Internet for working from home
A home office depends on upload speed and reliability more than raw download speed. A dropped call costs more than a slow download.
- Plan for 3 to 4 Mbps up and down per video call.
- Look for at least 20 Mbps upload if two people work from home.
- Have a backup connection ready for outages.
What work actually uses
| Task | Needs |
|---|---|
| Email and documents | Very little |
| HD video call | 3 to 4 Mbps down and up |
| Screen sharing | 1 to 2 Mbps up |
| Cloud backup, large files | As much upload as you have |
| VPN | Adds overhead, so allow extra |
Why upload is the number to check
On a video call you send as much as you receive. Many cable and wireless plans upload at only 10 to 20 Mbps. That is fine for one person. With two people on calls, cameras recording and phones backing up photos, it fills quickly and your video freezes. Fiber avoids the problem because its upload matches its download.
Reliability
- Wire your desk. An Ethernet cable from router to computer removes most call dropouts.
- Place the router near where you work, or add a mesh point in the office.
- Restart the modem and router monthly and keep their software updated.
Have a backup
Every connection goes down sometimes. The simplest backup is your phone's hotspot. Check that your mobile plan includes hotspot data, and test it once before you need it. People whose income depends on being online sometimes keep a low-cost second connection of a different type.
Paying for it
If your employer reimburses internet, keep your bills. Ask whether a specific minimum speed is required before you choose a plan.
Common questions
How much internet speed do I need to work from home?
One person can work comfortably on 100 Mbps download with 10 Mbps upload. Two remote workers should look for 300 Mbps and at least 20 Mbps upload.
Why does my video freeze on calls?
Usually low upload speed or weak Wi-Fi. Try an Ethernet cable and close apps that are uploading in the background.
Is 5G home internet good enough for remote work?
Often yes, if the signal is strong. Use the trial period to test video calls at the times you normally work.