Decode the
connection.
A plain-language glossary for VPN meetings, browser media, network performance, and the decisions around a video call.
VPN
A virtual private network creates a configured network connection between endpoints. For a meeting, ask which traffic the configuration covers and which gateway it uses. A VPN is not the same as the meeting platform or its room controls.
Browser meeting
A meeting accessed through a supported web browser. The provider determines which browsers, accounts, devices, and features are supported. Camera and microphone access still require the relevant permissions.
WebRTC
A set of web technologies for real-time audio, video, and data communication. A meeting application supplies the wider workflow and infrastructure; the technology name alone does not establish the product’s privacy guarantees.
ICE
Interactive Connectivity Establishment: a framework used to find a workable connection path. Its candidate-handling behavior is part of the discussion about media connectivity and IP address privacy.
STUN
Session Traversal Utilities for NAT: a protocol used in connection establishment to help discover network addressing information. It is not a meeting provider, a VPN, or a promise that a call can always connect directly.
TURN
Traversal Using Relays around NAT: a way to relay traffic when the chosen connection strategy requires a relay. The application’s infrastructure and security design still determine the relevant trust boundaries.
Latency
Delay in communication. For a meeting, the practical concern is whether participants can follow the exchange. A diagnostic number needs its measurement definition and context before it can be interpreted.
Jitter
Variation in packet arrival timing. A stable conversation depends on more than the headline capacity of an internet connection; describe the observed symptom rather than diagnosing it from one label.
Packet loss
Packets that do not arrive as expected. Meeting applications may respond in different ways. Use provider diagnostics and controlled tests rather than assuming every clipped word has the same cause.
Split tunneling
A routing arrangement in which selected traffic uses the VPN and other traffic takes a different route. On a managed device, the scope and justification belong with an authorized administrator.
End-to-end encryption
Encryption whose decryption endpoints are the intended communicating endpoints for the protected content. Verify the meeting provider’s actual mode, endpoints, and feature behavior rather than inferring it from an encrypted connection icon.
Meeting artifacts
Material that can outlive the call: recordings, transcripts, notes, chat exports, and shared files. Decide who owns these materials, who needs access, and how the organization’s retention rules apply.
Terminology references: MDN’s introduction to WebRTC protocols, IETF IP address handling requirements, and the linked primary material on our resources page.
Before “you’re on mute.”
Be ready.
One practical checklist. Your next meeting, better prepared.