Building a Strong IT Infrastructure for Your Work-From-Home Life

If you’re like me, you probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the role of IT infrastructure in your remote work success. It’s more likely that you’re focused on getting your tasks done so you can focus on being a parent.  

You might even think “IT infrastructure” doesn’t apply to you unless you need a massive data center in your garage (which you probably don’t).

But what I’m really talking about is things like the hardware, software, and network connections that let you get your work done efficiently.

Because, while work-from-home and remote work are great ways to balance parenting and having a career, they usually require technological support. So let’s talk about the essentials before you launch that freelance business from your kitchen table. The right IT infrastructure will support you in your business, so you can focus on being with your family more of the time.

So, let’s take a look at the different aspects of your work-from-home IT infrastructure, and ways you can strengthen them.

1.  Optimizing Internet Reliability

Have you ever had your screen freeze up during a discovery call or an important virtual meeting with your client? Not only is it frustrating; it also looks unprofessional and can really disrupt your workflow.

There are several reasons why your video calls might freeze or otherwise glitch. But the most likely culprit is your internet connection. That’s because your home router manages traffic for every device in your household. And that can cause congestion during peak hours when various family members are using connected devices.

Consider trying these steps to keep your connection stable:

• Upgrade to a high-speed fiber internet plan if one is available in your area.
• Connect your work computer directly to your router via an Ethernet cable for stability (this doesn’t always work with laptops).
• Schedule video calls or heavy file downloads for times when your family isn’t making high internet demands, if you can.
• Invest in a mesh Wi-Fi system to eliminate dead zones in your office or anywhere else you might work in your home.

If you’re like me, this video on what mesh wi-fi is and how it workscan help you understand this bit of IT infrastructure.

2.  Prioritizing Home Network Security

When you work from home, you’re often your own IT department. This means you’re responsible for protecting your clients’ sensitive information from cyber threats. And, believe it or not, there are cyber criminals that target residential networks.

So how do you make sure everything’s safe, especially when you share your work Wi-Fi with kids who might be downloading video games, chatting with friends, or streaming movies?

Try these tips and tools to start:

• Use a virtual private network (VPN) when dealing with client information. This will keep your work materials separate from household accounts.
• Try strong password managers for your business-facing accounts.
• Keep your work computer separate and don’t share it with your family.
• Make sure your kids know how to stay safe online. This doesn’t just protect your work; it keeps them safe, too!

3. Maintaining Software Systems

When your computer’s software is outdated, that can slow down its performance. It also is like opening the “front door” of your computer and inviting hackers to exploit any vulnerabilities.

Treating your software with care protects your income and helps you stay on schedule with your work.

How do you make sure you keep that “door” closed and locked?

• Go into your settings and enable automatic updates for all your essential applications. And don’t forget your operating system. This will ensure that you have the latest security measures and patches the developers have created.
• Schedule regular maintenance for your equipment. This will help prevent unexpected crashes that could mean losing hours of hard work.

This video explains why you need to update systems, devices, and apps in more detail.

4.  Establishing Dedicated Hardware Solutions

While this won’t apply to everyone working from home, you might eventually outgrow standard home computing equipment. For example, if your career path is tech-focused, a laptop from the coach might not be enough.

Along with more powerful computers and specialized equipment, tech-heavy ventures often require more computing power and control than a standard cloud subscription provides. Taking charge of your hardware early on will let your business grow without hitting performance bottlenecks later.

Some of these careers include:

• Systems Administrators
• Developmental, Operational, and Network Engineers
• IT Auditors
• Coders and Programmers

Conclusion: IT Infrastructure Helps Build Your Success

When you embrace the technology you need, you can maintain a healthy work-life balance while also building a rewarding career. Prioritize security, connectivity, and proper equipment to create a professional environment right in your living room or home office.

IT infrastructure plays an important role in your remote work success. Making sure you have the right tech in place gives you the stability to work from anywhere while still being present with the people who matter most.