Ways to optimise and have a seamless connection.

There are certain things you can do to help optimise and ensure a seamless Internet connection while working remotely. Whether you work from home, or you run a hub, you will find some useful content here.

Hardwire

This is one of the most common ways to ensure a seamless connection. The speeds from a hardwire connection are generally better than a Wi-Fi signal. It’s best to obtain a CAT6 or higher. By hard wiring to your remote working computer, You’ll be getting priority over other Wi-Fi users. This will help in the case that your connection is sometimes inconsistent to carry multiple devices.

Most routers come with ports that you can connect to the back of, some have one or two and some have up to 5. Network switches can be purchased in electrical and computer stores if you wish to expand on this. An alternative to buying a network switch is to use an old router and by logging into the router settings, you can turn off the Wi-Fi so that the router can act as a network switch to expand your hardwire ports.

Companies like TP link offer an expander whereby you can transmit the incoming Internet from your modem/router through the existing electrical cabling in your property. This can offer LAN cable equivalent reliability and speed in your property. This is especially helpful if you don’t already have LAN cabling already installed in the walls/behind conduit. Another plus of using a hardware connection is that it cuts down on the potential for overcrowded Wi-Fi networks that can potentially drop your connection, especially when using a virtual private network (VPN). Some health experts claim that there is radiation/electromagnetic field energy from Wi-Fi signals and so using a hardwire connection can remove this health risk.

 Routers

What may seem obvious but worth noting, is that the closer you are to the router, the stronger the signal. Most modern routers will contain a dual Wi-Fi band, a 2.4 Hz (frequency)and a 5Hz. The 2.4 Hz has a longer transmission when compared to the 5Hz but the 5 Hz has a faster signal. The 5 Hz doesn’t suffer from Wi-Fi congestion as often as the 2.4Hz as it’s generally less used and can be a preferred connection assuming you are close enough to the router. The 5 Hz can typically be more reliable when using a VPN connection when you don’t have a hardwire connection.

If you’ve been with a provider for couple of years, it’s worth asking or checking if you are entitled to an upgrade as some older routers can lack in speed and performance when compared to newer routers, this is especially true if you have a 4G or 5G router. Some providers offer fibre and a backup 4G connection which you may want to consider if you run important webinars or have an alarm connected to your Internet. If any of the connections coming from the telephone poll outside, for example, fibre or VDSL is not available to you, then some routers even take two 4G SIM cards that will combine the speeds and also offer as a backup. See our previous blog post for all types of connection.

Location of Routers and Modems

Common sense but worth nothing, is that the more central you can place your router in your property or hub the better and as close to your remote working station as possible. Some have their incoming modem in an area like the attic and run a hardwire as mentioned above to the central router for Wi-Fi. This can ensure you get the strongest signal coming to your property and keep the tech stuff out of your view making your home or hub look neater and save space. As mentioned in our previous blog post, it is possible to get a UPS for routers that can keep your connection live for a few hours in the event of a power cut. Some PV solar providers can prioritise certain sockets like your incoming modem/router that will be provided with power from your backup solar or battery. You could ask about prioritising power to your remote working desk or even meetings rooms if you run a hub.

Other points to consider

In our previous blog post, we discussed the option of hotspotting off your phone as a potential backup if your connection goes down.

Also, check out our first blog post where we looked at the different options for Internet. Choosing the best Internet for your needs is one way to provide a seamless Internet connection.

In rare cases where you don’t have a viable connection to your Home Office or Hub, you could consider setting up a wireless bridge from a local incoming property that has a reliable connection and transmit to your outdoor office or hub using a wireless bridge. These typically offer transmission up to a 1 or 2 KM with other Wireless bridges offering longer ranges.

It may be worth fitting a socket timer on your Internet router so that it switches itself off at 12 AM and back at say 7:00 AM if you are concerned about electromagnetic field radiation while sleeping. It would be advisable to occasionally leave the router on at night so that it would receive any required updates.