What Speed Do I Need?
How can I reduce the cost of my broadband contract?
How to avoid broadband dead spots in your property
Setting up your broadband and router
There are many things you should do when hosting guests on Airbnb. But one thing often overlooked is the importance of broadband internet.
To understand why fast broadband is vital for Airbnb, it is important to know who is likely to be using your accommodation. It might be families with mobile devices, digital nomads, online gamers, or remote workers with demands ranging from basic Zoom calls to online media collaboration.
Whoever your guests are, you need decent broadband in your Airbnb.
What speed do I need?
The faster the broadband, the better. But how can you identify what speed internet you should sign up for?
There is a straightforward answer to this. You compare the property’s capacity with the expected internet uses.
For example, a two-bedroom cottage probably won’t need the same broadband provision as a five-bedroom suburban detached. Below is a rough benchmark of what the broadband speed should be.
| People | Internet Speed |
| 1-2 guests | 10-12 Mbps |
| 3-4 guests | 30-60 Mbps |
| 5+ guests | 60-100 Mbps |
Once you’ve got an idea of the property’s capacity, consider your typical customers and how they used it. For example, do you know if guests will need the internet for web browsing and researching the local area? Or will they need it for more demanding activities, such as streaming, large file download (important if guests often work from the property), or online gaming? If the answer is yes, it’s worth investing in a faster broadband deal.
Faster broadband can play a massive part in growing the number of potential guests. As hosts advertise broadband speed, a faster package could help. It’s best to enter the postcode of your property with a broadband comparison website. This way, you can see what speeds are available in the area and start shopping for a contract that will suit your guest’s needs.
How can I reduce the cost of my broadband contract?
Broadband internet ranges in price, depending on the speed you’re expecting. The slower the broadband, the less you’ll pay.
Low-cost deals for fast broadband can be found but may require long-term sign-ups. If your property is affected by seasonal trade, a different option may be required, rather than letting an empty property generate unnecessary bills.
Short-term contracts are available, although they may be difficult to arrange. A smart alternative is a mobile broadband. Special routers suitable for 4G and 5G reception can be used with flexible plans, but unlimited data is important and might push up the price. There is little point in spending money on superfast broadband for your Airbnb if the speed within the property doesn’t live up to the money you’re paying.
How to avoid broadband dead spots in your property
On the property, a poorly placed router can lead to dead spots – places where the wireless reception is too poor to use.
You can check for dead spots by enabling Wi-Fi on your phone and then check every room on your property. The ones with the lowest wireless network signal are to worry about.
The best way to avoid this is to ensure that the router is situated in the best place. High on a ground floor wall in a central position in the property is typically the optimum position.
| NOTE: The router’s position may be influenced by available power sockets and where the cable or telephone line enters the property. |
Routers should not be positioned in attics or basements unless your Airbnb is an attic or basement. If central positioning isn’t possible, there are other ways of increasing the router range. The best option is to use Wi-Fi extenders or powerline adapters. Wi-Fi extenders “stretch” the range of the wireless network. While powerline adapters route data from the router, through the building’s electric cabling, and into a room or area with poor reception. They’re a smarter solution than drilling holes and running network cables around the property.
Setting up your broadband and router
Wi-Fi routers are generally straightforward to set up. However, for the best results, you should take some steps to ensure that the router and your broadband are secure while helping guests get back online in the event of a problem.
After logging into the admin screen, the first thing you should do is to change the password. If possible, change the admin username as well.
Once you’ve done this, set a Wi-Fi password for the guests, which can be printed out and left in the rooms or included in your guest brochure.
Most routers support more than one network. While enabling the guest PIN mode on the router can help anyone staying at the property to get online quickly, it isn’t particularly secure. If Airbnb is part of your existing property, the best option is to set up a secondary network dedicated to the guests.
Finally, find out if the router supports remote access. If you need to remotely repair or restart the device, this is particularly useful if you don’t live nearby.
These things can all be done from the router’s admin screen, accessible via your web browser using the username and password provided on the router or separately by your ISP.
It’s also a good idea to physically secure your router. A plastic case is better than metal, as the latter can dampen the wireless signal. However, make sure that the power socket is accessible by guests if the router needs to be reset.
Think about what your guests want from the broadband and match their needs. It’s unlikely a guest will ever complain that the internet on the property is too fast, but you might get a few complaints if it’s too slow. The only drawback is that a faster connection will cut into your business margin.
This is a guest post by Alex from broadbandgenie.co.uk.
