What to Measure (and Why)
A standard speed test shows download, upload, ping, jitter, and packet loss. For remote work, the most critical numbers are:
- Upload speed: Your video stream goes out over upload. HD video calls use 3–5 Mbps each. If two people in your household are on calls simultaneously, upload gets split between them.
- Jitter: Variation in ping over time. Jitter above 20ms causes choppy audio and frozen video on calls even if average ping looks fine.
- Packet loss: Any packet loss above 0.5% causes audio glitches and frozen frames on video calls. This is usually a network or ISP problem worth investigating.
- Ping: Affects the responsiveness of collaboration tools, screen sharing, and remote desktop sessions.
Run the Test Correctly for Work Use
- Test with VPN active if you use a corporate VPN—this gives your real work-hours speed, which can be 10–30% lower than without VPN
- Test at the times you actually work, not at off-peak hours when network performance is better
- Test on Ethernet if possible—Wi-Fi adds jitter variability that masks real connection quality
- Run three or more tests and note the worst result, not the best—your calls happen at real-time, not average performance
Minimum Thresholds for Remote Work
| Metric | Minimum for WFH | Comfortable for WFH |
|---|---|---|
| Download speed | 25 Mbps | 50+ Mbps |
| Upload speed | 10 Mbps | 20+ Mbps per concurrent user |
| Ping | 100ms | Under 30ms |
| Jitter | Under 30ms | Under 10ms |
| Packet loss | Under 1% | 0% |
When Results Are Good But Calls Still Drop
If your speed test shows strong numbers but video calls degrade, the issue is likely one of: background processes consuming upload bandwidth during calls (cloud sync, automatic backups, system updates), Wi-Fi interference causing intermittent packet loss not visible in a short speed test, or ISP congestion that appears at specific times of day. Try scheduling cloud syncs to run outside work hours and testing your connection at your actual work time to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What internet speed do I need to work from home?
25 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload covers a single remote worker. For two people on simultaneous HD video calls, aim for 50 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload minimum.
Does VPN slow down my internet?
Yes, typically by 10–30%. Test with your VPN active to see actual work-hours performance rather than your raw connection speed.
Should I use Wi-Fi or Ethernet for remote work?
Ethernet eliminates the jitter variability of Wi-Fi and is always the better choice for work calls. If running a cable isn't possible, place your router as close to your workspace as practical.