Setting up internet for the first time? Use our expert guide to learn how to buy and set up your internet service to get your devices connected.
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
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.
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
Modem: A modem brings the internet connection into your home from your ISP’s outside connection, which could be a cable or satellite dish
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.
- 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.
What is Wi-Fi Protected Setup?
The Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) on a modem allows devices to connect automatically to your wireless network, with no entering of a manual password required.
Most modems have the WPS button available and it’s as easy as pushing it to allow any devices nearby to connect to your network. The downside is that anyone near your network can connect and possibly access your devices.
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 our 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