A video conference freezing during a client presentation, a shared file taking three minutes to sync, a VPN disconnecting every half hour: we all know these situations when working from home. The problem rarely lies with the computer or software. It’s the home internet network that, most of the time, hinders productivity.
Latency and jitter: the real enemies of video conferencing while working from home
We often talk about bandwidth when discussing the quality of an internet connection. Bandwidth matters, but for professional use at home, two other parameters weigh more heavily: latency (the response time between your device and the remote server) and jitter (the variation in latency from moment to moment).
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A video conference call does not handle latency well when it exceeds a few dozen milliseconds. Beyond that, the voice lags, the image pixelates, and we spend more time repeating ourselves than making progress. Jitter causes those micro-cuts where the speaker disappears for a second before reappearing. A stable connection is better than a fast but erratic one.
ARCEP has shown, in its recent work on quality of experience measured from devices, that the gaps between theoretical bandwidth and actual bandwidth remain significant during peak hours. Specifically, between 6 PM and 9 PM, when the household combines streaming, online gaming, and work, the bandwidth actually available drops. For those who want to work from home with CGI Network, choosing a plan suited for professional use radically changes the game.
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Fiber optic, 4G, 5G: what internet connection for remote work
Fiber remains the most reliable foundation for regular professional use. It offers symmetrical bandwidth (upload and download) that facilitates sending large files as well as receiving them. When sharing mockups, training videos, or database exports, the upload speed makes all the difference.
4G and 5G plans provide a solid alternative in areas poorly covered by fiber. They allow for remote work, but with a caveat: latency is more variable than with fiber, and the connection depends on the load of the local antenna. For occasional video conferences, it works. For eight hours a day on a corporate VPN, feedback varies based on the setup and location.
Traffic prioritization on recent routers
Several internet service providers now offer traffic prioritization options or so-called “smart” Wi-Fi. The principle: professional traffic (video conferencing, VPN) takes priority over the rest of the domestic traffic. If a child starts a download in the background during your meeting, the router allocates bandwidth first to your work stream.
This feature should be activated in the router settings. It is often found in the administration interface, under a “QoS” or “priority management” menu.
Ethernet cable, router positioning, and mesh network: concrete levers
Wi-Fi is convenient, but it is also the weak link in the chain. Between load-bearing walls, household appliances that interfere with the signal, and the distance from the router, quality deteriorates quickly.
- The Ethernet cable between the router and the workstation eliminates all losses related to Wi-Fi. A category 6 cable costs a few euros and can be installed in minutes along a baseboard.
- If the cable is not feasible (office upstairs, router downstairs), a mesh network system with two or three access points distributed throughout the home maintains a consistent signal. This is more effective than a simple repeater, which halves the bandwidth.
- The positioning of the router matters: high up, unobstructed, away from microwaves and mirrors. A router placed on the floor behind a piece of furniture has poor signal distribution.
Separating 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands
The 2.4 GHz band covers a greater distance but offers limited bandwidth and suffers more interference. The 5 GHz band covers a shorter distance but delivers higher bandwidth with fewer disruptions. For the home office, it is preferable to connect on the 5 GHz band, reserving the 2.4 GHz for connected devices and distant appliances.
VPN and security tools: when protection degrades network performance
Companies often require a VPN to secure remote exchanges. This is legitimate, but each layer of security (VPN, EDR, HTTPS inspection, SASE solutions) adds latency and consumes bandwidth. The cybersecurity report from CESIN pointed out that these tools can significantly degrade perceived performance if the home network is not up to par.
Some companies have understood this and are beginning to subsidize the upgrade of routers or fiber connections for their regular remote workers. An undersized home network negates the benefits of a well-secured workstation.
On the user side, a few habits help:
- Close unnecessary tabs and background applications that consume network resources (cloud synchronization, automatic updates).
- Schedule large downloads outside of meeting times.
- Check that split tunneling is enabled on the VPN when the company allows it, so that only professional traffic goes through the encrypted tunnel.
Productivity while working from home relies on a technical foundation that is often overlooked because it seems taken for granted. An Ethernet cable, a well-placed router, an internet plan tailored to professional use, and appropriate network settings can change daily life without requiring a considerable budget. The most powerful equipment in the world cannot compensate for an unstable connection.