This post is a another reproduction of a blog post on AFSecure. While redundant Internet is typically something a business considers, there are plenty home situations that may call for it.
In today's hyper-connected world, our homes are more reliant on the internet than ever before. From streaming the latest shows on Stan or ABC iView and working remotely, to controlling our smart home devices and keeping an eye on things with security cameras, a stable internet connection – often via the NBN (National Broadband Network) – has become less of a luxury and more of a fundamental utility. But what happens when your primary NBN service, or other internet connection, unexpectedly goes down? For many, it means a sudden halt to productivity, a loss of access to crucial home functions, and a good dose of frustration. This is where a backup internet connection steps in, transforming from a perceived extravagance to a smart, practical solution for the modern household.
While often discussed in a business context, the benefits of a redundant, or backup, internet connection are increasingly relevant for residential settings across Australia. Think of it as an insurance policy for your digital life, ensuring you and your connected home stay online when you need it most.
Let's delve into the compelling reasons why a backup internet connection is a worthwhile investment for your home:
1. Uninterrupted Access to Security Cameras and Smart Home Devices: Your smart home's intelligence hinges on its internet connectivity. Security cameras, smart doorbells, automated lighting, smart thermostats, and voice assistants all rely on a stable connection to function optimally. An internet outage can leave your security cameras unable to record or stream footage, potentially compromising your home's safety. Smart locks might not be accessible remotely, and other automated conveniences can grind to a halt. A backup internet connection ensures these critical systems remain operational, providing continuous security and control over your home environment, even if your main NBN service experiences issues or local network congestion.
2. Enhanced Stability for Work-From-Home (WFH) Scenarios: The rise of remote work across Australia has underscored the critical need for reliable home internet. For those who depend on a consistent connection for video conferencing, accessing cloud-based files, and collaborating with colleagues, an NBN outage isn't just an inconvenience – it's a direct hit to productivity and professionalism. A backup internet connection provides a crucial safety net, allowing you to seamlessly switch over and continue your workday without missing a beat. This means no more dropped calls during important meetings or frustrating delays in accessing essential work tools, ensuring your WFH setup remains robust.
3. Continuous Connectivity for Online Learning and Entertainment: In households with students attending online classes or families who enjoy streaming movies, AFL or NRL games, gaming, or video chatting with loved ones, an internet outage can throw a significant spanner in the works. A backup connection ensures that educational activities can continue uninterrupted and that entertainment options remain available, preventing boredom and frustration, especially during peak usage times or unexpected NBN downtime.
4. Peace of Mind During Outages: Let's face it, internet outages are stressful. Whether it's due to NBN maintenance, extreme weather events common in Australia, or local hardware failures, the uncertainty of when service will be restored can be disruptive and anxiety-inducing. Knowing you have a reliable backup internet solution in place offers invaluable peace of mind. You can rest assured that your digital lifeline remains intact.
5. Maintaining Communication Links: While many of us rely on our mobiles, home internet often powers services like Wi-Fi calling, especially in areas with patchy mobile reception (which can be common outside of major metro areas). A backup internet connection can ensure these alternative communication channels remain open, allowing you to stay in touch with family, friends, or emergency services if needed.
How Does Backup Internet Work at Home in Australia?
Typically, a home backup internet solution involves a secondary connection, often using a different technology from your primary one. Common options in Australia include:
A Note on Sharing with Neighbours: A Community Approach with Caveats
You might think about a community-minded approach: arranging a reciprocal backup with a neighbour, where you share Wi-Fi access, or even link your networks incase one of your primary connections goes down. While the spirit of mateship makes this an appealing idea, together with its potential cost of "free", it comes with several important considerations:
While the idea of neighbours helping neighbours with internet connectivity is commendable, it's important to weigh these factors carefully. For most households seeking reliable backup, a dedicated secondary connection (like 4G/5G mobile broadband or Starlink) managed by yourself will often be a more straightforward and compliant solution.
Is a Backup Internet Connection Right for Your Home?
If you heavily rely on the internet for security, work, education, or simply staying connected – especially if you've experienced NBN dropouts or live in an area prone to them – the benefits of a backup internet connection are clear. While there's an additional cost involved, weighing it against the potential disruption, loss of productivity, and compromised security during an outage often reveals its true value.
In an age where connectivity is key, ensuring your home remains online is a smart move. A backup internet connection is no longer just for businesses; it's an increasingly essential component of a resilient and reliably connected Australian home.