Recommended Peripherals for Remote Work

The following peripherals are recommended by ESS for university-provided, Windows-based computers in a home office environment. Additionally, contact your business office prior to making any personal purchases for working remotely in a home office.

Webcam

Note: Availability will vary

  • Adesso CyberTrack H3 Webcam - 1.3 Megapixel - 30 fps item #6855924 $30.23 (Office Depot)
  • Adesso CyberTrack H4 1080P USB Webcam - 2.1 Megapixel - 30 fps item #9221375 $38.10 (Office Depot)
  • Logitech® C920S Pro HD 15.0-Megapixel Webcam, 960-001257 – item #4904248 $55.45 (Office Depot)

Monitor

  • Dell 23” Monitor - P2319H $131 (Dell)
  • If sound bar is needed, Dell USB AC511M $26.59 (Dell)

Wireless Mouse

  • Logitech® M325 Wireless Optical Mouse, Black item #282127 $15.05 (Office Depot)

Keyboard

  • Dell KB216 Dell Wired Keyboard $14.99 (Dell)

Audio Headset

  • Cyber Acoustics AC-851B USB Stereo Wired Headset - Over-the-head item #884283 $23.07 (Office Depot)
  • Plantronics Voyager 5200 Bluetooth Wireless Single-Ear Headset #2930911 $160.99 (Office Depot)

Home Office Internet Peripherals

Internet speed refers to the speed which data or content travels from the Internet to your home computer. Visit https://www.speedtest.net/ to test your Internet speed.

  • Minimum 15Mbps download home network speed for basic operational work. Note: 25Mbps recommended if multiple online users are connecting during the day.
  • Ideally 50Mbps to 60Mbps download home network speed for enhanced operational work.
  • 60Mbps to 70Mbps download home network speed for videoconferencing work.
    • Turn off video in virtual meetings when not needed, or for low bandwidth.
  • Ideally 10Mbps or better for upload home network speed needed for enhanced operational work.

Internet Service (Mi-Fi) Device

ITaP Telecommunications offers a Mi-Fi service using a branded wireless router device that acts as mobile Wi-Fi hotspot that allows multiple end users and mobile devices to share a 3G or 4G mobile broadband internet connection, and to create an ad hoc network, i.e. a mobile hotspot. Only available with unit leader or designee approval.

  • Business office representative submit Risque request to acquire a Mi-Fi device (Telephone Office)
  • Verizon Mi-Fi with unlimited data (capped at 22GB); one-time $10 processing fee and $34/month
  • AT&T Mi-Fi with unlimited data (capped at 22GB); one-time $10 processing fee and $34/month
  • AT&T Mi-Fi with unlimited data (no cap); one-time $10 processing fee and $45/month

Wi-Fi Range Extender 

Wi-Fi extenders offer a simple solution to minimize or eliminate wireless dead spots. Whether you call them Wi-Fi extenders, signal boosters, or wireless repeaters, they all do the same thing: provide stronger Wi-Fi signal where you need it. ESS recommends Wi-Fi extenders with Ethernet out ports to allow a wired connection to your computer.

  • TP-Link TL-WA855RE IEEE 802.11b/g 300 Mbit/s Wireless Range Extender item #406052 – Support for most WiFi protocols $19.99 (Office Depot)
  • NETGEAR AC750 WiFi Range Extender, EX3700 item #265341 – Support for most WiFi protocols $46.72 (Office Depot)
  • NETGEAR AC1750 Dual-band WiFi Range Extender, EX6250 item #7130968 – Additional support for faster WiFi protocols $99.99 (Office Depot)

USB Wi-Fi Adapter for Desktop 

Wireless adapters are electronic devices that allow computers that don’t have built-in wireless capabilities to connect to the Internet and to other computers without using wires.

  • StarTech.com USB WiFi Adapter - AC600 - Dual-Band Nano USB Wireless Network Adapter item #175508 - $28.39 (Office Depot) – offers basic capability 

Several things to consider:

  • Reimbursement of personal purchases is decided by your department’s business office.
  • Peripherals with USB or HDMI connection cables are easiest to install.
  • You will have the best connection when your computer is connected directly to the router provided by your ISP.
  • Other devices using the home Wi-Fi may impact your computer’s connectivity.

Checklist When Contacting IT Support

  • Are you using university equipment or personal equipment?
  • What are you trying to do?
  • Who is your ISP?
  • (Advanced) What is your home network speed?
  • (Advanced) What router do you currently have?
  • (Advanced) Do you know your router password?

 

Updated July 16, 2021