relying solely on malware or malicious links.
Agentic platforms can recognize unusual account activity, detect deceptive messaging techniques, and identify anomalies that suggest a potential compromise. As a result, organizations can stop threats before they lead to financial losses, data breaches, or operational disruption.
Automated threat assessment further strengthens security operations. When suspicious emails are detected, the platform can quarantine messages, initiate investigations, and trigger response actions without requiring immediate manual intervention. This rapid response capability helps contain threats and minimizes the likelihood of widespread impact across the organization.
What Defines an Effective Agentic Email Security Platform?
A successful agentic email security platform combines intelligent detection, automation, and operational visibility. Advanced threat identification capabilities should be supported by automated investigation and remediation features that reduce the burden on security personnel and improve response efficiency.
Visibility is another critical factor. Security teams need clear insight into email activity, attack trends, user behavior, and emerging threats. Centralized reporting and monitoring tools provide valuable information that supports informed decision-making and ongoing risk management.
Integration with existing cybersecurity infrastructure also enhances effectiveness. Modern platforms often connect with identity management systems, endpoint security tools, incident response workflows, and broader security monitoring environments. This integration improves coordination across security functions and accelerates threat containment efforts.
As organizations grow and cyber threats evolve, agentic platforms must maintain performance while adapting to new attack methods. By continuously analyzing behavior and refining detection models, these solutions help organizations strengthen resilience and maintain effective email security in an increasingly complex threat landscape. ...Read more
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A stronger provider begins by understanding the property before proposing equipment. Site conditions, traffic patterns, resident or employee behavior, budget limits and management workload all shape the right solution. A gated community may need license plate recognition, gate cameras and tele-entry. A commercial building may need access control for perimeter doors rather than every interior space. A warehouse or showroom may need camera placement that supports visibility without creating a system too complex for daily use. The best service partner does not force every buyer into the same product bundle. It translates the buyer’s security goals into a practical design that can be installed, explained and maintained.
Integration has become equally important. Video surveillance, access control, intrusion alarms, tele-entry and analytics can all strengthen a security program, but only when the end user can manage them without friction. A technically connected system that requires separate databases, separate software and separate training may satisfy a specification while disappointing the people who must use it. Buyers should favor providers that evaluate compatibility, vendor maturity and user experience before recommending a platform. Modern capabilities such as higher-resolution cameras, license plate recognition, people counting, facial recognition, virtual lines and geofencing should be presented as options tied to real needs rather than as features added for effect.
"CSI Global emerges as a premier choice for buyers that need CCTV video surveillance and access control services grounded in service accountability rather than one-time installation."
Long-term service may be the most decisive difference. Security systems are not static purchases. Cameras age, recorders slow down, access rules change, software improves and properties expand. Executives should look for documentation discipline, clear upgrade paths, fast communication and a willingness to support the system years after installation. This matters especially for property management firms that oversee many communities or commercial sites. They need a partner that reduces coordination work, keeps projects moving and communicates progress without forcing managers to chase answers. Price also requires mature guidance. Access control can carry a very different cost profile than surveillance, so a credible provider should help buyers right-size scope, combine technologies when appropriate and avoid promises that cannot be supported after handoff.
CSI Global emerges as a premier choice for buyers that need CCTV video surveillance and access control services grounded in service accountability rather than one-time installation. Its relevant work centers on customized security system installation, video surveillance/CCTV installation, access control system installation, gate camera service and related monitoring support. The transcript points to a service model built around site walkthroughs, tailored configurations, documented systems, budget guidance and long client relationships, with particular strength among Central Florida commercial properties, gated communities and property managers. For executives who value responsive support, practical integration and systems that remain manageable after deployment, CSI Global is a well-aligned recommendation. ...Read more
Digital identity protection has become a major priority as organizations manage more online users, connected services and sensitive information. Traditional password-based authentication is no longer enough to meet growing security needs. Many organizations are now using technologies that verify identity through unique biological characteristics, making access both more secure and more convenient. Growing demand for biometric identity security solutions reflects a wider move toward stronger authentication methods that improve security without making the user experience more difficult.
Which Innovations Improve Identity Verification Accuracy?
Biometric authentication continues to evolve through more advanced recognition methods. Facial recognition, fingerprint scanning and iris verification help organizations confirm identities with greater accuracy while reducing dependence on passwords or security questions. Multiple verification options also give users greater flexibility when accessing digital services.
Liveness detection has become an important part of modern biometric security. Instead of relying only on photos or recorded data, the technology confirms that a real person is present during authentication. An additional layer of protection helps reduce identity fraud and gives users greater confidence in the security of the system.
How Are Security Strategies Adapting to Modern Risks?
Privacy protection remains a top priority as biometric technologies become more common. Secure storage, encrypted processing and controlled access help keep sensitive biometric information protected throughout the authentication process. Strong privacy practices also help organizations meet regulatory requirements and build user trust.
Integration with existing business systems is making identity management more seamless. Authentication tools work with workforce platforms, customer portals and digital applications to provide secure access without interrupting daily operations. Connected systems also make it easier to manage user identities across different environments.
Continuous authentication is becoming an important security measure for protecting digital accounts. Rather than checking identity only during sign-in, the system keeps monitoring activity throughout the session. If unusual behavior is identified, it can take quick action to reduce risks and help keep accounts secure.
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Cyber security has become part of the dayto-day running of a business. Organisations rely on digital systems to serve customers, manage information and keep operations moving. When those systems are compromised, the effects can reach well beyond the IT department, disrupting services, exposing sensitive data and damaging customer confidence. Protecting a business means understanding these risks and making security part of how people work.
The threats are varied, and they do not always begin with a sophisticated attack. A convincing email, a stolen password or an outdated software application can give criminals a way into business systems. As organisations adopt cloud services, support remote working and rely on external suppliers, keeping track of potential weaknesses becomes more difficult.
Understanding Where the Risks Lie
Cyber security covers the systems, information and processes organisations use to prevent unauthorised access, data theft and disruption. Phishing, ransomware and attacks on software vulnerabilities remain important concerns, but the weaknesses that allow them to succeed can be surprisingly ordinary. Poor password practices, excessive access permissions and neglected updates can all leave systems exposed.
The growing use of connected services adds another layer of responsibility. A business may have strong internal controls but still face risks through a supplier or an application that handles sensitive information. An account compromised at one organisation can sometimes provide a route into another.
Knowing where important information is stored, who can access it and which systems keep the business running is a sensible place to start. Regular risk assessments help organisations identify weak points and decide which ones need attention first. They also make it easier to direct resources towards the systems and information that would cause the greatest disruption if compromised.
Making Security Part of Everyday Work
Security tools provide an important first line of defence. Firewalls, endpoint protection, email filtering and multifactor authentication can help prevent unauthorised access. Keeping software up to date and reviewing system settings also reduces opportunities for attackers to exploit known weaknesses.
Access controls need regular attention too. Employees should have the permissions required for their roles, with access reviewed when responsibilities change. Accounts that are no longer needed should be removed promptly. These practical steps can limit the damage if login details fall into the wrong hands.
Technology, however, cannot address every risk. Employees may receive messages that look as though they came from a manager, customer or trusted supplier. Some are designed to create urgency, encouraging people to share information or approve a payment without checking the request.
Training helps staff recognise these situations and know what to do next. Practical guidance on suspicious emails, unusual requests and safe handling of information is often more useful than policies that are difficult to apply to everyday work. Employees should also feel comfortable reporting a possible mistake or suspicious activity quickly, without worrying that raising a concern will lead to blame.
Business leaders have a part to play here. Clear responsibilities and straightforward procedures make security easier to follow. When employees understand why a measure matters and what is expected of them, good practice is more likely to become routine.
Preparing for the Possibility of an Attack
Even well-protected organisations need to prepare for incidents. An attack that goes undetected or is handled poorly can cause unnecessary disruption, particularly when teams are unsure who should take charge.
A response plan should set out who needs to be involved, how an incident will be investigated and when customers, suppliers or relevant authorities must be informed. Staff should know how to report a concern, while decision-makers need to understand their responsibilities if systems or services become unavailable.
Recovery also deserves attention before a problem occurs. Secure backups can help organisations restore information after a ransomware attack or other data loss, but they need to be tested to make sure they work. Businesses should also identify which systems must be restored first and how they would continue essential activities if key services were unavailable.
For organisations operating in Europe, regulatory responsibilities are another consideration. The rules that apply depend on the organisation, its sector and the information it handles. Understanding these obligations helps businesses prepare for reporting requirements and manage incidents appropriately.
Testing response and recovery plans can expose gaps that might otherwise remain unnoticed. An exercise may reveal that important contact details are outdated, responsibilities overlap or a supplier cannot provide the support expected during an incident. Addressing these issues in advance can make a real difference when time matters.
Keeping Security Up To Date
Cyber security requires ongoing attention because business operations and threats rarely stand still. New software, changes in working practices and relationships with additional suppliers can introduce risks. Regular reviews help organisations check whether their safeguards still reflect how the business operates.
The measures themselves must also be practical. Complicated processes can frustrate employees and encourage workarounds, while poorly explained restrictions may make routine tasks harder than necessary. Good security protects important information without creating avoidable obstacles for legitimate work.
The same care applies when choosing security providers and solutions. Businesses need to consider whether a provider understands their requirements, can explain risks clearly and offers support that fits their environment. The most suitable approach will depend on the organisation's systems, resources and exposure to risk.
Ultimately, cyber security is about helping a business operate safely and reliably. Technology can block threats, employees can spot warning signs and response plans can limit disruption, but these elements work best when they support one another. Making security part of everyday decisions gives organisations a stronger foundation to protect information, maintain trust and keep essential services running. ...Read more
