How do I set up a Remote Working Hub?

September 19, 2008 7:58 AM

I have been asked to set up a “Remote Working Hub” to allow employees to work away from the office. Where can I go for more information? Does it work?

I’m setting up a Wireless Remote Working Hub to encourage working parents to go back to work & help an area decrease the number of unemployed. Do you know anyone who has tried this? Who should contact? Have you tried this concept & does it work? Thank you in advance

posted by SarahM to technology (5 comments total)

Can you be more specific about what you're trying to do? You talk about unemployment, which sounds to me like maybe some kind of computer lab for people to do various kinds of jobs, but you also mention "the office" as if you are trying to facilitate telecommuting for employees of a specific employer.
posted by Lyn Never at 8:14 AM on September 19, 2008

An area which allows people to doc their laptops and access wireless broadband facilities to contact their office systems via the web to allow them to continue to work. The area would probably have photocoping facilities, vending machines and other office equipment to use. We are looking at encouraging large numbers of employees to allow their staff to work this way & to encourage new businesses to use the facilities instead of renting expensive office space. I want to know if anyone has done this previously & what were the pit falls I need to avoid.
posted by SarahM at 8:58 AM on September 19, 2008

I think you are thinking of a VPN.
posted by cellphone at 9:09 AM on September 19, 2008

It sounds like you just want a basic wireless network, which allows employees of other companies to connect to their offices.

The part about them connecting to their offices, needs to be setup on their end. Not yours. As long as they have net access, that would be fine.

As for providing them the internet access, I think it depends on how many people you're looking to have connected. If you're just having a few, maybe 5ish, then I bet you could go away with a consumer router that you can pick-up at Staples. If you're going to have any more than that amount, you may want to look into getting someone to help you setup a more robust solution. Maybe look into hiring a consultant that will get a prosumer/enterprise router/access point setup and configured. I bet they could also help you pick out what sort of internet access you need to purchase in order to make the entire thing work well for multiple people at the same time.
posted by pete0r at 9:27 AM on September 19, 2008

You might find some good information from coworking resources.
posted by Lyn Never at 10:53 AM on September 19, 2008