Internet service is popular because it enables people to access the Web from home, usually through broadband connection (the main way the internet connects homes). However, other forms of connectivity may also be available for home users.
Setting up Internet connections at home begins with gathering the necessary hardware. This can be accomplished in several ways, such as getting equipment from your internet provider or ordering a self-installation kit from an online retailer.
Most ISPs include a modem and router as part of the setup process. They may even give you one device that serves both functions, sometimes referred to as a wireless gateway.
A modem and router are essential components of a home network, translating data from phone lines, fiber optic cables, or coaxial cables into digital signals that can be sent to computers, tablets, phones and other devices. With these tools you’ll be able to communicate with friends, family and other users over the internet.
Some ISPs include a modem and router as part of their basic Internet service, while others charge an additional fee for this equipment. Regardless of whether you purchase or rent the setup, you must have an active Internet subscription in order to use it.
Once you’ve collected all your equipment, set up your modem and connected it to your home’s main internet line. This could either be a wall jack, phone jack or coaxial outlet sticking out from walls depending on which internet service provider you have. All three types of jacks will have a port at the back that looks similar to one found on computer motherboards.
To confirm your modem is connected to the Internet, check for flashing LED lights on the front of your device. These will indicate an active Internet connection and should stop after a few minutes.
Your home’s Wi-Fi networks are visible to everyone in your vicinity, so it’s essential that you have a strong and secure password. A password can either be an extended string of letters or numbers, or it could simply be a combination of characters unique to your Wi-Fi network.
You can edit the password for your Wi-Fi network from within its settings on a computer, tablet, or phone. Similarly, you can alter the name of the network – known as its SSID or network name – which helps distinguish it from other Wi-Fi networks.
The SSID should be a strong and memorable name that you can easily remember. It should differ from your Internet username and password.
Nowadays, most homes have multiple digital devices that need to be connected to the internet. These could include computers, tablets, cell phones and even televisions and appliances with built-in Wi-Fi connections. Therefore, having a reliable Wi-Fi network in your home is essential in order to handle all these gadgets simultaneously.