Since working remotely seems to be the new normal, it’s important to ensure that your connectivity is at its finest. No one wants to be the first one to accidentally leave a Zoom call with their colleagues because of a frozen computer or poor internet connection! Check the efficiency of your internet connection with our guide below.
Update your router
If you’re using an older router, buy a new one that supports gigabit ethernet and the latest AX (or slightly older AC) wifi standards. This Asus AX router offers long range coverage and offers stable streaming for all of those work meetings on your calendar. Have kids at home? In addition to the other amazing capabilities of this router, you can also set Parental Controls to make sure your crew is managing their screen time each day.
Wifi Router:
Manage the ‘dead zones’ in your home
If you find WiFi going in and out as you walk around the house, consider switching to a mesh network. A mesh network is a seperate group of devices that act as a single Wi-Fi network; basically tiny routers in those dead zones to make them function well. Perfect for those who find themselves working from home while others are, too. If you find your family needs to be in different rooms for daily tasks, a mesh network may be for you.
This ASUS ZenWiFi AC3000helps you blanket your home with improved internet connection. This while home wifi system covers 5400 square feet!
Grab an ethernet cable.
Though it might seem ‘old school’, an ethernet cable will always be more reliable than wifi, which is constantly affected by things like interference from other electronics, walls, and weather. Bypassing wifi with a cable gives you a direct connection to your network and minimizes latency. Granted, it’s much more difficult to run cabling through your home or office, so it’s a trade off against the convenience of wifi.
And last, but certainly not least, make sure you subscribe to the fastest Internet service available in your area
It never hurts to check to see if the various vendors like Cox, Spectrum, or AT&T have built out in your area recently and offer faster service than what you have now. Fiber Optic options will always be the best options for streaming and video conferencing. Check out some options of area providers below to see what best fits your work-from-home needs.
AT&T has three separate plans; Internet 100 supports up to 12 devices, Internet 300 speeds up to 300 Mpbs (great for households who do a variety of online activities at once), and Internet 1000 can support 14 devices and has no data cap in it’s plan.
Cox Communications has several different plans available to meet all of your needs. For working remotely, Cox Internet Preferred and Cox Internet Ultimate will be your best bet for streaming purposes.
Charter Spectrum offers a hybrid-fiber coax and recommends Plan 2 or 3 for ‘heavy duty’ users.
Do note, most Internet connections are NOT guaranteed. If you’re paying for Cox 500mbps download, you may only get 200mbps and Cox will say it’s a “best effort” connection. Guaranteed rate lines will be a lot more expensive but will include a SLA (Service Level Agreement) that guarantees speeds and uptime.
Read what US News has to say about Service Providers here.
https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/internet-providers/local/san-diego-ca
Cox is a vendor we have experience with and can recommend. People looking for better phone service should definitely contact us for a consultation to see what their needs are and which service would best fit them. Contact us here.