Troubleshooting Performance and Connectivity issues with VMware Hands-on Labs

Products

• VMWare Hands-on Labs

Issue/Introduction

This document provides a workaround for the following issues with VMware Hands-on Lab console:

• Cannot load lab
• Connection is unstable
• The lab will not start
• Communication error
• Red Frowning Face

Resolution

​​These issues can be caused by many factors. Use the following steps to troubleshoot:

1. Check your connectivity to the labs. Visit this link https://labs.hol.vmware.com/hol/compatibility/ and perform the test. It is important that the latency is below 300 ms.  Make sure you have the recommended bandwidth and latency to run the application correctly. In case of an overloaded WiFi network, try using a hard-wired Ethernet connection.
2.  Make sure you are using the latest version of the supported browsers and clear your cache/cookies and reload again. Browsers will block content based on your browser security settings. Try to disable your Adblocker or try from a different browser. 
3. ​​Make sure you are able to reach the labs through your network by trying to take the lab in a different network. Corporate or educational networks can sometimes block WebSockets, which are required for a successful connection. Confirm that your network is not blocking content due to a firewall or a web proxy.
   
4. If you have a VPN or Proxy, try disabling the VPN/Proxy and refresh/reload your browser to ensure Hands-on labs is working directly through your Internet connection and not through your VPN or Proxy.
5. As a last resort, end your lab and re-enroll and start again.