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When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2019, many companies and businesses switched to remote work setups for the safety of everyone and local government regulation compliance with all the social distancing and lockdowns. That means two things for everyone affected. One, they will need a laptop or PC that can handle their work tasks, and two, they will require a reliable internet connection.
Satellite internet has become a savior for many individuals living in remote areas where internet options like fiber and cable may not be available. Over the years, satellite internet has undergone many improvements that make it a solid choice for work-from-home setups in both urban and rural areas.
But, if you think your satellite connection needs a little help (since you’re in this blog), well, you’re in luck. We’re here to share some tips on how to optimize satellite internet connection for remote work setup and more. Let’s start!
Is Satellite Internet Really Suitable for Remote Work Use?
Yes, satellite internet is definitely suitable for remote work use both in urban and rural areas. While there is still a stereotypical perception of satellite internet being slow and unreliable, the truth is that recent advancements have made it a viable option for remote work. In the US, there are three leading satellite internet providers: HughesNet, Viasat, and Starlink.
If you’re a subscriber of any of these, then you likely have a fast and stable connection. However, it still depends on your area because satellite network performance can vary based on your geographic location. Some internet providers work better than others in other areas of the country.
8 Tips to Make Your Satellite Internet Faster for Work-from-Home Setup
We all appreciate a fast internet connection any time of the day. But of course, it’s a different story when we’re doing something important for work. We can’t afford to get disconnected or experience long slowdowns. Here are eight proven tips to make your satellite internet faster for work-from-home setup:
- Use a Wired Connection
The first thing you should do, or at least consider, is to use a wired connection. We’re pretty sure you’ve already read this a lot of times, but it can actually make a significant difference in your internet speed and stability.
When you use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer directly to the router, you reduce the chances of interference and signal loss, which are common with Wi-Fi connections. This can lead to a more consistent and faster internet experience, especially during video conferences or large file transfers.
- Prioritize Your Work Applications
When you’re working from home, you want to ensure that your work-related applications and tasks take precedence over non-essential activities. Many newer router models offer Quality of Service (QoS) settings that allow you to prioritize certain applications and devices. So, if you assign higher priority to your work applications, you ensure they get the necessary bandwidth and a more stable connection.
- Try to Limit Background Activities
Many of us are guilty of this, and it’s easy to understand why. We don’t usually pay as much attention to background applications on laptops/PCs as much as we do on our mobile phones. However, these apps can significantly impact your internet speed and your device’s overall performance.
Some of the most common background apps include online games, cloud backups, and automatic updates. Although some of them are necessary for work, it would be better to close all the unnecessary apps running in the background to free up some bandwidth. To maintain a faster satellite internet connection for your work-from-home setup, disable or schedule these background tasks during your work hours.
- Invest in a Quality Signal Booster
If you live in a big house and are experiencing dead spots in several areas, investing in a signal booster can substantially improve your internet connection. Signal boosters amplify the signal strength, helping maintain a stable and faster connection. Consult with your satellite internet provider to ensure compatibility and obtain recommendations for signal booster options.
- Regularly Clear Your Browser Cache
The browser cache is essentially a storage space where your browser stores various elements from web pages you visit, such as images, scripts, and style sheets. While this can significantly speed up page loading times, an overburdened or outdated cache can lead to slowdowns and other performance issues.
For remote workers, clearing your cache regularly is particularly valuable when accessing web-based work applications and resources. A clean cache can lead to faster loading times and a more responsive user experience. It’s especially crucial when your work requires you to use cloud-based tools, as it helps prevent any delays when accessing critical work files and documents.
- Have an Efficient Data Management System
If your satellite internet plan comes with a data cap (which most satellite plans do), it’s crucial to monitor and manage your data usage effectively. Most satellite internet providers offer usage tools that allow you to track your data consumption. By being aware of your data usage patterns, you’ll be able to make adjustments, schedule data-intensive tasks during non-peak hours, and maximize your data allowance every month.
- Look into Your Video Call Settings
Video conferencing has become an integral part of remote work, but it can be demanding on your internet connection. To ensure smoother video calls, optimize the settings of your video-conferencing app like Zoom or Google Meet. Consider reducing the video quality slightly to conserve bandwidth while still maintaining a clear image and audio. It’s also good to keep yourself on mute when you’re not speaking, as it can further reduce the load on your connection.
- Always Keep Your Firmware Updated
Keeping both your device’s and router’s firmware is an important habit you should maintain for optimal performance. Firmware updates often come with various benefits, including performance improvements, bug fixes, and security enhancements. Make it a regular practice to check for the latest firmware updates from your device and router manufacturers and follow the instructions to apply them.
The Bottom Line
By using these eight tips to make your satellite internet faster for remote work, you’ll be able to be more productive and increase your efficiency. Whether you use HughesNet, Viasat, Starlink, or any other provider, these strategies can help you get the most out of your internet connection. Good luck!
