What do you do if your networking fails while working remotely as a Facilities Engineer?

1 Check your devices

The first step is to check your devices and make sure they are working properly. Sometimes, the problem may be caused by a faulty cable, router, modem, or laptop. Try to reboot your devices, check the network settings, and test the connection with different browsers or apps. If possible, use another device to see if the problem persists. You can also contact your internet service provider (ISP) to check if there are any outages or issues in your area.

2 Use alternative methods

If your devices are fine but your internet connection is still down, you can try to use alternative methods to access the network. For example, you can use your smartphone as a hotspot and tether your laptop to it. However, be aware of the data charges and the battery consumption of your phone. You can also look for nearby public Wi-Fi spots, such as libraries, cafes, or coworking spaces. However, be careful of the security and privacy risks of using public networks and avoid accessing sensitive or confidential information.

3 Inform your stakeholders

If your networking fails while working remotely as a facilities engineer, you should inform your stakeholders as soon as possible. This includes your manager, team members, clients, and vendors. You can use different channels, such as phone calls, text messages, or emails, to let them know about the situation and how it affects your work. You should also apologize for any inconvenience and provide an estimated time for restoring the connection. You should also update them regularly on the progress and the status of your projects.

4 Adjust your schedule

Another tip is to adjust your schedule and prioritize your tasks according to the availability of the network. For example, you can focus on offline tasks, such as drafting, reviewing, or editing documents, when your connection is down. You can also reschedule or postpone any online meetings, webinars, or presentations until your connection is restored. You should also communicate your revised schedule to your stakeholders and ask for their understanding and flexibility.

5 Learn from the experience

Finally, you should learn from the experience and take preventive measures to avoid or minimize the impact of network failures in the future. For example, you can invest in a backup internet plan, such as a mobile data plan or a portable Wi-Fi device. You can also backup your files and data regularly on cloud storage or external drives. You can also create a contingency plan for your projects and tasks in case of network disruptions. You can also review your performance and feedback and identify any areas for improvement.