Before the pandemic, the home network, and the broadband that fed it were mostly used to stream movies, watch YouTube videos, play games, and check email. However, the home network has evolved into a mission-critical system. Getting the most out of your network is vital in this situation. But what exactly does that mean?

Bandwith

You understand bandwidth if you've ever attempted to drink a milkshake through a straw. It's easy to drink a can of pop through a straw. However, if you try to sip a thick milkshake with the same straw, you can have some issues. Either you'll have to suck significantly harder or use a larger straw.

That's how the data we send over the internet works. Because there isn't much data, some things, like a simple email text message, take very little bandwidth. However, because the data files are so huge, a 4K video broadcast necessitates a lot of bandwidth.

Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) normally sells you a plan based on the upload and download bandwidth you select when you sign up for broadband service. The higher the capacity, the higher the cost; conversely, the lower the capacity, the lower the cost. Your ISP may offer you a particular amount of bandwidth, but there is a chance they will not be able to supply it. Have you ever read the fine print? "Actual speeds may differ and cannot be guaranteed."

psst… Dedicated fibre, instead of cable modems, will generally give you a more stable service. Even with fibre, your ISP's upstream connections can become overburdened if all of their customers are in Zoom meetings simultaneously.

Ethernet

While optimising your ISP's network feed results from your geographic location and how much you're prepared to spend, optimising your home network is a different story.

*cough*… A cable connection is always more reliable and faster than a wireless one. Run wires if at all possible. Extending wires from your router to your desks is a good idea even if you're renting. Finally, if your router is more than a few years old, it may be time to replace it.

Wi-Fi

First, let's clear up something that many people don't understand. It's unlikely that your ISP is to blame for poor Wi-Fi performance. Instead, it's all about how you set up your network within your house regarding Wi-Fi. Your internet service provider (ISP) is only in charge of the connection between your home and the internet.

Various solutions claim to solve your Wi-Fi problems; many are insufficient, lack strength, and have a higher risk of sporadic connections.

But, if you are at home using Wi-Fi, we suggest using Wi-Fi AC, version 5 or 6 (6 is very new, and some devices might not be compatible). Wi-Fi 5 (Wireless-AC) has wider bandwidth capabilities of 80 MHz (and an optional 160 MHz). "So What?" you say; imagine the MHz as lanes on the M25. The more lanes available, the more considerable the amount of data that can pass through simultaneously, thus allowing for maximum performance connection speed - result!

The pandemic has changed work/life patterns for many of us and undoubtedly transformed what we need from our home networks. Redgate IT can help you navigate and achieve a streamlined homeworking setup for your business and users - contact us today.