Remote work has become widespread globally, but it requires a high-speed and stable broadband connection to be successful. If you are new to working remotely and need help setting up your internet connection, this guide can assist you.
Understand your internet needs at home
Commercial internet speeds will usually be high than what you get at home. Hence, speed is the first thing you should consider regarding the internet for remote work. Set up a speed test by connecting to your broadband on a computer. Go to ‘Speedtest’ on Google, click ‘Go’, and wait for the results.
Next, check how fast your internet should be for remote work. An upload and download speed of 2 Mbps is enough if you have to use email, social media, and audio calls. If you want to upload large documents, including audio and video, the desired upload and download speed should be 10 Mbps. If there are more than two persons at home, connecting multiple devices simultaneously, you should upgrade your speed up to 25Mbps. If the speeds are unsatisfactory, reboot your computer and modem. Also, check to know what the average speed is in India. If you need higher speeds, contact your internet service provider soon.
Check if you want 5 GHz and 2.5 GHz connections and choose what works best for you. Both these have pros and cons. While 5 GHz has a short range, it can’t penetrate walls, 2 GHz is suitable for long range and penetrates the walls quickly. So, choose wisely.
Secure your connection
If you have access to highly confidential documents at work, securing your network is an essential feature. How do you ensure your network is secure? It is by using VPN (Virtual Private Network). Many companies have a set of VPNs that their employees can use while working at home. If you can’t access those, check out our website blog or go through PC Mag’s top suggestions for the year. VPN can affect your internet speed to an extent, so be patient as it slows down the regular speed.
Be aware of internet outage
One always blames the internet service providers when there is a change in usual speeds. But you can often see how Instagram or Facebook crash, despite access to higher internet speed. You have to understand this is a global outage and has nothing to do with your broadband connection. Hence, before you opt for remote work, check for any recent online outages, so you can continue your work without worrying. You can use Downdetector to be aware of the internet outage.
Boost your signal
If you haven’t changed your router’s position all these years, a new position might give you the speed you always wanted if it is centrally located in your home. Reboot your router and install a Wi-Fi extender if you are working away from the router so that your connection is uninterrupted and gets amplified.
Utilise your company laptop
Using your company laptop for remote work is best, as it has strong security. If you can’t use it, try installing the same software your company uses for safety before you begin work. Do not access any new or suspicious websites till you log out of work.
Install a proper network firewall
You don’t have to worry about a firewall if you have a wireless router, as it has in-built security software. If your router is old and you are uncertain of the firewall updates, set up the firewall software on your laptop before you sign up for remote work.
Keep your router firmware updated
All routers are safe to use, as they have firmware. However, there might be security patches or bug errors. Hence, you can check for new updates online by entering the username and password of your router to avoid any vulnerabilities.
How can you get the best internet for your home?
All the steps above apply only when you have a proper broadband setup at home. While wireless and cable connections are faster, you can always opt for a fiber-optic connection. A fiber-optic internet connection is a new setup for more instantaneous internet usage globally. Since it transmits data through glass fiber cables at the speed of light, the upload and download speed is tremendous. Fiber connections are also highly secure and perfect for remote work, but they are also quite expensive. Who can you approach for high-speed fiber broadband at the lowest prices?
Excitel offers high-speed fiber internet connections across all the major cities in India. You get 200, 300 and 400 Mbps at modest rates, which you can use for casual browsing, streaming and gaming. Contact Us for our customer team and set up a new broadband with the highest upload and download speeds for your home today!
