With the outbreak of the coronavirus, staying remotely connected to your work has become more common than ever before. Companies, schools, and universities are advised to shut their offices and allow students and workers to do the assigned tasks from home so that the government can control the spread of COVID-19. As the trend of work-from-home is increasing, more and more people are getting concerned about how much internet speed is required to work remotely. Therefore, in this article, we will help you figure out how much internet speeds you need to work from home. So, without further ado, let us get started:
What is the Right Internet Speed for You?
The right internet speed depends on the task that you have to perform. For instance, if you have to download and upload large files, you will need at least 10 Mbps of internet speed. On the other hand, if you only need to send and receive emails, 2 Mbps of internet speed would be more than enough. You will need to research optimum internet plans and other internet providers in your area, to ensure that you have the correct internet plan with the right internet speeds for your needs. Finding a good internet provider is the key to ensuring you have the right internet plan. With that said, let us discuss the internet speeds required for different professions:
Graphic Designing:
Graphic designers need to create visual concepts using applications to communicate their ideas and once they are done with the design, they have to upload the files on their respective server. This requires high-bandwidth and internet speeds. Therefore, it is safe to say that being a graphic designer; you need at least 25 Mbps of internet speed to support your work-from-home routine.
Content Writer:
Content writers have to conduct research before writing on a topic, and for that, they might have to download different articles from the internet. In addition to this, they also have to upload the articles on their respective servers but unlike graphic designing, their files are not that heavy. Therefore, being a content writer, you need at least 8 Mbps of internet speed.
Office Manager:
Office managers have to ensure the smooth functioning of their respective departments. This means that they have to consistently stay in touch with their employees through applications like Skype, Zoom, Google Meet, and Slack. Here is a quick break down of the speeds that different applications require:
| Internet Speed Requirement for Conference Calls (One-on-One) | ||
| Application | Minimum Speed Required | Our Recommended Speed |
| Skype | 512 Kbps | 1.5 Mbps |
| Zoom | 600 Kbps | 2 Mbps |
| Google Hangouts | 2 Mbps | 4 Mbps |
| FaceTime | 128 Kbps | 1 Mbps |
| GoToMeeting | 1 Mbps | 3 Mbps |
| Microsoft Teams | 500 Kbps | 1.5 Mbps |
The aforementioned speeds are recommended for one-on-one online calls. If you need to conduct a group meeting, you will need greater internet speeds. Therefore, being a manager, you should have at least 20 Mbps of internet speeds.
What Type of Internet Connection is Ideal for Working from Home?
Before we discuss the types of internet connection, it is important to mention the fact that the reliability of the connection is the primary factor that you need to consider when choosing a service while working on a deadline. Whether it’s a home phone internet or any other form of connection, you certainly cannot afford to lose your connection and waste precious time due to the inconsistency of the service. Therefore, always choose a trustworthy provider that offers reliable internet.
Now, let us shed some light on the types of internet services that are suitable for working from home:
Cable:
Cable internet delivers admirable internet speeds through copper wires to keep you connected to the digital world. Depending on your location, you might be eligible to get 2000 Mbps of internet speeds, or 100 Mbps of internet speeds. Nevertheless, most users usually go for 200 Mbps of speeds as offered by Spectrum Internet, which is sufficient to carry out all kinds of activities including graphic designing, content writing, sending and receiving emails, etc.
Fiber Optic:
Fiber-Optic internet is the fastest type of internet service available in the US. It is ideal for office managers who need to send and receive multiple files, conduct group calls, and ensure the daily operations of an organization. However, fiber internet is not widely available in the country, which is why, if you have access to a high-speed fiber connection, sign up for it without any second thoughts.
DSL:
DSL, or Digital Subscriber Line, is another common type of internet connection often used for working from home. This network uses a phone wire to establish a connection with the World Wide Web. Nonetheless, unlike a dial-up service, you can use both services (phone + internet) at the same time with DSL internet.
Satellite:
Satellite internet is virtually available everywhere in the US. You just need a clear view of the sky to be able to send and receive satellite signals. However, satellite internet usually comes with data caps, which means that you might face extremely slow speeds if you consume all your monthly allowance before the new month starts.
Final Words
In conclusion, cable internet is the safest option for people who need to work from home. This type of service comes with adequate internet speeds, the option to avail unlimited internet data, and economical prices by the end of each month. So, install a reliable cable service from a respectable provider and make the best out of your work-from-home routine.