How to Set Up Your Internet

Setting up a new internet connection isn’t the hassle it used to be, as most internet service providers (ISPs) offer quick self-installations you can complete in as little as 30 minutes. This saves you from having to schedule and attend a technician appointment and is often cheaper than a professional installation. But, not every home is a good candidate for a self-install.

As a former broadband technician, I’ve installed more home networks than I care to remember. This guide goes over some of my tips and tricks for painlessly setting up a new connection. I’ll cover how to determine if a self-installation is a good option for you, then give the basic steps to installing a new service.

Steps to installing a new internet service

To set up your home internet, you need an active internet connection, a compatible modem, and a router. Let’s walk through everything, step-by-step.

Step 1: Get internet service at your address.

Step 2: Register your modem with your ISP.

Step 3: Set up your modem and router.

Step 4: Set up your Wi-Fi network.

Get internet service at your address

Ensuring your address has an active internet connection is your first step to installing your new service. Your home may already have a physical internet connection, or you may need to schedule an installation with your internet service provider (ISP). The only exception is fixed-wireless internet, which usually doesn’t require anything but the gateway from your ISP.

How to tell if you have an active internet line

There are few ways to make a reasonable guess if you have an active internet connection, but the only way to know 100% if an internet line is active and healthy is with a professional inspection by an internet technician.

First, ask your ISP about your address’s service history; recent service increases the likelihood of an active internet connection. Next, if you already have your modem or gateway, you could try connecting it to the network; if it goes online, you have an active connection.

Register your modem

Every home network needs a modem and router, or a gateway.

A modem translates the internet signal from your ISP. Your router distributes the translated signal to all your devices through Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable. An internet gateway is one device that serves as both a modem and a router.

Your modem or gateway must be registered with your ISP to work. If you get your internet equipment from your ISP, it’s probably already registered. If you supply your own modem or want to double-check, registering your equipment is usually just a matter of using your ISP’s app or calling your ISP and supplying two labeled numbers on the back of your modem: the serial number and the CMAC address.

How to set up your modem

Step 1: Connect an active coaxial cable line (or phone line for DSL) to the port on the back of the modem. The cable should be screwed on hand-tight.

Step 2: Connect the modem to power. Most modems don’t have an on/off button, so the modem should begin to boot up as soon as you plug it in.

Step 3: Wait while the modem boots. It usually takes several minutes. You can tell when the modem is online by checking the status lights. Most modems have a light labeled “WAN” or “Internet” that indicates a successful network connection. Refer to your product documentation for information on interpreting your specific modem’s LED light indicators.

If you have a standalone router, it’s time to set that up as well. If you have a modem/router combo unit (also called a gateway), you can skip this next step and move on to setting up your Wi-Fi network.

How to set up your router

Step 1: Connect an Ethernet cable from the back of your modem to the Ethernet port labeled “WAN” on your router. Most routers have several Ethernet ports for connecting to devices like laptops, but normally, only one is designated for connecting to the modem (some have two).

Step 2: Connect the router’s power cable to a power outlet and wait while the device boots. Just like with your modem, your router likely has a series of LED status indicator lights to tell you when the equipment is online and ready.

Once the router is online, you’re ready to set up your Wi-Fi and get your devices online.

Set up your Wi-Fi network

Your router has a default network name and password you can use to get online right away—that info is attached to the back or bottom of the router. If you want to change your network name and password (which we encourage you to do for network security reasons), you can do so by logging in to your router’s settings. But how?

Use the app

Many ISPs and router manufacturers have a mobile app that can walk you through the setup process for your Wi-Fi network. We recommend defaulting to this method and it’s usually the easiest and quickest way.

How to change your Wi-Fi network name and password using an app

Step 1: Download your router’s app to a phone or tablet.

Step 2: Connect to your router using a default name and password, which can be found on a sticker on the bottom of your router.

Step 3: From here you just need to follow the guided instructions in the app.

Use a web browser

Router and mesh system manufacturers don’t offer apps for desktops and laptops. You’ll need to log in using a web browser instead. Plus, the web interface is where all the settings are, meaning you may end up accessing it anyway if you can’t find the settings you need in the app.

How to change your Wi-Fi name and password in a browser

Step 1: Connect to your router. The router’s default Wi-Fi network name and password can be found on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router.

Step 2: Enter your router’s IP address or login URL web address into a web browser. You can usually find this information on a sticker attached to the back or bottom of the router or gateway.

Step 3: Enter the router’s login credentials you created when you first set it up. If you can’t remember your router’s login credentials, perform a factory reset to create a new password.

Step 4: Navigate to your wireless settings. Every router interface looks a little different, but you can usually find your wireless network settings under a tab or page labeled “Wireless” or “Wi-Fi.”

Step 5: Name your network and choose a password. Once you confirm the change, the network kicks off any previously connected devices.

Step 6: Sign onto your new Wi-Fi network using the new password.

After setting up your Wi-Fi, you’re finished. You can now connect your devices via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. If you still need some help with this step, see our complete guide to changing your Wi-Fi password.

Connect your devices

Once your Wi-Fi is humming, it’s time to connect your devices. Connecting computers, phones, tablets, and streaming boxes is straightforward as these devices have easily-navigated displays and networking menus. Some IoT smart devices rely on other methods, like WPS. We’ll walk you through the basics of both.

Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi

Desktop computers, many laptops, and gaming consoles provide two ways to connect to your router: Ethernet and Wi-Fi. Ethernet cables provide a direct connection to the router, often resulting in faster speeds and a more stable connection. But Ethernet requires a physical cable running from your device to the router. Consider prioritizing Ethernet for the devices with the heftiest internet needs, like gaming consoles, smart TVs, or your work laptop.

Wi-Fi is a wireless signal broadcast from your router or gateway, making it much more convenient than Ethernet: No cables required. The cost is the potential for slower speeds, higher latency, and a less stable connection. However, this gap has closed significantly with the introduction of better and more advanced Wi-Fi protocols.

How to connect via Ethernet

Step 1: Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your router or gateway.

Step 2: Plug the other end into the Ethernet port on your device.

And presto, you’re already done. You don’t need to adjust any settings on the device.

How to connect via Wi-Fi

Step 1: Navigate to your device’s networking settings.

Step 2: Locate a list of available Wi-Fi networks, often found in a menu labeled wireless or Wi-Fi.

Step 3: In the list of networks, choose your home network.

Step 4: Enter your password.

Keep in mind, when using Wi-Fi, you need to stay within range of your router.

Test your speeds

Now that you have a device connected to your network, you should run a speed test to ensure it works properly. You can use our free speed test app on Android or iOS, or simply use the speed test tool below.