Questions
- How do I improve my home internet for working remotely?
- What internet speed do I need for video conferencing from home?
- Should I use a wired Ethernet connection or Wi-Fi for remote work?
- How do I test my home internet speed?
- Why is my home Wi-Fi slow during video calls?
- What type of home internet works best for working from home?
- How do I improve my Wi-Fi signal at home?
Environment
This article applies to all Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students working or learning remotely from home.
- Who: All Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students working remotely
- What: Home internet optimization for video conferencing and Bowdoin resource access
- Note: IT cannot troubleshoot home internet service issues directly, but may be able to offer advice.
Resolution
Quick tips
- Regularly reboot your modem or router — this alone can meaningfully improve performance and speed.
- Keep your e.router up to date. Manufacturers continuously release firmware updates for safety, security, and performanc
- Turn off devices and applications not in use.
- Connect via Ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi whenever possible for more reliable video conferencing.
Test your internet performance
Use the free speedtest.net website or the SpeedTest app (iOS, iPadOS, Android) to get an end-to-end picture of your connection — including your ISP, home network, and device. For reliable remote work and video conferencing, aim for at minimum:
- Download speed: 15 Mb/s or better
- Upload speed: 5 Mb/s or better
- Ping time: Less than 75 milliseconds
Wired vs. wireless
Wired Ethernet is strongly preferred. Directly connecting the computer to the router or access point via Ethernet cable provides the best quality, especially for audio/video applications like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. If connected via Ethernet, wireless signal quality is not a factor.
Wireless connections are more variable. Signal quality depends heavily on the number of walls or floors between the computer and the router, the size of the home, and the number of devices on the network. Key points:
- Avoid having two or more walls or one floor between the computer and the router.
- Homes larger than roughly 1,500 square feet may need multiple wireless access points or a mesh network for good whole-home coverage.
- The access point provided by the ISP is often average to poor quality and may not be adjustable. A newer access point or mesh network system can make a significant difference. Wirecutter regularly tests and recommends options.
- Wireless signals run at two frequencies: 2.4 GHz (slower but better range through walls) and 5 GHz (faster but shorter range). For the best results on 5 GHz, ensure adequate signal strength, then consider disabling 2.4 GHz on the router during work hours or rate-limiting it to reduce interference.
- Every connected device (phones, tablets, TVs, smart speakers, game consoles) shares the wireless bandwidth. Consider disabling unused devices during working hours.
For a deeper guide on wireless access point placement, see this guide from ArsTechnica.
Internet service types
Connection quality varies by ISP type. Not all options are available in every area.
- Fiber-optic (e.g., CenturyLink, Fidium Fiber, GoNet Speed,, Verizon, AT&T) — generally the highest quality, works well for remote work.
- Cable (e.g., Xfinity, Spectrum) — usually sufficient, though shared neighborhood bandwidth can mean slower speeds during peak hours in densely populated areas.
- DSL — lower quality overall but may be the best available option in some rural areas.
- Cellular hotspot — may work depending on coverage strength, but typically limits bandwidth consumption.
- Satellite (e.g., HughesNet, Starlink) and dial-up — not suitable for Bowdoin remote work.
Upload speeds: Most home connections are asymmetrical — upload speeds are typically around one-third of download speeds. Uploading large files will take noticeably longer than on Bowdoin's campus network.
If you're still having problems
- Make sure a local admin password is set on the home router. Do not leave a default password.
- Most ISPs provide tools to troubleshoot connections and see all devices on the network.
- Contact the Service Desk — IT cannot troubleshoot home internet service directly, but may be able to offer advice.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
Additional Resources