How to set up new home internet

Setting up your internet doesn't need to be a headache. It's a relatively simple process. Before you do anything, research and see which internet providers are available in your area -- some providers only offer internet in specific regions.

Once you find the providers available to you, check out their options. It's a good idea to look at how much each provider charges for different internet speeds when comparing plans. From there, you'll receive and set up your equipment and connect to the web.

Here is a guide that will help you set up your internet based on your device and internet connection type.

Sign up with an internet service provider

After you decide on which provider, you can reach out over the phone or online. You'll need to provide your current address to confirm that coverage is available. The internet plan and speed you need will depend on your frequent online activities and how many wireless devices you have in your home. If you have 20 or more connected devices in your home, you might need a 1 gigabit internet plan.

Make sure to ask about any promotional deals that they offer for new customers. Most providers will mail you your equipment to set up yourself, but you may be able to request a technician.

Install your internet equipment

The equipment will be an all-in-one gateway (a combination modem and router) or separate modem and router units. Your provider typically adds a monthly charge to your bill for the modem or router. If you don't want to pay for this, you might have the option to buy a router outright. Just make sure the router is compatible with your internet connection.

The steps for connecting to the internet will depend on the type of internet connection you have. Your modem or router should come with instructions. Nowadays, many providers have an app you can download to your phone that will walk you through setting up your Wi-Fi.

Installation for different internet technology types

• 5G. This is usually the easiest type of connection to set up. You only need to plug the gateway into an outlet.
• Cable, fiber and DSL. These types are also pretty simple. You plug your modem into the ethernet outlet on your wall and plug your router into the modem. Both devices will have a separate cord to plug into an electrical outlet. The router sends the Wi-Fi signal throughout the home. If you have a gateway, you just need to plug that into the ethernet port.
• Satellite. Satellite is a little trickier, because you need to have the satellite installed properly on your property. This may entail hiring a professional.

How to set up Wi-Fi at home

Here are the steps to take to get your Wi-Fi running.

1. Install your internet modem

Install your gateway in a prime location. If you are using cable or fiber, you will want to find a location in your home that is central in relation to your connected devices. For fixed or 5G internet, it will need to be plugged into a wall. DSL internet should be in a central location, but it must also be near a phone jack.

Connect your gateway. Steps vary by provider, but typically for a cable gateway (combination modem and router), you connect the coaxial cable (the cord you screw in) and the ethernet cable (this looks like a larger version of a phone jack) to the device and the coordinating wall outlets. Then, plug the gateway into an electrical outlet.

For a fiber gateway, connect the included cable to your device’s ONT (Optical Network Terminal) port and the coordinating outlet on the fiber service box. People usually mount the fiber service box on a wall or in a closet. If your home has never had fiber internet before, you may need a professional installation.

2. Install your router and connect to your Wi-Fi

This step only applies to you if you have a separate router and modem.

Connect your router to your modem. After you connect and turn on your modem, you can set up your router by connecting an Ethernet cord to your modem and into the router. It should make a click sound when the cables connect. The ports for the Ethernet cable should appear the same on both devices. The port may be labeled "WAN" (for Wide Area Network) on the router. Then you just plug your router into an outlet.

Set up your network name and password. Many ISPs have a free app that assists with Wi-Fi setup. You can download the app to your smartphone. You'll need your account information to log in. Follow the steps in the app to set up your Wi-Fi network and password.

On your router label, SSID is your wireless network’s default name until you change it, and the "Key" or "Passphrase" is the default password to log in to your Wi-Fi network. You do not have to change the default settings, but it is a good idea to change your password periodically to protect your network.

3. Test the Wi-Fi connection

Once your Wi-Fi is up and running, it's time to test it by connecting a device.

• Connect to Wi-Fi from an iPhone: Go to Settings>Wi-Fi. Select your network name, enter the password and hit "Join."
• Connect to Wi-Fi from a laptop: Go to Settings>Network & internet>Wi-Fi. Select your network name and enter the password.

One your device connects, try to get a browser up and running. If the webpage doesn't load, check that the lights are green (or white) on your modem and router. If no lights are on, or they are red, that means there is an issue.

How to set up Wi-Fi without an ISP app

If you don't want to download your provider's app, here's what to do.

• Open a web browser.
• Enter the IP address on the label of your router.

You should be taken to a page that asks you to enter your network name and password. Or your router label may provide a router login website with a username and password instead of an IP address.

What to do if you don’t have an internet connection

If your Wi-Fi still isn't working, here are some troubleshooting methods you can try on your own:

1. Double-check that all cables are connected and plugged in.
2. Restart the modem and router by unplugging them. Wait about 60 seconds, then plug everything back in.
3. Make sure you are connected to the correct wireless network and have entered your password correctly on your wireless device.
4. Try connecting with a hardwired device, like a computer connected to the modem with an Ethernet cable. If your internet works when you hardwire a device, then you know that only your Wi-Fi is not working.
5. Try connecting to your Wi-Fi with a different wireless device to ensure your device is not the problem.
6. Contact your provider. They'll be able to walk you through troubleshooting your device and let you know if there's an outage in your area.
7. Switch providers. If your internet is slow or you're often having issues, look into changing providers.

Contributing: Lisa Iscrupe and Hannah Whatley, Allconnect