How to build the ultimate home office network

The world of work is changing faster than ever before. More and more freelancers, remote workers and entrepreneurs are creating a space at home that not only looks the part but also performs like a high-powered office.

If you're setting up your home office, there's one thing that you simply cannot compromise on - your network. After all, your entire business depends on staying connected and a slow or unreliable internet connection can mean missed opportunities, frustrated clients and hours of lost productivity.

Understanding your needs

Every freelancer or entrepreneur's needs are different. Are you primarily a graphic designer, dealing with massive files? Or are you a content writer focused more on constant communication? Before even diving into the technical aspects, it's crucial to assess your specific requirements. Consider the following factors:

• Internet usage: determine the bandwidth necessary for your daily tasks, such as video conferencing, file sharing or streaming.
• Device connectivity: how many devices, such as computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones need to be connected simultaneously?
• Network security: assess the level of protection required to safeguard sensitive data and prevent unauthorised access.
• Scalability: if you have just started your own business, consider your future growth plans and ensure your network can accommodate additional devices or increased bandwidth demands.

Start with the right internet plan

The foundation of a strong home office network is your internet connection. This is why choosing the right plan is crucial. Here are some pointers to help you make an informed decision:

Choose a plan with the right speed

The first thing to consider is internet speed. You might need to be on video calls, upload large files and possibly even host live streams or webinars. The recommended speed for each activity can vary, but here are some general guidelines:

Basic freelance work for emails, web browsing and light video calls - 25-50 Mbps download speed
Intense work such as frequent video calls, large file transfers and multi-device usage - 100-200 Mbps download speed
Bandwidth-heavy tasks like streaming, hosting online events and large data backups - 300 Mbps or more

Just remember that upload speed matters too as it can impact how smoothly you communicate and share work with clients.

Would you like to find out more about internet speeds? Here is a comprehensive guide on the ideal speed for a variety of tasks and here is another one specifically about internet for gaming.

Consider fiber for reliability

Fiber optic connections are generally the best choice for home offices that rely on high-speed, stable internet, while they are much less prone to slowdowns during peak usage hours. Read through this article to discover everything you need to know about our fibre internet.

Pro tip: Consider adding a redundancy or backup connection like our Smart Hub modem, which is not only designed to maximise your Wi-Fi quality, but it will kick in automatically if your main connection drops, serving as a critical insurance for keeping your business running smoothly.

Take a look at our pre-mixed internet plans if you're looking for an off-the-shelf solution or mix and match your plan for a tailored package. Alternatively, these tips can help you to choose the right internet plan for your needs.

Invest wisely in your hardware setup

After choosing the plan, it's time to invest in good-quality hardware. Routers, modems and other network devices can make or break your home office setup.

Get a reliable router

Your router is the backbone of your home office network and it's worth spending a little extra for reliability. Here's what you need in a good router:

• Dual-band or tri-band capability: these routers operate on multiple frequencies, minimising congestion and improving connectivity. Dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) is a minimum, while tri-band can be a good choice if there are many devices competing for bandwidth.
• Coverage and range: make sure your router covers your entire office space and remember that walls, furniture and floors can obstruct signals.
• Quality of Service (QoS): routers with QoS settings allow you to prioritize certain activities or devices. For instance, you could prioritize video conferencing over other non-essential traffic, ensuring calls don't lag when someone is streaming in another room. QoS can also be beneficial if your home network is shared with family or roommates. In this case, you could set up a guest network. Doing so will keep their devices isolated from your main network, which adds a layer of security and also helps manage bandwidth more effectively.

Decide between ethernet and Wi-Fi

A direct wired connection to your computer means avoiding the interference that Wi-Fi can sometimes experience. If this sounds like something you would like to set up in your home office, here are two pointers to consider:

• Where to use ethernet: essential devices like your primary work PC or VoIP phone should ideally be connected via ethernet. This is especially beneficial for activities requiring stability.
• Gigabit ethernet: when connecting via ethernet, ensure both your router and your devices support Gigabit ethernet, in other words, 1,000 Mbps. This can greatly enhance data transfer speeds within your local network, which is useful if you're working with large files stored on a local NAS (Network Attached Storage).

On the flip side, if working with Wi-Fi is non-negotiable, here is what you need to do to get the most out of your Wi-Fi:

• Router placement: this should be placed in an open, central area of your home to ensure an even distribution of the signal. Avoid placing it near metal objects, thick walls or other electronic devices that could cause interference.

Pro top: If your home is large, has several rooms or multi-floored, consider using a mesh Wi-Fi system. Mesh routers help ensure consistent speeds and signal strength throughout your work area, removing dead zones and weak signals. Read through this guide on how to set up the perfect home network and here is everything you need to know about our Smart Wi-Fi Nokia beacons and how they can ensure you have an extended and uninterrupted Wi-Fi signal in every corner of your home.

Network security essentials for keeping your business safe

Whether you're an entrepreneur or an employee, you may often handle sensitive client information, which makes network security a priority. This is what you need to do to ensure your network is protected:

Change default login credentials

The default login information for your router (usually "admin" and "password") is public knowledge and easy to hack so make sure you change both when you set up your router.

Enable WPA3 encryption

Make sure your Wi-Fi is secured with WPA3 encryption - the latest standard which offers the highest level of security. It prevents unauthorised users from accessing your network and potentially intercepting sensitive data.

Use a guest network

As mentioned above, if other people need to use your Wi-Fi, create a separate guest network, which will keep these devices off your main network and will limit any potential security risks.

Invest in a VPN

A Virtual Private Network adds an additional layer of security, encrypting your data and hiding your IP address. This is particularly useful if you're accessing client files or communicating sensitive information online. Read more about VPNs here.

Consider cloud solutions for flexibility

For small businesses and freelancers, using cloud-based tools can further improve reliability and productivity. Think of tools like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, which allow you to access documents, spreadsheets and emails from anywhere, ensuring continuity even if your main office network is temporarily unavailable. They also allow for seamless collaboration with clients or team members. Also, do not forget to back up your data regularly. Cloud storage solutions like Google Drive or OneDrive are ideal for backing up essential files so make sure you combine these with local backups to make sure your data is secure no matter what happens.

Stay online even during outages

Power outages can spell disaster if you're in the middle of an important call or deadline. This is where an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) comes in handy as it can keep your modem and router running for short periods during an outage. This can give you the buffer time to either finish up critical tasks or move to a backup internet solution, such as tethering to your phone.

Building a highly efficient and reliable home office network might feel like a big undertaking, but with the right approach, it's manageable. Investing in quality hardware, optimising placement, securing your network and planning for redundancy can make the difference between a frustrating workday full of buffering and dropped connections and a smooth, productive day where you can focus on what you do best.

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