Ask HN: How does slow internet impact your work?

5 points by igolden 7 years ago | 4 comments

For those who don't have access to high-speed internet (<5mbps up/down) - how has this impacted your work?

With modern package managers (npm, pip, etc), docker images, etc - it can take significant time to download dependencies. I currently have a fiber internet connection (>300mbps), but there's a chance I'll move to a rural area with slow internet (<5-7mbps).

For reference, i use docker/ruby/go/js professionally so that requires frequent downloads, updates to packages. Everything is of course collaborated on via git.

TLDR;

- How do you manage the constant upload/download of software development with slow internet?

- Do you have any tips/tricks for managing dependencies with slow internet?

- Do you ever manage days at a time without internet access?

Thanks all!

avargas 7 years ago |

I currently live in Colombia and every once in a while, around 40-60% of packages drop. I noticed it was a peer connection in Miami, and almost all traffic went through there. Even if I went to an Argentinian IP, it would still go up north to Miami and then south (my guess is cheap residential peering connections). Anyways I basically got a server from a provider that bypasses this peer connection, and setup a VPN. When my internet starts misbihaving, I simply connect thru that VPN and it fixes the package loss. You adapt.

imhoguy 7 years ago |

Surelly it will be pain once you have been "spoiled" with by fiberoptic.

Keep in mind that for asymetric 5-7mbps downlink you may have 0.5-1mbps uplink. Also if you plan to work remotely in a team then video-conference and screen-sharing quality may be very poor.

For heavy stuff (rebuilding Docker images etc) it is convenient to have some remote ssh dev machine with the top connectivity (AWS, etc).

Other than that invest in some redundant links - research locally available 4G, WiMax or directed WiFi, cable TV operators.

auganov 7 years ago |

As long as it's a reliable connection it's not all that bad. Annoying, but you adapt.

But having an unreliable line is a whole different story. When things stop working and you can't do anything, can't plan for it - you loose your flow. It might sound funny or even wrong given what's going on there, but this was hands down the biggest boon to my life quality when living in China.

eazystock 7 years ago |

The major impact goes to the productivity, which directly affects business & project management