How To Optimize Internet Speed Working From Home

Introduction

‘Is he still there?’

‘I think he’s frozen’

How many times have you heard that before? To make sure you’re not on the receiving end, It’s time to understand what really is a good internet speed for working from home, and how to optimize for the fastest experience, before you end up looking like this..

What Is A Good WFH Internet Speed?

Ideally, for each person working from home,  25Mbps of download speed and 3Mbps of upload speed should be good enough to get you through the day with video calling and medium usage.

But, if you’re uploading videos for example, you might want to look to see if you can get a faster connection to avoid your system slowing down.

You can check your internet speed here

For video conferencing, Microsoft Teams recommends a minimum download speed of 1.5 Mbps and an upload speed of 1.5 Mbps for one-on-one Teams calls. For group video calls, the recommended download and upload speeds are 4 Mbps.

Potential Pitfalls Of Slow Internet

Video conferencing – see previous image. Video conferencing has got to be the number one issue we experience with slow internet, or an inconsistent connection. All in all a drop off, or momentary freeze now and again isn’t too bad, but you don’t want to be that person that’s constantly having the same issue in most meetings. Moreover, if you’re presenting or have an important call with your boss, it’s not the greatest look.

Multitasking – Now this can be fine if you’re running simple programs and only keeping open the necessary ones you need at any time. But, if you’re editing videos, running Photoshop, have a million Chrome tabs open whilst you’re on Slack and taking video calls, something could easily break with a slow internet connection.

Downtime – As well as speed, a high amount of downtime from your provider can hinder your work and annoy your boss. My old provider had a few spells of multiple hours of no service. You can always tether to your phone or go out to an cafe for example, but these measures pose security risks that can worsen the problem. Better to find a provider with at least <1% average downtime.

Sharing Files – If you find yourself in the position where a colleague has sent you a large file, or you have one to upload, you can find that you can still use your machine, but the processing time is painfully slow. If so, check your download and upload speeds to benchmark performance.

Collaboration platforms – In the remote worlds, Zoom, Teams, Skype, Slack are all going to be essential. They’re also a big culprit in slow internet speeds. If you’re going to be utilising team comms tools in your work, make sure you explore the right providers to help you manage your individual work load.

How To Speed Up Your Internet Connection From Home

Improving internet speed involves addressing various factors that could be affecting your connection. Here are some tips to help you speed up your internet:

Check Your Internet Plan:

• Ensure that you are subscribed to an internet plan that meets your speed requirements. Contact your internet service provider (ISP) to discuss available plans and consider upgrading if necessary.

Consider a Mesh Network:

• If you have a large home with Wi-Fi dead zones, a mesh network can improve coverage. Mesh systems use multiple devices to create a single, seamless Wi-Fi network, reducing signal drop-offs.

Restart Your Router and Modem:

• Over time, routers and modems can accumulate errors or experience issues that impact performance. Simply restarting them can often resolve these problems and provide a temporary boost in speed.

Use a Wired Connection:

• While Wi-Fi is convenient, a wired Ethernet connection generally provides a more stable and faster connection. If possible, connect your device directly to the router using an Ethernet cable.

Optimize Router Placement:

• Ensure that your router is placed in a central location in your home and away from walls, floors, and other obstacles that could interfere with the signal. The ideal placement helps improve Wi-Fi coverage and signal strength.

Update Firmware:

• Regularly check for firmware updates for your router and modem. Manufacturers often release updates that include performance improvements and bug fixes. Visit the manufacturer’s website or check the device’s settings to update the firmware.

Secure Your Wi-Fi Network:

• If your Wi-Fi network is not password-protected, unauthorized users could be consuming bandwidth. Secure your network with a strong password to prevent unauthorized access.

Limit Connected Devices:

• The more devices connected to your network, the more bandwidth is shared among them. Limit the number of connected devices, especially during bandwidth-intensive activities, to ensure better speed for each device.

Use Quality Hardware:

• Invest in a good-quality router and modem that can handle your internet speed. Older or low-quality hardware may limit the potential speed of your connection.

Check For Interference:

• Electronic devices, other Wi-Fi networks, and even household appliances can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal. Make sure your router is on a channel with minimal interference. Most routers allow you to change the channel in their settings.

Run A Speed Test:

• Use online speed test tools to check your internet speed. This can help you identify if the issue is with your ISP or your home network. If the speed is significantly lower than what you’re paying for, contact your ISP for assistance.

Optimize Browser Settings:

• Adjust your web browser settings to optimize performance. Clearing caches, disabling unnecessary extensions, and keeping the browser updated can contribute to a smoother internet experience.

Upgrade Your Internet Plan:

• If your current internet plan is not meeting your needs, consider upgrading to a faster plan. Different plans offer varying speeds, and upgrading could provide the boost you’re looking for.

Conclusion 

If you’re beginning your remote work journey make sure you cater your internet provider requirements to the work you’ll be undertaking and the living situation you’re in.

If you’re already with a provider and the above tips prove unsuccessful, contact your ISP for further assistance. They can analyze your connection, identify potential issues, and provide solutions to enhance your internet speed.