As more and more of us work remotely or from home, having a wireless workspace has become increasingly important. Not only does it allow for greater flexibility and mobility, but it can also help declutter your desk and make your work environment more efficient.
Here are a few tips for making your workspace wireless:
Invest in a reliable wireless router
A good wireless router is the foundation of any wireless workspace. Make sure to invest in a router that can handle the number of devices you will be connecting, as well as any streaming or gaming that you may do.
When shopping for a high quality router, I would recommend looking for one that is WiFi6 (802.11ax). Those are typically designed to handle heavy mobile device usage that operate on 2.4 GHz and will allow for some future proofing for devices that operate on higher bands such as 5 GHz and 6 GHz. Speeds are unmatched as well, allowing up to 9.6 Gbps. Prices will range from $80 – $300 on Amazon with top bands being TP-Link, Asus, Linksys, and Netgear.
If you are on a budget, you can still get a good quality router on the market as the price for WiFI4 (802.11n) typically range from $30 – $80. Would recommend going this route if you have less than 20 devices that will be connecting at any given time and sticking to the major brands such as TP-Link, Linksys and Netgear.
From a performance perspective, WiFI4 routers can support modern day devices operating on 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz bands with speeds up to 150 Gbps. If you can find a router with multiplexing or MIMO (multi-in, multi-out) support, data rates can potentially double based on the number of antennas it supports.
Sage Advice: Before investing in WiFI4, make sure that the manufacture still provides support and updates for the router by visiting the support and end-of-life (EoL) sections of their website. Although pricing is important, security should be top of mind.
Use a wireless keyboard and mouse
Switching to a wireless keyboard and mouse can free up space on your desk and eliminate the need for pesky cords. Look for a keyboard and mouse that have long battery life and a strong wireless connection.
Sage Advice: If you find yourself short on USB ports, consider purchasing a USB 3.0 Hub or Dongle. They are extremely affordable and will allow you to connect an additional 3-11 USB devices.
Go wireless with your headphones
Instead of using wired headphones, consider switching to a wireless pair. This will allow you to move freely around your workspace without being tethered to your computer.
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Sage Advice: It is possible that your computer may not natively be Bluetooth enabled. In these circumstances, you can purchase a Bluetooth Adapter for your PC for under $15.
Use a wireless printer
A wireless printer allows you to print documents from any device on your network, without the need for cables. This can be especially helpful if you have multiple people using the printer or if you need to print from a device that is not physically connected to the printer.
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Today’s printer are very affordable, ranging from anywhere between $60 – $150 and will often come with amazing perks such as scanners, templates, Alexa Support and a customized email address that will allow you to print while you are away from the home.
Utilize cloud storage
Instead of storing files locally on your computer or external hard drive, consider using cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox. This will allow you to access your files from any device with an internet connection, eliminating the need for physical storage devices.
By following these tips, you can create a wireless workspace that is efficient, flexible, and clutter-free. Happy productivity!
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