High-Speed Internet for Remote Work

Most programmers claim that they do not need high-speed internet access to work remotely. Yet, I have seen such programmers struggle to remain efficient and productive at work.

The kind of internet speed that a programmer requires may vary from one project to another. Most often, communication systems like CRM (Customer Relationship Management), Slack, Google Meet, Zoom, etc. consume most of your bandwidth.

Having access to a powerful broadband internet allows you to download applications, browse the internet, and do other tasks simultaneously. You can also share your bandwidth with your family and friends without any issues.

A WiFi connection with a slow network speed will not allow you to share your connection with other users. You may also use your internet for watching movies, downloading videos, gaming, and other fun stuff. Due to all these reasons, I would recommend you get a high-speed internet connection for your programming needs.

What does a programmer require for remote programming?

You may not have all the bare essentials to start programming from home. A basic setup required to complete your routine programming tasks includes:

Comfortable chair and work desk

A laptop or computer updated with the latest hardware and software

A webcam to attend video conferences and calls

Headphones for participating in video and audio calls

A stable internet connection

Applications and software required to work remotely

Your office will provide you with most of the above-mentioned essentials. Yet, you have to find a reliable internet connection on your own. Your network speed must be fast enough to download files or upload files on the cloud.

These days, even mobile networks offer speeds up to 500 Mbps or even more. However, you cannot use a mobile connection as it may create lags during peak times of the day. Also, the limited data offered by telecom providers will make you think of other options.

A Fibernet connection is the best option for programmers. If you are a programmer, you would need a faster internet that does not compromise on security. As a fibre-optic network uses light pulses to transmit data, it is far safer than a regular cable connection. Also, speeds up to 1 Gbps can easily be availed with a fibre internet connection.

The below table shows the minimum hardware requirements to perform programming tasks efficiently:

Hardware

Specifications

CPU

Quad Core 2GHz or higher

RAM

8GB or higher

Hard Drive

250 GB SSD (Solid State Hard Drive) or 500 GB Standard Hard Disk

Monitor

1080p

Internet Speed

Download speed - 10 Mbps

Upload Speed - 1 Mbps

I strongly recommend getting antivirus software and the latest Windows or Mac OS that support multi-platform programming. A regular internet speed is enough for handling most programming tasks. Yet, a modern workplace involves several other activities other than programming. For fulfilling these tasks or activities, you would need a much faster network speed. The below table shows commonly used apps by programmers and their minimum internet requirements:

App

Upload Speed

Download Speed

Google Meet

Up to 3.2 Mbps

Up to 3.2 Mbps

Slack

Up to 1 Mbps

Up to 4 Mbps

Skype

Up to 1.5 Mbps

Up to 8 Mbps

Cisco Webex

0.5 to 2.5 Mbps

0.5 to 3 Mbps

Zoom

1 to 3 Mbps

1.5 to 3 Mbps

Note: The above table shows the network speed requirements for basic settings. If you want to perform tasks like video calls in the highest settings, much faster internet speeds will be needed.

If multiple people work and learn from your home, get an internet connection with at least 100 Mbps speed. A high-speed internet of 50 Mbps would be sufficient for programming even if you have to upload and download large files. For basic computer applications, even speeds up to 5 Mbps is sufficient.

How to improve network speed at home?

Your internet speed may be good enough to handle programming work from home. Yet, network fluctuations, hardware settings, and other unknown reasons may affect your broadband speed. Here are the things you can follow to get faster internet speeds at home:

1. Restart your router

Restart your router at least once a day. It clears the stored data and helps the router to work efficiently. If your router is not performing as expected, get a brand-new router with a longer range. It will help you get the best internet bandwidth in all conditions.

2. Get a WiFi Extender

You may encounter slow internet speed at specific locations of your home. You can use a WiFi extender to improve the internet coverage area.

3. Use stronger passwords

Change your WiFi passwords from time to time. Someone staying near your house may have cracked your password. Use a strong combination of letters, numbers, and special characters in your password. Also, ensure that your devices are upgraded with the latest security features. It will prevent intruders from tracking your online activities and details.

4. Switch the network channels

A router uses a particular WiFI channel to communicate with network devices in your home. If you live in a crowded area and your neighbours are using the same channel or band, you will experience issues like network congestion. To avoid this issue, I recommend you keep switching the network channels at regular intervals.

Most routers support dual-band technology these days. It means that you can set different channels for different devices. For instance, you can use the 2.4 GHz channel for devices that are located at a longer distance from the router. For devices located at shorter distances, you can use the 5 GHz channel.

5. Use a speed test application

Use a speed test application to test your network speed. The speed test application shows the upload and download speeds separately. So, you will get a good idea of whether you are getting symmetrical speeds or not.

Symmetrical upload and download speeds are essential to work on high-end applications. The applications that need you to send files and communicate with the client simultaneously will need such settings. Fibre internet connections with a true fibre-optic network can provide you with equal upload and download speeds.

6. Stop auto-updates

Certain applications on your phone or computer can auto-update themselves in the background when the WiFi is on. You must stop the auto updates at once as it slows down the internet speed. Go to the ‘Settings’ page of your phone/computer and make the necessary changes to prevent auto updates.

7. Share your issues with the ISP

Sometimes, you will not receive the optimum broadband speeds even after making all the tweaks and changes. In such cases, I recommend you call your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and communicate the issues. They might send an expert who can find the exact reason for the slow internet speed.

For instance, the location of your router can be the reason for the slow speed. Or else, your router may need instant upgradation to perform smoothly. Only skilled technicians can resolve such issues. Therefore, you must get a broadband plan only from the ISPs that offer dedicated support services.

How to select the best ISP for a home WiFi connection?

Your programming requirements may vary from one project to another. So, you must subscribe to a WiFi connection from an ISP that uses the latest WiFi technology. Apart from providing a satisfactory network speed, the provider must allow you to carry out all the online activities without any issues. Here are some factors that you can consider while choosing the best ISP for your home WiFi connection:

1. Availability

The first criterion that you must check is the availability of service providers in your locality. The available options in your area determine whether you will get a high-speed internet connection or not. All types of internet connections are available in urban areas. If you live in a rural area, you might have to opt for a satellite network due to the unavailability of a wired connection in your region.

2. Broadband price

The ISPs will charge a subscription fee as per the package that you choose. If you choose a high-speed internet connection with an unlimited data limit, the price will be much higher. A regular WiFi connection won’t cost much but you must check whether it justifies your programming needs or not.

Select an ISP that offers different internet packages with varied speed and data limit options. ACT Fibernet can be a good option as they offer various residential, commercial, and enterprise-level broadband plans. Different packages are offered in each of these broadband types as per your requirements. You can visit their website and look for specific details like price, data cap, FUP (Fair Usage Policy), etc.

3. Option to change the plan

Each project can have different requirements when it comes to programming. So, your provider must allow you to upgrade to a different plan if the situation demands it. You must have the option to change your WiFi plan through the website or mobile app.

4. Connection type

The type of connection you get for your home will determine the broadband speed and your overall experience. DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is easily available in most locations. Your network speed will be high if you live near the provider’s location. However, if you live in a distant place, the quality and speed of the internet may be hampered.

Cable connections are also used on a wide scale. However, you may experience downtimes or slow connection during peak hours of the day and night. Satellite connections do not offer consistent and steady speeds like other connections.

A fibre-optic network is the fastest and most reliable type of internet connection. High-speed internet, reliability, security, and value-added services are easily available with this type of connection. A fibre-optic internet may be expensive. Yet, you can find a provider that offers fibre internet services at competitive rates.

5. Value for money

Always choose a provider who offers complete value for money. When you choose broadband internet for programming, you may also need the internet for other reasons. For instance, you may also be an avid movie watcher or gamer. To fulfil your other requirements, you should get a high-speed internet connection that offers value for money.

ACT Fibernet offers unlimited data plans at competitive pricing. You can avail of their connection to enjoy a seamless gaming and movie-watching experience. Downloading large movies, sharing large files with your team members, attending live calls, etc. can be easily managed with their internet plans.

You also get access to Disney+Hotstar, Netflix, Zee5, and other OTT platforms in select cities with their plans. You do not have to pay any extra fees for accessing these channels. Access to over 300 live TV channels and options like YuppTV Scope that allow you to watch the missed serial episodes make it one of the best home internet options.

6. Reliability

You may be working with overseas clients and outdoor projects. For that, you would need a stable and reliable internet connection 24/7. The internet speed must not fluctuate with changing weather conditions. The lines of the fibre-optic network are buried deep inside the ground. So, you get a seamless internet connection regardless of any external weather changes.

7. Security

As you would be working on confidential websites and software, you must get a secure internet connection. Check whether your ISP offers data encryption and other security features to protect your confidential data.

Conclusion

These were some ways of getting the best internet speed for programming purposes. I hope that you have understood how to choose the best internet service for your varying internet needs. Evaluate your requirements and choose an ISP that offers stable and secure internet services at affordable rates.