Book a QA Session
Quality Assurance (QA) sessions aim to improve Access Grid (AG) meetings by enhancing the quality of individual Access Grid nodes. QA sessions give you the opportunity to demonstrate how your system is set up and used in live situations. You will receive useful feedback about your AG node, and have the opportunity to ask questions about AG and its uses.
It is ecommended that anyone preparing for a QA session should read the QA Session document. This will ensure that the node operator is familiar with what is expected during the session.
For room nodes to have access to the various services offered, they must register for an annual QA session. Desktop systems are also asked to register and will be tested just once after their initial registration. All users can request a QA session at anytime if their systems have changed, or if they suspect that the quality is not optimal
QA sessions are intended for UK research and academic community only. Organisations collaborating with UK research and academia will be supported also.
Structure of a QA Session
During the QA session your audio, video and connectivity will be checked to ensure that your node is performing at an optimal standard to ensure successful meetings. Use of related applications, such as presentation software and the use of text chat will also be reviewed. QA sessions also provide a means to disseminate good practice to node operators.
QA Session are scheduled to last for one hour, but will often take much less time. Full details of the QA Session metrics are available on our website.
Passing/Failing a QA Session
It is in no one's interest for a node to fail. The aim is to improve the quality of AG facilities and operators. In most cases if simple adjustments can be made immediately in order for a node to pass a metric, this will be done. If time does not allow for quick troubleshooting, or there are numerous problems, then a node will be asked to fix their issues, and book a follow up QA session to check that all the issues have been resolved.
If the system still fails to meet the necessary standards, it is recommended that it is not used until all issues have been resolved and approved by the support team.
Results from the QA Sessions of the room nodes conforming to the standards are listed on our Quality Assured Nodes page.
Automated Node Testing and AG Check
To test audio and video before a meeting, users may run a loopback test at the AG Test Room. This simply loops back your video and audio to ensure connectivity but does not replace a formal QA session.