Preparing Your Home Network for a Seamless Work VPN Experience

The rise of remote work has made Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) an essential tool for maintaining secure connections to corporate networks from the comfort of your home. A VPN conneciton encrypts the internet data, from one end to the other. To ensure a smooth and efficient work VPN experience, it’s important to properly prepare your home network. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to get your network VPN-ready.

Assess Your Network Requirements

Before diving into the technical setup, understand your network requirements. Contact your IT department or supervisor to gather information about the VPN software your organization uses, any specific settings required, and the expected network performance.

Check Your Internet Connection

A reliable and fast internet connection is crucial for a successful VPN experience. Here’s what you should do:

1. Check Speed: Run an internet speed test to ensure your connection meets the minimum requirements for your work tasks.
2. Consider Bandwidth: If multiple family members are using the internet simultaneously, consider upgrading your plan for better bandwidth.
3. Wired Connection: If possible, use a physical Ethernet cable instead of a wireless network; you’ll see a faster and more stable connection.

Update and Secure Your Devices

Ensure that all your devices (computers, smartphones, tablets) are updated with the latest operating system and security patches. This prevents potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited when connecting to the VPN.

Configure Your Router for VPN

1. Port Forwarding: Some VPNs require specific ports to be forwarded on your router. Check your VPN provider’s documentation for the required ports and how to configure them on your router.
2. Enable VPN Passthrough: Look for VPN Passthrough settings in your router’s configuration. Enabling these settings allows VPN traffic to pass through without interference.

Install and Configure VPN Software

1. Choose a VPN Client: Your organization might recommend or provide a specific VPN client. Download and install the recommended client on your device.
2. Configuration: Follow the setup instructions provided by your IT department. You might need to enter server addresses, usernames, and passwords.

Test Your VPN Connection

Before you start using the VPN for work, perform a few tests to ensure everything is working smoothly:

1. Connectivity: Connect to the VPN and access your work resources to ensure they’re accessible.
2. Speed Test: Run a speed test while connected to the VPN to gauge the impact on your internet speed.
3. VoIP and Video Calls: Make a VoIP call or participate in a video conference to test the quality of the connection.

Troubleshooting and Support

If you encounter any issues with your VPN connection:

1. Check Settings: Double-check your VPN client settings and make sure they match the provided information.
2. Firewall and Antivirus: Ensure that your firewall or antivirus software isn’t blocking the VPN connection.
3. Contact IT Support: If problems persist, reach out to your organization’s IT support for assistance.

Reach out to Beringer today!

Remember that setting up a VPN connection might take a bit of time initially, but the added security and flexibility it provides for remote work make it well worth the effort. By preparing your home network according to these steps and collaborating with your IT department, you’ll be ready to seamlessly connect to your work network using a VPN, no matter where you’re working from.

Beringer Technology Group, a leading Microsoft Partner specializing in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and CRM for Distribution also provides expert Managed IT Services, Backup and Disaster Recovery, Cloud Based Computing, Email Security Implementation and Training,  Unified Communication Solutions, and Cybersecurity Risk Assessment.