Working from home: there’s no better feeling than knowing you don’t have to trek out into the world to beat the early morning rush hour traffic. Starting your day in your PJ’s is much less stressful, but can have its downsides too — such as the lack of office amenities, like reliable WiFi. Before you become a remote employee, make sure to choose the right WiFi package, provider, and network. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Type of Internet Connection
When it comes to WiFi, instead of simply selecting the cheapest option, think about the type of internet that comes along with it. Will you need cable, DSL, or satellite? Or will you spring for a more expensive WiFi option that comes with fiber-optic speeds? Once you know what kind of internet connection you’ll require, you can determine which provider and WiFi packages would best suit your needs based on your workload and the type of work you’ll be doing.
2. Consider What Speeds You’ll Need
When it comes to choosing the right WiFi package, think about what kind of speeds you’ll need when it comes to searching the internet as well as downloading content. Do you need ultra-fast internet, or could you deal with average speeds? Your location will also determine what kind of speeds you’ll get, so think about then when you’re considering WiFi packages and providers. Being able to get work done on time and accurately starts with having reliable internet access.
3. Look for Promotions
Oftentimes, throughout the year, internet providers will offer WiFi packages at promotional prices. Before you choose a provider and a package, look for promotions that could save you some money. Work-from-home expenses can quickly add up so it’s smart to look for opportunities to save. Top internet providers usually have promotions going on around the holidays so take advantage of promotional pricing during specific times of the year to get the best deals.
4. Think About Types of WiFi Encryption Protocols
Find a provider, package, and router that makes it easy to adjust your router security settings to help secure your network, allowing you to do things like change your passwords and the name of your router. The provider and package you choose should allow you to use one of the following WiFi encryption protocols: WiFi Protected Access (WPA), and WiFi Protected Access Version 2 (WPA2). WPA has two types: pre-shared key (WPA-PSK) and Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (WPA-TKIP). WPA-PSK is much more secure than WPA-TKIP, but TKIP is still more secure than the outdated Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). WPA2 is more advanced than WPA and has an even higher level of security encryption.
5. Consider the “Extras”
Before selecting a WiFi package, think about what “extras” come with the package. For instance, if you’re also shopping for TV service, think about combining the two. Some providers offer panoramic WiFi gateways that give you coverage throughout your entire home so you’re covered no matter where you are in the house. You might even get extras like security monitoring services and home automation. The best providers allow you to customize your packages so that you don’t pay for what you don’t need and you get exactly what you do need.
Working from home can be quite rewarding, but failing to plan accordingly when it comes to choosing the right WiFi connection and package can slow you down and cause you headaches. With the above in mind, you’ll be one step closer to seeing success as a remote employee.