> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.limephone.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.limephone.io/troubleshooting/network-and-audio-requirements.md).

# Network & audio requirements

Set up your network and audio devices so LimePhone calls sound clear — most call-quality problems trace back to one of the items on this page.

## Device requirements

* A modern desktop browser — Google Chrome is officially supported (Safari, Edge, and Firefox generally work but are not fully supported).
* At least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended).
* An Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 class processor or better.

## Network requirements

Each phone call uses up to **100 kbps** of bandwidth for the audio stream alone. Other applications (email, CRM, video) need their own headroom, so as a rough rule of thumb plan for **1 Mbps per person** sharing the connection.

Recommendations:

* **Use a wired connection where possible.** Ethernet (Cat 5e or better, ideally Cat 6) is more consistent than Wi-Fi. If your computer has no Ethernet port, a USB or Thunderbolt Ethernet adapter works fine.
* **Keep your connection stable, not just fast.** Jitter and packet loss hurt calls more than raw speed. A fast but unstable connection will still produce choppy audio.
* **Firewall allowlisting:** if your firewall blocks outbound connections by default, exclude `limephone.io` and `dashboard.limephone.io` from inspection on ports 80 and 443. For the current list of signaling and media IP addresses and ports to allow, contact support at <support@limephone.io> — the allowlist changes over time, so we no longer publish a static table here.

## Quality of Service (QoS)

When your network is congested, voice packets compete with everything else and lose. If your router supports QoS, prioritize voice traffic:

* All packets in and out of LimePhone carry a **DSCP tag with value 46 (EF, 101110)**. Configure your router's QoS to give DSCP 46 traffic priority over general traffic.
* If your router prioritizes by destination instead, ask support for the current media-server IP ranges and add QoS rules for those.

Even with good bandwidth, enabling QoS noticeably improves call quality on busy networks.

## VPNs

We recommend not using a VPN while on LimePhone calls — VPNs add latency and often degrade audio quality. If you must use one, exclude LimePhone's voice traffic from the tunnel (contact support for the addresses to exclude), or disconnect the VPN during calls.

## Setting up your microphone and speakers

Configure your operating system first, then LimePhone.

### Windows 10 / 11

1. Open **Settings** from the Start menu.
2. Go to **System → Sound**.
3. Under Output and Input, select the speaker and microphone you want to use as the default devices.
4. Speak into the microphone and confirm the input level meter moves.

### macOS

1. Open **System Settings** (System Preferences on older versions).
2. Click **Sound**.
3. Under Output and Input, select the desired devices and check the input level.

### In LimePhone

1. Sign in at <https://dashboard.limephone.io>.
2. Open **Settings → Audio Settings** (under Your account).
3. Choose the microphone and speakers you want the dialer to use, and test them there.

Also make sure your browser has permission to use the microphone: when the browser asks, choose Allow. If you blocked it earlier, re-enable microphone access for dashboard.limephone.io in the browser's site settings.

## Related pages

* [Call quality](/troubleshooting/call-quality.md) — diagnosing choppy audio, echo, delays, and drops.
* [Contact support](/troubleshooting/contact-support.md)