In today’s ever-evolving work landscape, remote work has become a permanent fixture, necessitating reliable and secure access to digital resources. One of the critical challenges faced by remote workers, particularly those in rural areas, is the potential loss of internet connectivity, which can translate into revenue loss for organizations. To mitigate this risk, organizations must consider providing backup internet connections for their remote employees. In this article, we’ll delve into three key aspects of backup internet for remote workers.
Exploring Your Backup Internet Options
When it comes to backup internet, the most common solution is to establish a secondary connection to an internet service provider (ISP). The type of connection available may vary depending on the employee’s location. Here are some of the options:
Wired Connections
- DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
- Ethernet
- Cable
- Optical Fiber
Wireless Connections
- Wi-Fi
- LTE (Long-Term Evolution)
- 5G Cellular
- Fixed Microwave
- Satellite
Each of these options has its unique advantages and disadvantages, making it essential to choose the one that best suits the remote worker’s location and needs. For instance, satellite internet has gained popularity for its ability to bring connectivity to remote locations, a game-changer for those in underserved areas. It’s worth noting that relying solely on business-grade subscriptions often comes with the assurance of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for repairs within several hours. However, having a backup connection, offers the distinct advantage of near-instantaneous reconnection during outages, ensuring minimal disruption to productivity.
Requirements for a Reliable Backup Connection
To ensure that your backup internet connection is dependable when you need it most, consider the following factors:
Path Diversity
Opt for separate physical paths to the internet. This means that if one path experiences an outage, the other remains unaffected. This redundancy ensures that connectivity is maintained even in the face of unexpected disruptions. Using different internet access technologies and different ISPs is considered the best strategy to achieve diversity, as they reduce the risk of a single point of failure and provide a robust backup solution for remote workers.
Automatic Failover
Implement an automatic failover system that seamlessly switches to the secondary internet link when the primary link becomes compromised. This ensures uninterrupted access to essential resources and applications. Moreover, it’s crucial that the automatic failover system includes a mechanism to revert to the primary path when the outage is resolved. This two-way failover functionality not only maintains uninterrupted connectivity during disruptions but also optimizes the utilization of the primary link once it becomes stable again.
Speed
While backup internet is typically slower than the primary connection, it should still meet the minimum requirements of the remote worker. Assess the employee’s bandwidth needs to determine an appropriate backup solution.
Visibility
Setting up a robust monitoring system for backup links is crucial. This system should not only proactively detect failures but also issue timely notifications when an outage occurs. Moreover, it should include statistics on the frequency and duration of these outages. Tracking the number of outages and how long they last provides vital insights into the reliability of different internet access methods or ISPs.
Cost-Effectiveness
When evaluating the cost-effectiveness of the chosen backup internet option, it’s crucial to consider that the secondary link typically isn’t utilized as extensively as the primary connection. Ensure that the benefits derived from the backup connection justify the associated expense. In most cases, the cost of potential downtime far outweighs the investment in backup connectivity. This cost-effectiveness calculation should account for the secondary link’s reduced usage and prioritize reliability while maintaining affordability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the shift towards remote work has made backup internet connectivity a vital consideration for organizations looking to maintain productivity and revenue streams. Understanding your backup internet options, meeting specific requirements for reliability, and ensuring cost-effectiveness are key steps in providing remote employees with a secure and dependable internet connection. As remote work continues to evolve, embracing these principles will become increasingly important in fostering a resilient and adaptable workforce.
For a comprehensive and hassle-free solution to backup internet connectivity for remote workers, consider Ottie. Ottie offers a user-friendly 4G or 5G backup solution that can be effortlessly installed via their app. This innovative system automatically switches to the cellular network during outages, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. The app also provides valuable visibility into the duration and frequency of outages, allowing users to stay informed and take proactive measures. What sets Ottie apart is its all-in-one approach, which includes the SIM card and service for a low monthly fee. With Ottie, remote workers can enjoy peace of mind knowing that they have a reliable backup internet solution at their fingertips.
