If you are moving into your first home, it is important to know where to start with setting up your home internet. There are not many households that do not have internet access but setting up is needed even if previous residents have had internet.
If you are setting up home internet for the first time and are a little confused about where to start, below is a guide to help you.
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Common Internet Service Types
- Dial-up: Unless it’s the only service offered in your region, you should usually avoid using this sort of Internet connection since it’s often the slowest. You cannot use your landline and the Internet simultaneously if you have just one phone line since dial-up Internet requires your phone line.
- DSL: DSL uses a phone connection to connect to the Internet, but it does not need a landline at home. You can use both your phone line and the Internet simultaneously, unlike dial-up.
- Cable: Although you don’t need cable TV to access it, cable service uses cable TV to connect to the Internet. It only works when cable TV is available and may be quicker than both dial-up and DSL service. However, it needs a broadband connection.
- Satellite: A satellite connection connects to the Internet using satellites circling the Earth; it employs broadband but does not need cable or phone lines. As a consequence, it may be utilized practically everywhere around the globe, albeit weather patterns could have an impact on the connection. In general, satellite connections are slower than DSL or cable.
The most popular mobile phone networks are 3G and 4G, which connect wirelessly via the network of your ISP. These connections aren’t always as fast as DSL or cable, however. Additionally, unlike other internet deals, they will set a monthly data cap on how much you may use.
Deciding on a Provider
Making this decision will depend on 3 main factors:
Coverage
You will need to ensure you find a provider who covers the area you live in. If you are unsure of which companies this is, you can search for your area. A simple search such as ‘wifi services Louisiana’ will give you a list to choose from.
Cost
Internet providers are competitive, so with some searching, you can usually find a good deal. When looking at the cost of potential internet providers, you should ensure that you are looking at the cost of the package that suits your needs.
Internet speed
It is important to ensure that the speeds you are quoted by each potential provider will be enough to suit your needs. If you are working from home or running several devices, you will need to ensure that the speeds you are quoted will be sufficient.
Contacting your chosen Provider
Once you have chosen which provider you are going to use, the next step is to contact them to arrange your installation. You can place your order online, giving details of your property. If you are unsure of how to set up any equipment that you receive, we advise you to return to the company’s website before contacting them further. Most companies will include a link for you to set up tutorials that will walk you through the process.
