{"id":2980,"date":"2020-03-22T15:15:20","date_gmt":"2020-03-22T21:15:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.textor.ca\/?p=2980"},"modified":"2025-01-15T09:57:37","modified_gmt":"2025-01-15T16:57:37","slug":"preparing-for-remote-working","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.textor.ca\/preparing-for-remote-working\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing for Remote Working – During Coronavirus (covid-19) or Otherwise"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Remote<\/a>As Telecom networks deal with “unprecedented” pressure<\/a> it may feel like there isn’t much you can do to prepare yourself for working remotely. While that’s somewhat true, it isn’t entirely true. Here are some things you can likely do when preparing for remote working.<\/p>\n

Preparing for Remote Working<\/h1>\n
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  1. Plug directly into your internet service modem\/router. If you think you don’t have a cable, try looking in your original computer\/modem\/router boxes if you still have them. They usually come with a cable and you may have collected some unwittingly over time.<\/li>\n
  2. If online stores are still open, invest in a good router. I talk more about this in my article: “Forget a bandwidth upgrade! Try these 4 things to make the home internet experience better<\/a>“. Consumer Reports came out with article echoing the things I’ve mentioned but better yet, they make product recommendations: https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/home-office\/work-from-home-covid-19-tech-that-will-make-it-easier\/<\/a>.<\/li>\n
  3. If your router has a Quality of Service (QoS) feature, use it. Assign your work computer to the “highest” setting while making sure junior is watching TV on a lower QoS setting. Break out your router’s manual to find out if you can do this.<\/li>\n
  4. Set any video, including video for a teleconference, to its lowest quality setting. Most video streaming services have a “download to device” feature which can make sure the device is not streaming while you’re trying to teleconference. Switching from HD to SD can save up to 25% of your bandwidth – article: “Netflix And YouTube Switch To SD To Ease Pressure On European Networks<\/a>“<\/li>\n
  5. Think you’re ready for your work teleconference? Test your changes to see how well you did. The Cisco Spark WebEx Network Test<\/a> measures all pieces of your internet service, like packet loss and jitter, to make sure you’re ready; it’s not just about bandwidth! (more below in the “More On Bandwidth Testing” section)<\/li>\n
  6. While you might not\u00a0need<\/em> a webcam, you’re going to need a really good headset (again, if you can still order one online). I talk more about this in my “PMI-SAC Remote Working Tips<\/a>” article. Don’t forget to mute if you’re not talking while on a teleconference!<\/li>\n
  7. Make sure your workspace is ready:\n