New home means new beginnings, and signing up with a reliable internet connection is a great way to start a brand-new chapter of your life. Setting up internet in a new house can be a breeze, as long as you know the steps.
Here’s a complete self-installation guide to help you get the Wi-Fi up and running in your new apartment in next to no time:
1. Choose the Right Internet Provider for Your Area
The first thing on the agenda is to browse internet service providers (ISPs) in your area. Your options may be influenced by your location; city dwellers have more choices, as opposed to residents of rural and remote regions.
You may come across different types of internet connections, and you’ll have to determine which one is best for you. In summary:
- Fiber internet should be your first option for a fast and steady connection
- Cable internet is next in line, as it is widely available, reliable, and affordable
- 5G Home Internet offers high-speed internet without a wired infrastructure
- DSL and Satellite internet are good for rural/remote areas where other options don’t exist
After you’ve narrowed down the list of ISPs, you can select the winner by comparing the plans offered by each.
2. Schedule Your Installation or Opt for Self-Install
Once you’ve determined the “chosen one”, it’s time to sign up and schedule the internet setup in your new home. Depending on the type of internet connection you choose, you may have the option of self-installation and/or professional installation.
Self-Installation vs. Professional Installation
🛠️ Self-Installation
- You order a self-install or DIY kit from your ISP
- May require some technical knowledge
- DIY kits are typically a fraction of the cost of professional installation
- Free when you use your own equipment
- No appointment required; time-saving
- No technical support/warranty provided if using your own equipment
👨🔧 Professional Installation
- A trained technician visits your address to set up the internet connection
- Doesn’t require your participation
- Installation charges apply to cover labor and equipment costs
- Convenient and credible due to the involvement of an expert
- Ongoing technical support and warranty are normally included
3. Set Up Your Modem and Router
If you opted for professional installation, a technician will be sent to your address on an agreed date and time; they will take care of setting up and activating your home network. On the contrary, choosing self-install gives way to additional steps.
Following subscription to an internet plan, you may have to wait for a DIY kit to be shipped to your address. Sometimes customers are allowed to use their own equipment, so in that case, gather the stuff you need:
- Modem and Router or a Gateway device (modem-router combo)
- Cable (copper, coaxial, or fiber-optic)
- Power cords
Guidelines for setting up your home Wi-Fi network:
- Connect your modem to the cable outlet, which connects your home to the ISP.
- Plug in your modem and router into a power socket.
- Connect the modem and router using an Ethernet cable.
- Wait for the lights on your modem and router/gateway device to stabilize.
- Use the default username and password on the router to connect to the Wi-Fi network on your devices. You can also connect your device to the router using an Ethernet cable for a faster and stable wired connection.
Where to place your router for best signal?
To get strong and uniform Wi-Fi signals all around the house, keep your router in a central location. Placing your router in an open and elevated space helps boost Wi-Fi coverage.
Moreover, keep the router away from electronics, other Wi-Fi devices, walls, and bulky objects to prevent signal blockage and interference.
4. Secure and Optimize Your Home Wi-Fi Network
Once your home network is up and running, it’s time for a bit of customization and fine-tuning. You can improve internet performance, prevent Wi-Fi theft, and keep your devices safe from cyberattacks by:
- Changing your default Wi-Fi username and password to something unique
- Enabling encryption (WPA2/WPA3)
- Installing reliable anti-virus software
- Monitoring connected devices
5. Test Your Internet Speed and Devices
Last but not least, it is of utmost importance to thoroughly test your new internet connection. You can start by confirming that the ISP is delivering the speeds you paid for - this can be done by running a free online speed test.
In case the speed test results don’t turn out to be satisfactory, you should convey the issue to your ISP’s customer service team. On the contrary, if the speed test results check out, yet your Wi-Fi is slow across rooms, try troubleshooting the problem at your end.
Bonus Tips for a Smooth Internet Setup After Moving
Before you go set up your new internet connection, here are a few more things to smooth over the process:
- Initiate transfer of service to your new home ahead of the move (if applicable)
- Bring your own modem and router (if compatible)
- Invest in a Wi-Fi extender (or two) if you’re shifting to a bigger place
- Consider upgrading your plan if you’re going to work from home
FAQs
How to bring the internet to a new home?
If you want to take your current internet connection to your new place, you should contact your ISP and request a transfer. Service transfer is only possible if the provider offers services in the new neighborhood.
Can I install internet at my new apartment by myself?
You can set up the internet at your apartment by yourself if the provider has a self-install option. In some cases, professional installation is the only practical approach.
What do I need to set up the internet?
Everything you need to set up the internet will be provided in the DIY kit sent by the ISP. When using your own equipment, a modem, router, specialized internet cable, ethernet cables, and power cables are the basic components.
