How To Set Up WiFi in a New Apartment
Almost one in four US households does not have access to the internet. More astonishingly, one-quarter of a million still use dial-up internet. So if you have just moved into a new place with no way to get online, where do you begin?
From finding a provider to the installation, wifi can be tricky to get right. Read on as we give our essential guide on how to set up wifi in a new apartment.
1. Shop Around for Providers
Prices for household utilities are rising across the board, so it stands to reason you will want to keep costs down in as many areas as possible. One way to do this is with your WiFi setup.Get quotes from a range of internet providers. If you do this in advance, then you have more chances to get the deal that is right for you. Keep in mind that some may not be able to deliver to your area, especially if you are in certain apartment blocks or districts.
The cheapest deal may not always be the best one either. You will need to look at upload and download speeds, checking if they suit your household needs. Some providers may also offer extras, such as cellphone tariffs or streaming television.
2. Evaluate the New Home
Before the wifi installation, it helps to do a quick evaluation of the hardware in the home. The most important items are listed below, though you may not need all of them. Most providers will give you a device that covers these functions, though they may provide you with one that only allows a single access point.
- A router for directing internet traffic
- A modem for accessing the internet
- A switch to connect wired networks
- An access point for wired networks
What you need depends on the type of apartment you have. If it is large, you may need to purchase extra equipment to extend the reach of the signal.
3. How to Set Up Wifi in a New Apartment
When it comes to the wifi installation you can choose to have a professional do it for you, or take the DIY route. If you are just getting the wiring installed by the provider, you may not have a choice.A professional installation is good as it lets you concentrate on moving in. You don't need any prior knowledge, skill, or tools. If any problems occur, a trained technician will also know how to handle them.
However, a DIY installation can often be cheaper. Schedule it can also be done around your timetable so you don't have to spend time waiting for the technician to arrive.
4. Connecting the Cables
The first step is to plug in your modem. If you are going through a cable outlet, then attach it here. A DSL connector will go into the phone socket instead.Make sure you have a power outlet close by. Plug the modem into this so it boots up.
Next, you must connect the router to the modem. Most kits come with a short ethernet cable to do this, though if you want more separation you may have to buy a longer one. This cord should go from the back of the modem to the Wide Area Network (WAN) port at the back of the router.
Plug the router into a power outlet and turn it on. Wait for about a minute and check the lights on the router. They should indicate if an internet signal is coming to the device.
The router should have a sticker telling you the network name and password. Log on using a mobile device or computer and see if it works.
5. Configuring the Router
Most services will come with a handy application to help you set up internet and configure your router. If it does not, then you will have to do it manually.Your router will have its own address, found on the sticker at the back. It will be a series of numbers with dots to break them up. Enter this number into the web browser on your PC.
A sign-in page for the router will appear. Enter the password and network name given on the same sticker. If you don't have this, just try admin and password.
6. Selecting a Password
When you are logged in you can change the network name. This makes it something easier to find if you have guests on the network.You can also change the password to something more memorable. The option to use different types of encryption is also available. WPA2 is recommended as the most secure.
7. Connecting Devices
It makes it easier and saves time if you connect all your home devices to the network at once. This can vary depending on how many you have. Should you have smart devices, it may take longer.Go to the network settings on your computer or device. Search for wifi networks and your own should appear, along with the wifi symbol which signifies how strong the connection to the router is. Select the network, enter the password, and save it.
Getting Connected
Now that you know how to set up wifi in your new apartment, you can get connected. It helps to invest in a great security package to keep yourself safe. Make sure you know who is logging onto your network and don't hand out the password to those you don't know well.If you are looking for help and advice on new homes, then Eastwood Arms Apartments has everything you need. We have an expert staff that offers assistance and maintenance-free living in Niles, Ohio. Click here for a tour or contact our expert staff for help and advice.