Operating a business from home isn’t as easy as it sounds. For starters, a home business requires internet with different specifications than your basic residential internet. Network security becomes even more vital, as protecting customer and company data is paramount. Large amounts of website traffic mean greater security risks, and consistently backing up business and customer data to the cloud means you need a fast, reliable connection.
There’s a lot more to both speed and security than meets the eye. Read on for seven things you need to know about the type of internet speed and security you will need in order to operate your home business efficiently.
Internet Speed and Reliability
Certain factors can affect your internet speed and performance. As a business owner, you will need to decide how much speed you need in order to operate your home business efficiently. Bear in mind that fast and reliable internet connections can help you—and any employees—be more efficient and effective, which, in turn, can boost your business.
1. Higher bandwidth is imperative for lots of downloads and uploads.
The main component of internet speed is bandwidth, or the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted across an internet connection in ideal conditions. It’s typically advertised as a number followed by “Mbps.” However, most advertised plans only show download speeds—upload speeds for residential connections are often substantially slower. For example, although a residential service may be advertised at a speed of 20 Mbps, upload speed might max out at just 2 Mbps.
Download speed is needed for activities such as streaming videos or downloading software, while upload speed is required for sending email and backing up data to the cloud. Both download speed and upload speed are required for two-way activities such as video conferencing. For these reasons, most home businesses require faster internet speeds—particularly upload speeds—than the typical residential user. Make sure you are aware of the bandwidth you are paying for, and look specifically for upload speeds that are comparable to advertised download speeds. Rather than simply opting for the first ISP you find because you think there is no need to shop around, it’s far better to search for internet providers in my area and then compare the various options. In this way, not only will you pay the right amount for your budget, but you will get the right bandwidth for your business needs.
2. Network traffic can impact overall speed.
The amount of traffic on your network will influence your internet speed too. For instance, if you have other employees connecting to your home network, or if you have several devices using the internet, this can slow your speed. So if you expect to have a lot of online processes relying on bandwidth, upgrading to a higher-speed business connection might be the best way to go.
3. Service availability might limit your max speeds.
Where you live can also affect your bandwidth, as only certain types of services may be available in your area. For example, rural areas may only offer satellite or DSL internet, with a maximum bandwidth of around 20 Mbps. In contrast, if you live in a highly populated area, you will typically have cable or even fiber internet options available to you. These services can provide speeds as high as 1 Gbps.
4. Service level agreements will help ensure a certain amount of uptime.
Even with all of the extra benefits and speed that business-class internet provides, there may still be occasions when your internet goes down. Although internet speed is essential for a high-performing home business network, service reliability is just as important. Network downtime can cost your home business time, money, and even customers.
Fortunately, most internet companies provide service level agreements (SLAs) for business-class internet users. SLAs are agreements that outline the guaranteed levels of service and internet speeds that you can expect from your service provider. Some SLAs also outline an expected response time should you need any maintenance performed on your network, as well as monetary compensation should the provider fail to meet any of the terms listed in the agreement. Because this agreement can guarantee a certain level of reliability, make sure you have a detailed SLA for your home business.
Internet Security
When you run a business from your home, you should consider your network’s security just as much as—if not more than—your network’s speed. As a business owner, you can take simple steps to protect your network from cyber threats. These steps include using secure passwords and changing them regularly, and training employees to recognize phishing and other common cybersecurity threats. Additionally, taking a few measures to physically secure your network equipment and company devices against would-be attackers is crucial to keeping yourself, your business, and your customers safe.
- Using a virtual private network can keep your data from prying eyes.
A virtual private network (VPN) enhances the security of the connection between your devices and company server. VPNs use end-to-end encryption, which secures all of your internet activity, protecting valuable data even when you work from a coffee shop or hotel.
A VPN can also help you limit network access so that traffic only goes through the VPN, adding even more security to your network than simply protecting access with a password that could be hacked or redistributed. So you can easily grant freelancers or employees access to your network, and then restrict access once a project is completed. If you’re having trouble choosing from the hundreds of providers out there, try using a free comparison service to help you identify the best VPNs on the market.
- Static IP addresses can help you streamline and secure some crucial business functions.
Most home networks have a dynamic IP address, meaning the IP gets assigned each time a user logs on to the internet. In contrast, a static IP provides a permanent address for your home internet. Many business-class internet packages offer static IP addresses, usually for an extra fee.
Having a static IP address can be helpful—and sometimes even crucial—for businesses. For example, connecting some devices to your network may require a static IP. A static IP will also provide your network with slightly better security and reliability. You may also need a static IP if you plan to host your own server or website, or if you have employees who need to access your company network remotely.
- It’s often worth investing more in an internet provider with good support.
Ultimately, if you are unsure of all the steps you should take to operate and secure your business’s home network, select an internet service provider that can consult with you about your networking and other IT needs. An ISP that provides various levels of IT support can be extremely valuable for your home business—even if you have to pay a little bit extra for it.
As a small-business owner, you are likely very tight on time and money. But spending some of that time and money to optimize your internet speed and security can positively affect productivity, protect valuable company data, and ultimately have a positive effect on your bottom line.
Need more help setting up your home business? Read this article for more information.
