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Lost: One Internet Connection, Reward.
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We just ran out of Productivity
I work at home most days. I have two phones on my desk (home and work) and two screens on my computer. I actively check multiple email accounts, Twitter, and participate in 3-6 conference calls a week. Evidently, everything I do requires being connected.
This morning, my Comcast Internet connection had problems. Of course, it took me a while to figure that out. First I discovered Twitter was down –it isn’t completely unusual for Twitter to be over capacity. Then, I was off to a conference call, and noticed some “static” on the line. Static isn’t supposed to exist in IP calls– but it was there. Then the line was gone. No problem, I have two phones. I used my Comcast analog line to make a call and it too wasn’t up to par. That is when I realized it was Comcast – they are my provider for Internet and voice.
I have multiple SIP phone lines, an office teleworker extension, and an analog line, plus the Internet connection – all of which break when Comcast does. My Outlook connection was down. Oddly, there was just enough bandwidth available for Gmail to continue working (it was the only website that worked?). I had two conference calls this morning – I had to use my cell phone. Luckily I get decent reception at the house – but for those that don’t, the solution might be a femtocell – that would’ve been down too. The conference call was hindered because I could not IM or send a needed document.
It is impressive how critical the Internet connection is to our daily work. There are not many things I can do when it isn’t available. I need to book some plane tickets – nope. I need to purchase a book – nope. I need to get the address for my next appointment – nope. I need read the news – nope, I need to finish an agreement in MS Word – yes, but I can’t send it. I need to check the price on an item – nope, I need to research something - nope. Wait, there is that podcast I need to listen to – I just need to downl… . The list goes on. I do need to call Comcast…. Cell phone. Comcast says that there is a problem in my area and it will be fixed “within the hour”. This is known in technical circles as “Wishful Thinking”.
In a business setting, the quick fix is to put in place two or more carriers. This can increase capacity and network availability. As the home becomes more critical to our working environment, similar thinking is needed. That is assuming the Starbucks or other nearby hotspot isn’t an acceptable option. Although multiple solutions exist, the most viable ones fall into two categories: Line and G3. Most options will run an additional $60/mo plus some equipment. If that seems high (or if your primary Internet rarely fails), consider a reasonable bill rate for yourself – plus factor in savings associated with telecommuting; less gas and vehicle depreciation. The ROI may or may not be there, but sometimes convenience and living a little more “green” actually costs a little.
Wired:
Adding a separate Internet connection is the simplest and most intuitive solution for increasing Internet service availability. This option also delivers the benefit of increasing network capacity. For example, using Comcast and a DSL services offers carrier diversity and in most cases the wires come to the home (or office) via different paths (avoiding backhoe fade). This solution requires a router that can support “dual WAN” connections such as the Cisco RV042 or DrayTek Vigor, these units support two connections, failover, and load balancing. Wired Internet is usually best for remote IP voice services, but doesn’t offer the portability of 3G.
3G:
There are multiple solutions available for 3G, here are three.
The Wireless Card. Excellent 3G Internet service is available in most major cities; Verizon and Sprint seem to be the leaders. Tip: If you pick up a wireless card on eBay or private party it means you don’t need to sign a contract. There are even some access points that utilize the wireless cards for easy sharing such as the DLink DIR-350. Wireless cards are great for laptops and offer portability. This is particularly satisfying in hotels that charge daily for Internet access. I’ve used my 3G card in the car, at the ski cabin, and at trade shows. Offset a few Internet fees and the $60/mo fee starts feeling better. The problem with these cards is they typically stick out of the computer in an awkward way.
Make the car the hotspot: This solution isn’t for everyone, but worth mentioning. Autonet puts a 3G router/access point in the car. I do a lot of long drives and installed a TV/VCR in the Suburban 10 years ago (prior to the now popular LCD car TVs). That was pretty unusal back then. Today, the kids sometimes opt to use their notebook or Touch units instead of watching a movie. Car based wifi could make sense depending on one’s mobility requirements.
Is that a Hotspot in your Pocket, or…: New from Verizon, the MiFi is literally a battery powered access point with a 3G card. Use wifi to connect one or more devices to this router which can be wherever you are – car, bus, football game, church... The ultimate work-around to make receive wifi Skype calls on the cell phone while at the beach. The wifi is secured, but the code is right on the box.
Personally, after today I am taking a hard look at adding DSL. Bandwidth prices are getting lower and I my bandwidth needs continue to grow. I know for a fact that my cable and copper telephone lines run out of the house in opposite directions.
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