Internet Speed Recommendations for Working from Home: Tips and Tricks

The Coronavirus pandemic has brought many changes to our daily routines, including how we work. Many employees have been forced to work remotely while practicing social distancing. For those who had never worked from home before, this can bring a host of challenges, including slow internet speeds.

Internet speed is essential for remote work, and as a rule of thumb, the faster your internet speed, the better your experience will be. Slow internet can affect your productivity and make it challenging to attend virtual meetings, share files, and access work applications. Here are some tips and tricks for managing and improving your internet speed while working from home.

Understand Your Internet Speed

The first step to optimizing your internet speed is to determine what speeds you are currently experiencing. You can use online speed tests, such as Ookla’s speed test, to determine the speed of your internet. Once you have this information, you can compare it to typical broadband speeds recommended for your work.

The internet speeds you need depend on the type of work you do. Video conferencing and large file sharing require more bandwidth than web browsing and email. As a general rule, you should have at least 10Mbps download and 1Mbps upload speeds if you use video conferencing. For file sharing and online backup, a minimum of 40Mbps download and 5Mbps upload speed is recommended.

Consider Your Equipment

Your home equipment may be affecting your internet speed. Here are some things to check:

1. Modem: Your modem is the device that connects your home to the internet. If you have an older modem, upgrading it can improve your internet speed.
2. Router: Your router is what broadcasts your internet throughout your home. If you have a lot of devices connected to your internet, your router may be unable to handle the demand, which can slow down your internet. Upgrading to a more powerful router can help.
3. Placement: Your router and modem placement can also affect signal strength. Try keeping your modem and router out in the open, away from walls or large pieces of furniture.
4. Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is a wireless technology that enables devices to connect to the internet without the need for cables. Wi-Fi signals, like radio waves, can experience interference from other devices. Make sure your router is on a channel with less interference, and if possible, connect your devices directly to the router through Ethernet cables.

Limit Bandwidth Use

To maximize your internet speed while working from home, you need to limit bandwidth use during important work hours. That means limiting the number of people who are connected to your network and minimizing any non-work internet usage.

1. Schedule Video Calls during Off-Peak Hours: Video calls use a lot of bandwidth, so try scheduling them outside of peak internet hours. If many people in your household are using the internet, it’s best to schedule video calls during early morning hours.
2. Turn Off Unused Devices: If there are any devices or apps that you are not using that connect to the internet, turn them off. This includes gaming consoles, smart home devices, and streaming services.
3. Upgrade to Business Internet: If you need the fastest internet speeds possible, upgrading to business internet is a good option. Business internet offers higher speeds, more bandwidth, and faster troubleshooting compared to residential services.

Ensure Security and Privacy

When working remotely, security and privacy are crucial. It’s essential to ensure your internet connection is secure and your data is protected. Here are some tips to help you secure your internet connection while working from home.

1. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN encrypts your internet connection and allows you to access company resources securely. It also ensures your internet traffic is hidden from cybercriminals trying to intercept it.
2. Use a Firewall: A firewall is a security system that prevents unauthorized access to your computer. Make sure your computer’s firewall is turned on, and any devices connected to your internet have their firewall turned on as well.
3. Use Strong Passwords: Use strong passwords for your Wi-Fi network, computer, and any online accounts. Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords like “123456” or “password.”
4. Keep Your Software Up-to-Date: Always keep your computer’s operating system and security software up-to-date. Regular updates include security patches that protect you from new threats.

Create a Dedicated Workspace

Having a dedicated workspace can help you focus, boost productivity, and improve your overall work-from-home experience. A workspace can be a separate room, a corner of your living room, or an area in your bedroom. Here are some essential considerations:

1. Keep it organized: Keep your workspace organized, tidy, and free from clutter.
2. Make it ergonomic: Choose a comfortable chair and table to prevent body fatigue from long hours of sitting at your desk.
3. Ensure good lighting: Make sure your workspace has enough light to see everything properly.
4. Remove Distractions: Remove any distractions that may interfere with your productivity like TV, gaming consoles or anything else that may distract you.

Stay Connected with Your Colleagues

Working remotely can feel isolating, especially if you’re used to face-to-face interactions. It’s essential to stay connected with your colleagues to maintain a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Here are some ways to stay connected with your colleagues:

1. Use Video Conferencing: Schedule regular video calls with your colleagues to stay connected and discuss work-related issues.
2. Chat Apps: Use instant messaging or chat apps like Slack, Zoom or Skype to communicate in real-time, especially during important meetings.
3. Social Media: Use social media like LinkedIn or Twitter to share information, ideas, and experiences with your other work-from-home colleagues.
4. Use Project Management Tools: If your job requires collaboration on large projects, using project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Basecamp can help you keep track of tasks, deadlines and keep everyone on the same page.

Conclusion

In conclusion, working from home can be both an exciting and challenging experience, especially for those who have never done it before. However, a stable and reliable internet connection is crucial to ensure productivity and connectivity with colleagues.

By adopting the tips and tricks discussed in this article, you can improve your internet speed, ensure security and privacy, create a dedicated workspace, and stay connected with your colleagues.

Remember, everyone’s work-from-home experience is unique, and different strategies will work better for different situations. Experiment to find out what works best for you, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re facing internet connectivity or other work-related issues.

Ultimately, by managing your internet speeds, staying focused, and creating good habits, you can create a seamless and productive remote work experience.