Key takeaways Choose your internet provider and plan Decide whether to rent equipment from the provider or buy your own Set up your own internet connection if possible (professional installation may be required in some instances) Setting up internet service can be daunting, especially if you are a first-time internet buyer or just moved to a new area.But fear not! We’ve done the research and heavy lifting for you.All you have to do is pick an internet provider and plan that fits your browsing habits.
Follow the steps below to quickly and easily get high-speed internet in your home.Find the right internet provider What you need to know before setting up internet Once you have your internet provider, plan and equipment ready to go, you need to decide if you want a wired or wireless connection.Wi-Fi is a wireless connection best suited for a household with several devices that need to be connected simultaneously.
A wired connection via an Ethernet cable will provide faster and steadier connections, but having all devices connected that way is unrealistic.Your main computer and/or your TV might be good devices to connect through a cable.Price Locate internet providers in your area.
Consider connection type, available internet speeds, starting price, service reliability, contract options and bundle deals when making your selections.Consider starting prices and regular monthly prices.Many internet service providers (ISPs) offer discounted pricing for the first year of service and then increase the monthly price in year two. Speed To get the best value for your money, try to find a provider that offers at least 100 Mbps download speeds.
Also, make sure you find out what upload speeds to expect.Some providers will offer significantly slower upload speeds and others will provide symmetrical download/upload speeds, which is the better option.Connection type The fastest and most reliable connection type is fiber internet, one of the internet types offering symmetrical download and upload speeds.
The next best is cable internet, and if you are in a rural area without other options, a satellite service can get you connected to the internet.Customer satisfaction The final factor to consider when choosing an ISP is customer satisfaction.You can check the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to find out how your potential providers compare.
Order your internet service Once you’ve determined your provider and plan, order online or give us a call.We’ll get you signed up and ready to enjoy your new online plan.How to set up your Wi-Fi equipment Now that you’ve ordered your internet service, it’s time to set up your equipment.
Decide if you would rather purchase or rent your modem and router.Renting can be simpler at first, but buying can save you money in the long term.You can also ask your ISP about professional installation options if you don’t want to set up your internet yourself.
To self-install your internet, get a modem and router by renting from your ISP or purchasing your own.Modem: A modem brings the internet connection into your home from your ISP’s outside connection, which could be a cable or satellite dish Router: The router takes the internet connection from your modem and distributes it to the multiple devices connected to your home network, such as your computers, TVs or phones Connect your router to the provider network Connect the ISP’s coaxial cable to your modem Connect the Ethernet cable from your modem and plug it into your router Plug in the power cords of both devices and turn them both on Set up secure Wi-Fi through the web interface Start surfing the web Detailed Wi-Fi network setup Most ISPs now have apps you can use on your phone to set up your home Wi-Fi network.You can download the app and follow its instructions to set up your network and connect your devices. If you aren’t using the app, follow these steps: Locate the device’s default IP address and default login information.
This will be on the back of the router or in the device manual.(Want to know more? Find answers to the question, what is an IP address?) Open up a web browser and type in the IP address After the setup wizard, go through the menus and change your Wi-Fi password (to keep your network secure) and its name (feel free to make it something easily recognizable, such as “AGreatDayToWifi”) To connect your personal devices to the Wi-Fi, click on your Wi-Fi network and type in the correct password Many ISPs also offer combined modem/router units called gateways.You might even be able to plug all your cords into a single piece of equipment, basically combining steps one and two above.
Register your modem with your internet service provider If you are using your own equipment, you’ll need to register it with your ISP so they can recognize it.This is usually done through the setup app.You’ll want to share the serial number and MAC address of your modem, which are usually printed on a sticker on the bottom or back.
Interested in buying your own equipment? Check out our guides on provider-specific compatible modems and routers: CenturyLink routers Cox routers Mediacom routers Spectrum routers Windstream routers Xfinity routers Our expert tips for installing your own internet While self-installation is easy, there are a few tips that can ensure a seamless activation: Pick an optimal location for your internet equipment.The best location is a central area near an outlet and away from walls Make sure you have all necessary equipment (modem, router, gateway, power cord, Ethernet cable, coaxial cable, ONT) If your provider has an app, download it to make the self-installation process easier Update your network name and password from the default when setting up your service Internet installation provider tips Self-installation processes are fairly similar across internet providers, but details could vary depending on the type of internet you have and the provider you signed up for.Here are some self-installation tips for top providers like AT&T, Verizon, Xfinity and Spectrum.
Start using your internet connection Finally, on to the fun part! You should now be online and ready to enjoy the web from the comfort of your home.If you have trouble with your wireless router after setup, check out some tips to fix your connection.If these don’t work, call your ISP and let them know so they can help resolve the issue for you.
If you want to determine how much speed you are actually getting from your internet setup, take a speed test before discussing related issues with your provider.What to do if you don’t have a connection If you’ve set up your modem and internet connection through your ISP’s app or directions but still can’t get the connection to activate, there are a few things to try before calling your provider: Restart your computer and the modem you just installed Connect your computer to the modem with an Ethernet cable, it will let you know if the equipment is connecting to the ISP Update the firmware that came with the modem.Sometimes there are new versions released since it was packaged for sale Make sure your IP address is correct Need help contacting your ISP customer service department? We’ve got you covered.
AT&T customer service CenturyLink customer service Cox customer service Hughesnet customer service Mediacom customer service Optimum customer service Spectrum customer service Verizon customer service Xfinity customer service Get more of your internet questions answered at the Allconnect FAQs hub.How to set up internet FAQs What do I need to set up internet? To set up internet in your home, you need a provider and a speed plan, a connection running into your home and a modem/router or gateway device to connect it to.How do I connect my devices to my Wi-Fi router? Your devices will have a Wi-Fi option.
Click it to reveal what networks are available.Enter the password provided by your ISP or that you created and it will automatically connect.Allconnect: Let us compare providers for you Why should you choose Allconnect? We’re the #1 broadband marketplace in the U.S., meaning you can trust us to search, compare and order internet and TV service for your home.
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