How to Set Up an Internet Connection at Home
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t necessarily need professional services to manage each and every part of your home. There are certain things that you can take care of on your own, provided you have a good instruction manual and the most basic knowledge of how things work. Based on the kind of internet service provider you have (cable or DSL), there are certain steps you will need to follow to properly set up your internet connection.
Setting up Cable Internet
Connect the Cable Modem
The first step is to make sure your computer is close enough to a wall socket so you can connect it to a power supply. You should then connect plug the cable modem into your computer. The purpose of this device is to connect the computer with your Internet Service Provider (ISP), which is what allows your internet connection to be complete.
Plug in the Power Cord
The modem doesn’t usually have an on/off switch, so the only way to do that is by plugging or unplugging them. The lights will initially blink a lot, which will mean that the modem is in the process of being switched on; one light usually continues to blink after the others have stabilized. It may take up to one minute for your modem to switch on, and you will need to set it up and get it registered with your ISP before you can have a working internet connection.
Test the Connection
All that’s left after setting up the connection is to go to any browser on your computer and visit a website that requires a stable internet connection. Make sure it’s a website that you haven’t recently visited since the browser might load it from the cache and it won’t let you know for sure whether or not your internet is actually working properly. There are also other ways for you to test the internet, for example, by using an app that requires internet, rather than surfing the web using a browser.
Setting Up Your DSL Connection
Connect the DSL Modem
Same as before, you must plug the DSL modem into your computer, and then into the wall cable socket. The modem serves the same purpose here as it did previously, and it is important to know that a router and modem are both necessary for anyone who wishes to have a stable internet connection.
Plug in the DSL Power Cord
The DSL modem is the same as the cable one; it will take time to boot up, with lights blinking initially and then gradually stabilizing, suggesting that the device is fully switched on. This will take about 30-60 seconds, so be patient with your device and let the boot-up process run its course. Once again, a newly purchased modem needs to be set up before it can be used, so contact your ISP before doing anything else.
Log In to the Admin Screen
You will then have to log in to the administrative website for your respective modem. The modem’s IP address will take you directly to that website if you put it into the address bar of any browser. The IP address will most likely be found printed on the modem itself, but in case you cannot find it, your ISP will be able to help you locate it. You may also find the specific IP address for your modem online.
Set Everything Up
To set up your account, you must enter your username and password on the admin screen in front of you. This process can be a little tricky, especially for people doing it for the first time, so make sure your DSL ISP guides you through it.
Test Your Connection
After you have set everything up and saved your settings, you should now have a properly working internet connection. You may follow the previously mentioned steps to check your internet connection.
Conclusion
Setting up your own internet connection is fairly simple, and it will also give you an idea of how things work, in case anything is to go wrong in the future. You may be able to fix a few problems yourself, for example, with wiring and such, in case there is a minor fault in your connection. If you’re someone who prefers cable TV over streaming online, Spectrum Silver is a good option to consider.