Chromebook zoom web client not working through proxy

[miyamiya]

Error codes: N/A
Device type: Chromebook
Zoom version: web client
Details about troubleshooting steps you have already taken
-windows/chrome/web client works as expected
-chromebook with no proxy works as expected
-chromebook App works as expected

when using web client on a chromebook, through a proxy server, we get
"Joining Meeting Timeout or Browser restriction" error and fail to connect.

using the same proxy but with Windows/Chrome/web client, things work as expected.

taking tcp packets, we noticed zoom web client (Chromebook/chrome) has a unique behavior when a proxy server is used.
-dns queries for "zoomxxxx.xxxx.zoom.us" (*guessing host is websocket connections)
-no requests happen for either above IP address
-no requests happen for above host names through proxy

the rest of the requests to zoom behave as expected with no dns queries and all going through the http proxy.

to confirm, i have done the same test through windows/chrome/zoom webclient, and all requests occur as expected, with no dns queries and all going through the http proxy.

any ideas on what could be happening?
much appreciated.

[storyhub]

Based on the terminology you are using it is not clear exactly what software you are referencing.

The Zoom Web App is separate from the ChromeOS app and is intended to replace it, as support for ChromeOS apps are being phased out across all operating systems by until at least January 2025. We strongly recommend admins begin migrating users from the ChromeOS app to the new Zoom for Chrome Zoom Web App to ensure a smooth transition.

https://support.zoom.com/hc/en/article?id=zm_kb&sysparm_article=KB0059744

[miyamiya]

thank you for the reply.

would have been nice if you would have inquired what part of my terminology was unclear, for i am not a specialist in this system.

the problem arises when i try to join to a meeting using the link in the browser "Join from your browser".

let me know if this is what i call "web client", which is what i found to be the name in the zoom faqs, or what you call "ChromeOS app".

regards

[storyhub]

Did you click the link and read all of the article? It clarifies the terminology. The ChromeOS app is not the "web client". Zoom supports https/SSL proxy server via port 443 for Zoom traffic. Zoom recommends allowing  zoom.us  and  *.zoom.us  from proxy or SSL inspection. Also note that chromebooks can be made to work with proxy server, but they are not a best choice for a full featured Zoom experience.

[miyamiya]

once agian, thank you for your reply.

i have re-read the every article you have linked, and i believe you might be mis-understanding.

i never mentioned "ChromeOS app" or "Zoom Web App". what i am referring to is "web client".

accordin to the chart in this link, (one screen down, in the "Comparison" section) there is a version called "web client". i am only referring to "web client", and that is what i need information on.

having cleared which version we are talking about, please refer to my first post and see if there is any information or assistance you could point me to.

thanks in advance.

[miyamiya]

*previous reply did not post. posting similar content.

thank you for your reply.
i have re-read all the articles linked in your previous reply.
what i need information is on "web client".
according to the chart on this link, (one screen down, chart in the "Comparison" section) "web client" does exist.
not once did i mention "Zoom Web App" or "ChromeOS app", what i am refering to is "web client".

having established the version, please refer back to my first post, and see if there is any information or assistance site you could provide.
best regards.

[storyhub]

I realize that this is very confusing. However, the chromebook requires special software to be installed for Zoom. If you have not done this then you will observe unusual behavior. The "web client" you reference does not apply to chromebook.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=us.zoom.pwa.twa

This is what you need to install on the chrome book to use to access Zoom properly. What you referenced as "web client" refers to the chrome browser on other devices.

https://support.zoom.com/hc/en/article?id=zm_kb&sysparm_article=KB0059744

This article explains about using the Zoom Web app with the chrome browser on a chromebook. The chromebook is a unique device and was never designed to run Zoom directly in a browser. So if you can disconnect from the "web client" term and install the correct software you may be a little happier. However, keep in mind that although Zoom did their best to accommodate this low end device it is not going to look or perform as good as a PC or MAC. So be aware that the chromebook is not a good choice overall for a good Zoom experience.

[miyamiya]

thank you, storyhub.

the chart i reference to, there was no explicit mention to chromebooks or other OS, so i was unsure.

in your reply, you mention

> The chromebook is a unique device and was never designed to run Zoom directly in a browser.

i wonder if this is the official stance from Zoom.
i am representing a client, a school board to be specific, so they use chromebooks and have already directed them to use the app.
from my analysis of the tcp packets, this is a bug, but could not definitely say if its on chrome's side or zoom.

thanks again for helping out

[storyhub · Accepted solution]

Our Church uses low end chromebooks as well, but none of them are used for Zoom. They are used strictly for HTML 5 sites only with no streaming services. I have worked with several schools wanting to use chromebooks. But the OS does not do well for Zoom. That is why they had to develop interim software for the browser. For less than the price of many chromebooks you can purchase an Intel i7 mini computer that will do Zoom very well, plus will run OBS Studio and remote desktop at the same time. I just built 2 systems recently with $200 Lenovo mini PCs with i7, 16GB RAM, and Windows Pro 10 (Pro 11 is now available). So you could say the computer was free for the price of the OS. With the proper software installed the chromebooks MAY work for your client needs, but you also may find that time will be needed to make sure that those systems are maintained and properly connected to obtain a stable network. Chromebooks do have a history of not doing well with Zoom.

[miyamiya]

thank you storyhub for sharing your story of working with chromebooks.
i identify with your points, but we are a software/network provider and the customers already have purchased the chromebooks, so we don't have a choice.
i was looking for a deeper technical information, preferably from someone who had experience working on this problem directly with zoom.
have accepted your reply as the solution, for i believe this will be the closest to an answer.

thanks again.