You Must Have a Fast Internet Connection. Two Connections are Even Better!
Proxy Needs a Fast Connection for Good Performance
Proxy is a cloud-based system. This means that everything is stored in a data center. You don't have to buy file servers or hire an IT staff. This means big savings and convenience.
What you do need is a fast internet connection. In fact it is best if you have two of them.
Your first task as you set Proxy is to be sure that your internet connection is fast enough to support your entire team's use of the system.
The Internet is like a pipe. You need a big pipe to move lots of data.
Data is like water moving down a pipe. If you have lots of users and they are all drawing data at the same time, you will need a good sized pipe to keep the data moving quickly.
Here is an obvious fact that many people forget: a typical 2 Mb/s DSL line is just fine for one or two people surfing the net. But performance drops dramatically if you divide that same service between 20 people.
Your EMR performance will be even slower if employees are doing non-work related things on their computer like watching cat videos. Be sure that use of your Proxy computer line is restricted to work related tasks.
Check your internet connection speed
Google "internet speed test". You will find a number of sites such as speedtest.net. Run a test to determine your download speed to see if your present connection is fast enough.
Proxy works well for 1-5 people with a 2.5-5 Mbps internet connection. Larger teams will want a Commercial DSL line or Cable internet service for optimal service.
Get the fastest affordable connection that is available
Download speeds for common types of internet service include:
• Residential DSL: 2-5 Mbps
• Commercial DSL: 10-20 Mbps
• Cable: 30-100 Mbps
• 3G cellular data modem: 2-5 Mbps
• 4G cellular data modem: 5-12 Mbps
If Possible Get Two Internet Lines From Separate Providers
Internet outages are a fact of life, particularly in developing nations. This can be a problem for users in locales that that suffer from frequent outages.
Even our users in large cities suffer from the occasional outage. When the internet goes down we are paralyzed.
The answer is to have two separate internet lines using two different technologies. We recommend a high speed service for your primary internet connection and a less expensive lower speed connection as a "failover" backup.
A good combination in large cities might be a 30-50 Mbps cable internet connection with a 10 Mbps DSL line as a backup.
Cellular modem as a backup in developing nations
It turns out that 4G cellular technology is one of the most reliable forms of internet connection. It is much less common for the whole cellular network to crash. While it is a little costly, we strongly suggest that you consider purchasing a 4G cellular modem (not connected to a cell phone) for use as a primary or backup internet connection.
Use a router to attach both internet connections to your network.
Use a WAN router to set up your primary and backup internet connections. This is one time that you will want to engage an IT professional to make sure that it is done right.
If you are using a 4G cellular modem as your failover backup, you may be able to get a combination cellular modem and router from your wireless carrier.
We strongly suggest that you arrange for a backup internet connection as soon as possible. This will keep your staff from being panicked the first time that the internet goes down.