Solving WiFi Issues: Solutions for Remote Workers
February 24, 2025
| Solution | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Portable WiFi Devices | Frequent Travelers | 5G speeds, secure, long battery |
| Mobile Hotspots | Backup Internet | Supports multiple devices |
| WiFi Signal Boosters | Weak Home Connections | Amplifies signal, easy setup |
| Coworking Spaces | Temporary Office Setup | High-speed, reliable backups |
For dependable internet, match your needs to the right solution. Whether it’s portable WiFi for travel, signal boosters for home, or coworking spaces for stability, these tips can keep you connected and productive.
Portable WiFi devices let you set up secure networks anywhere using cellular coverage.
When choosing a portable WiFi device, pay attention to these important specs:
| Feature | Recommended Specs | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Network Support | 5G/4G LTE | Ensures access to the fastest available speeds |
| Battery Life | 8+ hours | Lasts through a full workday |
| Device Connections | 30+ devices | Handles multiple devices at once |
| Security | WPA3, VPN support | Keeps your data safe |
| Range | 2.4GHz + 5GHz bands | Offers flexibility for different environments |
"Mobile hotspots connect to cellular networks to provide internet connection allowing customers to connect anywhere", Jeff Howard, AT&T's VP of Hardware and Partner Solutions, explains . The dual-band feature is especially useful: the 2.4GHz band covers up to 46m indoors, while the 5GHz band delivers faster speeds over shorter distances.
These features can guide you in picking the right device for your needs.
After thorough testing and feedback, here are two standout choices for remote workers:
T-Mobile Inseego MiFi X PRO 5G ($264)
Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro ($209)
To get the most out of your portable WiFi device:
"Portable hotspots will use data just like cell phones do, and coverage will really depend on the carrier and the coverage they offer in the area", says Thomas Walker, a Best Buy mobile supervisor .
With these tips, you can fine-tune your setup and enjoy reliable internet wherever you go.
Mobile hotspots are a convenient backup internet solution for remote workers. They function like portable WiFi devices but need to be chosen carefully to match your work needs.
Mobile hotspots turn cellular data into an internet connection for multiple devices. Compared to tethering with a smartphone, dedicated hotspot devices offer longer battery life, support more simultaneous connections, and come with better data plan options.
| Feature | Dedicated Device | Smartphone |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | 6–24 hours of continuous use | Drains phone battery quickly |
| User Capacity | Supports 10–30 connections | Limited to a few users |
| Data Plans | Wide variety of flexible options | Tied to phone plan |
| Performance | Built for multiple devices | May lag with heavy usage |
Here are some devices known for portability and reliable performance:
Selecting the right data plan is just as important as picking the right device. Here’s a quick guide:
Typical Data Usage
Affordable Plans
Tips to Save Data
International Options
WiFi signal boosters can turn weak connections into dependable networks, making them ideal for remote work setups. These devices amplify your existing WiFi signal to eliminate dead zones and provide consistent coverage throughout your workspace.
Signal boosters take your current WiFi signal, amplify it, and rebroadcast it to areas with poor coverage . Here are the two main types:
| Type | Connection Method | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Boosters | Connect via WiFi | Easy setup, flexible placement |
| Wired Boosters | Use coaxial/electrical cables | Stable connection, reduced interference |
When buying a signal booster, look for features like:
Placing the booster properly is just as important as its features.
Once you've chosen the right booster, setting it up in the right spot is key to getting the best performance.
If your connectivity issues persist, consider upgrading to a mesh WiFi system . Keeping the booster's firmware updated and periodically adjusting channels can also help maintain strong performance .
Having a dependable internet connection in a coworking space is non-negotiable. Smaller and medium-sized spaces usually provide speeds between 200–500 Mbps, while larger ones often offer 1 Gbps connections .
These numbers give you a good idea of what to look for when choosing a coworking space.
Professional coworking spaces are equipped with solid infrastructure. Here’s what you can typically expect:
| Feature | Typical Offering | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Connection | 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) | Handles heavy usage |
| Backup Connection | 200+ Mbps | Keeps things running |
| Access Points | Multiple distributed | Ensures even coverage |
| Connection Types | WiFi + Ethernet | Provides flexibility |
During peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM), usage can spike to 400–600 Mbps . To handle this, quality coworking spaces often include:
Once you’ve reviewed the technical specs, it’s time to test the internet speed yourself. Here’s how:
1. Run Multiple Speed Tests
2. Look Into City-Wide Data
The location itself can impact internet performance. For example:
"We recommend a primary connection of 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) and a backup connection of at least 200 Mbps", says Francis Heroux, Head of Engineering at isofy .
For a more accurate test, use Ethernet ports during your trial visit to avoid any interference from WiFi .
Here's a quick guide to help you pick the right WiFi solution for your remote work needs:
| Scenario | Best Solution | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Traveling Frequently | Dedicated Mobile Hotspot | Provides 6–24 hours of battery life and supports 10–30 connections |
| Rural Location | Signal Booster + Cellular | Strengthens weak signals for more dependable connectivity |
| Temporary Office | Coworking Space | Delivers enterprise-grade speeds (around 1 Gbps) with a backup option |
| Multiple Devices | Portable WiFi (MiFi) | Offers 5G speeds comparable to broadband, perfect for multiple devices |
Tips for Reliability
For variable or weak signals, a dedicated mobile hotspot is a great choice. It provides extended battery life and supports multiple devices, ensuring stable connectivity wherever you are.
Cost Factors
Balancing performance and budget is key when selecting your solution.
"We recommend a primary connection of 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) and a backup of at least 200 Mbps. Peak usage often hits 400-600 Mbps, so having extra bandwidth ensures smooth operations and seamless failover during outages."
Security Must-Haves
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