Talk to sales

Broadband for Remote Workers: What You Really Need for Zoom & VPN

Learn the 3 things remote workers actually need from their broadband: reliable upload speeds, low latency, and a stable connection.

By Top Providers Published

For the remote worker, your internet connection isn’t just for streaming Netflix—it’s your office’s lifeline. A dropped Zoom call is a missed meeting. A laggy VPN is a lost file transfer. And “brief intermittent outages” are a day’s productivity down the drain.

But when shopping for broadband, the biggest number (like “Gigabit!”) isn’t always what you need. The real recipe for success is a balance of three key ingredients: Bandwidth, Latency, and Reliability.

1. Bandwidth (The “Speed”): It’s Not Just About Download

Bandwidth is the size of your internet pipe. It’s measured in Megabits per second (Mbps) and is split into two crucial parts:

  • Download Speed: How fast you get data (loading web pages, receiving files).

  • Upload Speed: How fast you send data (This is the secret MVP for remote work).

What You Actually Need:

  • For a single remote worker:

    • Download: 50-100 Mbps is plenty for Zoom, VPN, and having a podcast streaming in the background.

    • Upload: Aim for a minimum of 10 Mbps. This is the most critical number for a stable video call where you look and sound good. Many cable internet plans offer paltry upload speeds (like 5-10 Mbps), which can be a bottleneck.

  • For a household with multiple users:

    • If your partner is also on video calls, or your kids are streaming 4K movies and gaming online, you need to add their usage to yours.

    • Aim for 200-400 Mbps download and 20+ Mbps upload to comfortably handle the simultaneous load without turning every meeting into a pixelated mess.

The Zoom & VPN Breakdown:

  • Zoom/Teams (HD Video): Uses ~3-4 Mbps download and ~3-4 Mbps upload per call.

  • VPN Overhead: Using a corporate VPN can add ~10-20% overhead to your usage. It also makes latency (next point) even more critical.

💡 Pro Tip: When shopping, ignore the giant download number and scrutinize the upload speed. Fiber optic plans (like FIOS, Google Fiber) typically offer symmetrical speeds (e.g., 300 Mbps upload and download), making them the gold standard for remote work.

2. Latency & Jitter (The “Responsiveness”)

This is the hidden killer of remote productivity. If bandwidth is the width of the highway, latency is the speed limit, and jitter is the unpredictable traffic jams.

  • Latency (Ping): The time it takes for a data packet to travel to a server and back. Measured in milliseconds (ms). You want this under 50 ms.

    • Why it matters: High latency makes your VPN feel “laggy.” Every keystroke and mouse click has a delay. It’s the difference between a snappy remote desktop and one that feels like you’re moving through molasses.

  • Jitter: The variation in latency. A consistent 30ms is great. A connection that jumps from 20ms to 200ms is terrible.

    • Why it matters: High jitter causes audio choppiness, frozen video, and dropped calls on Zoom. The connection is unstable.

Best Connection Types for Low Latency:

  1. Fiber Optic: The best. Consistently low latency and jitter.

  2. Cable (DOCSIS 3.1): Good, but latency can increase during peak neighborhood usage (“the evening slowdown”).

  3. 5G Home Internet: Can be good, but is highly variable based on signal strength and cell tower congestion. Jitter can be a problem.

  4. DSL / Satellite: Avoid if possible. Typically have high latency, making VPNs and video calls a frustrating experience.

3. Reliability (The “You Can Count On It”)

You can have gigabit speeds with low latency, but if it drops for 30 seconds every hour, it’s useless. Reliability is about consistent, uninterrupted service.

How to Ensure Reliability:

  • The Router is Key: The cheap, combo modem/router your ISP rents you is often underpowered. Invest in a quality Wi-Fi 6 router. It can handle multiple devices better, provides stronger coverage, and is less likely to need a daily reboot.

  • Go Wired for Your Work PC: For your primary work computer, use an Ethernet cable. A direct wired connection to your router is always more stable, faster, and has lower latency than Wi-Fi. It eliminates interference from microwaves, neighbors’ networks, and thick walls.

  • Have a Backup Plan: For critical workers who cannot afford any downtime, a backup internet connection is a wise investment. This can be:

    • A mobile hotspot from your phone.

    • A dedicated 5G home internet plan as a failover.

    • Many advanced routers can automatically switch to a backup connection if the primary fails.

Your Remote Work Broadband Checklist

Before you sign a contract, ask these questions:

  1. What is the UPLOAD speed? (Demand a specific number. Don’t accept “up to.”)

  2. What is the typical latency? (A good ISP will be able to tell you.)

  3. Is there a data cap? (Video calls and large file transfers can use terabytes of data. Avoid caps at all costs.)

  4. What equipment do you provide? (Consider buying your own compatible modem and a high-quality router.)

The Bottom Line:
Stop overpaying for raw download speed you don’t need. For a seamless remote work experience, prioritize a plan with a strong upload speed (10+ Mbps), low latency, and proven reliability. Pair it with a good router and a wired Ethernet connection for your work PC, and you’ll have a home office setup that truly works.