Should You Install Your Own Internet? Everything You Need to Know

Hey there! Getting internet installed at your new place can be a frustrating process. Waiting around all day for the cable technician to show up, paying those steep installation fees – it sure would be nice to just do it yourself, am I right?

Well, the good news is most internet service providers these days actually allow self-installation. Instead of an appointment, they just ship you a kit with a modem, router cables, and instructions. So should you take them up on it and install your own internet? Let‘s dig into the pros and cons so you can decide.

Why Self-Installing is Amazing

Doing it yourself has some big advantages over having the cable company send out one of their technicians:

You‘re in Total Control

You can set up your internet whenever it suits your schedule – day or night, weekday, weekend, whenever! No sitting around all day anxiously waiting for the cable tech who may or may not show up during the 4 hour window they gave you.

And studies show the average wait time in 2020 when techs do show up was around 3 hours and 20 minutes. Who‘s got time for that, am I right? With self-installation, you can get online within an hour of getting your kit. Now that‘s more like it!

You Save Serious Money

Professional installation costs roughly $100 on average, but self-installation kits are usually free or just a small fee like $20. Going the DIY route puts that Benjamin back in your wallet!

Let‘s say over your 3 years with this internet provider you move to a new place (hey, I‘m not judging). That‘s $300 in savings by doing self-installation twice rather than tech installation. Cha-ching!

You Don‘t Have Random People in Your House

Maybe you just don‘t love the idea of a stranger coming into your living space. With COVID still around, avoiding close contact with unvaccinated cable techs is reasonable.

Or maybe you want to install your router in the bedroom for better WiFi coverage but don‘t want to invite some random installer dude into your private oasis. I feel you. Self-install means no uncomfortable interactions with people you don‘t know.

You Learn Valuable Skills

Setting up your own internet hardware and connections gives you insight into how home networks operate. Next time something goes haywire with the internet, you‘ll have the knowledge to troubleshoot it yourself rather than desperately calling customer service.

Think of it like building your first PC – by the end, you‘ll really understand how the components like the modem, router, cables, antennas, and ports all fit together. That‘s geek cred you can‘t put a price on!

The Not-So-Awesome Parts of DIY

Okay look, doing your own internet setup isn‘t perfect. There are some legit drawbacks to weigh:

It Can Be Technically Challenging

If you‘re less tech savvy, self-install may prove more difficult than expected. Plugging all those wires and cables into the right ports, changing default passwords, connecting to hidden WiFi networks – it takes some digital know-how.

A 2021 survey showed around 25% of people attempting self-installation ended up calling their provider for technical support during the process. But don‘t worry, I‘ve got your back! I‘ll walk you through everything clearly.

Troubleshooting Problems Takes Longer

Despite their reputation, cable techs are usually solid at spot-fixing any issues during install. With DIY, you‘ll have to do your own troubleshooting, which can mean long calls with customer support when things go sideways.

I won‘t lie to you, it can be a headache dealing with sketchy ISP support departments. But I‘ll give you my best pro tips for painlessly diagnosing and fixing problems so you can avoid feeling that skull-splitting frustration.

The Setup May Not Be Ideal

Those cable guys actually have useful knowledge when it comes to stuff like modem placement for optimal signal strength. They also tend to thoroughly test equipment and swap any defective parts before leaving.

Of course you won‘t get that white glove treatment with self-install. But stick with me and I‘ll guide you to a setup that‘s darn near what a technician could accomplish. We‘ve got this!

Major Internet Providers That Allow Self-Installation

Here‘s the media giant scoop – nearly all the big cable and DSL internet providers now offer self-installation kits, including:

• AT&T
• CenturyLink
• Charter Spectrum
• Comcast Xfinity
• Cox Communications
• Optimum
• Verizon Fios

Smaller local cable companies typically offer self-installation as well. The only major exception is Google Fiber, which still requires professional setup.

Satellite internet like HughesNet is an interesting case – you can install the indoor equipment but they require a certified technician to set up the satellite dish on your roof. Safety first!

When you sign up for service, you‘ll choose either self-install or pro install. If you go DIY, your equipment will arrive in 1 to 5 business days since it ships from a warehouse rather than rolling on a truck.

What‘s in the Box? Self-Installation Kit Contents

Inside that cardboard box from your ISP you‘ll find everything needed to get your home internet up and running:

• Modem: This crucial device connects your home to the physical internet lines.

• WiFi Router: Takes the signal from the modem and shares it wirelessly and through ethernet ports.

• Power Cables: To plug in the modem, router, and other equipment.

• Ethernet Cables: For connecting devices directly to the router.

• Coaxial or Phone Cable: Connects modem to the incoming internet line.

• Setup Guide: Step-by-step instructions for your specific equipment.

• Account Info: Your ISP login, password, and activation info.

Some kits also add helpful extras like cable splitters, cable ties, filters, or adapter plugs.

Step-By-Step Guide to Installing Your Internet

The basic process for setting up your internet is straightforward. Just follow these steps:

Choose a Central, Open Location

Pick a spot somewhere central in your home, near a power outlet and coaxial wall jack. Make sure there‘s plenty of open space around the modem and router without clutter blocking signals.

Also avoid putting your hardware next to other electronics like TVs, microwaves, baby monitors, etc. These can cause interference.

Connect the Modem to Internet and Power

Use the coaxial cable to connect the modem‘s "Cable" or "Coax In" port to the coaxial outlet on the wall. Then plug the modem power cord into an adjacent electrical outlet.

Connect the Router to the Modem

If you have separate modem and router units, use the included ethernet cable to link the router‘s "Internet" or "WAN" port to the "LAN" or "Ethernet" port on the modem.

For combo units, this step is done internally already.

Plug In and Power On Router

Connect router power cord to an outlet. For some models, you may need to press the power button. Wait for indicator lights to illuminate on both modem and router.

Activate Internet Through Your ISP

Call the activation number or enter the provided code on your ISP‘s website. This pairs your equipment with your account and begins internet service.

Connect Your Devices to WiFi

On phones, computers, or smart home gadgets, search for and select your new WiFi network name. Enter the WiFi password found on a sticker on your router.

Sit Back and Enjoy Your New, Blazing Fast Internet!

Once connected, open your web browser to verify you have internet access. Run a speed test to confirm you‘re getting the advertised connectivity speeds.

Let me know if any part of these instructions is unclear! I‘m always happy to break down the technical jargon into simple, easy to follow steps.

See, that wasn‘t so hard was it? With most kits, self-installation takes 30-60 minutes even if you‘re not super techy.

Modem vs Router – What‘s the Difference?

When setting up your home internet, you‘ll come across two mysterious contraptions – the modem and the router. They may look similar, but each serves a different purpose:

The Modem is the device that actually connects your home to the physical internet coming in from your ISP. It takes the signal (whether cable, DSL, fiber, etc) and turns it into usable internet data for your home network.

The Router takes that internet signal from the modem and converts it into a WiFi network your devices can connect to wirelessly. It also plugs into devices with cables via ethernet ports. The router handles all your network traffic.

Many ISPs now provide a single combo box that contains both a built-in modem and a wireless router to simplify setup. Others still use separate components.

Remember: Modem connects home TO the internet. Router connects devices WITHIN your home‘s network TO each other. Get it? Got it? Good! Moving on…

Lights, Camera, Connection! Reading Your Modem & Router Lights

Those bright blinking LED lights on your modem and router aren‘t just for show. They actually communicate important info about your internet connection.

Here‘s a quick decoder guide to what each indicator light means and how you can spot potential issues:

Power

Solid on = Device powered on

Blinking = Temporary loss of power

No light = No power – check connections

Downstream (DS)

Solid = Connected to your ISP with good signal

Blinking = Connecting to ISP

Upstream (US)

Solid = Can send data back to ISP

Blinking = Can‘t establish upstream connection – call ISP

Internet

Solid = Connected to internet

Blinking = Acquiring IP address

No light/red = Can‘t verify internet connectivity

WiFi

Solid = WiFi broadcasting

Blinking = Making WiFi connection

No light = WiFi radio off

Expert Tip: Try rebooting modem/router anytime lights act faulty to reestablish connections.

Did It Work? How to Confirm Your Internet Connection

After you complete the DIY installation, confirm everything is working with these quick tests:

• Connect a laptop directly to the router with an ethernet cable – you should have internet access.

• Connect your phone and/or another device to the WiFi network – you should have internet.

• Run a speed test on any connected device – you should see download/upload speeds matching (or close to) what you‘re paying for.

• Reboot the hardware and make sure the lights return properly.

• Log in to the router admin interface to verify WiFi, DHCP, and settings are all correctly configured.

If you pass all those checks, your self-installation was a success! Pop some bubbly and pat yourself on the back. Home internet is go.

Pro Tips for Hassle-Free Internet Installs

Here are my best tips for ensuring your DIY internet setup goes off without a hitch:

• Don‘t skip reading the setup guide – it has key info specific for your equipment.

• Have all required cables and hardware in one spot so everything‘s handy.

• Use cable ties/fasteners to neatly organize cables and prevent ports bending.

• Pick central equipment locations free of clutter that block wireless signals.

• Restart devices and recheck indicator lights if you hit any snags.

• Keep your ISP support number on hand in case you need to call for assistance.

• Set up hardware first in one central spot to test connections before mounting.

• Take it slow and steady – no need to rush! Methodical patience prevents problems.

• Enjoy your badass new self-installed internet – you got this!

Advanced Security for Your Shiny New Network

Since you‘ll be the network admin once your internet is up and running, it‘s important to lock down your network against hackers, malware, and other threats.

Here are a few of my expert-approved security tips:

Use WPA3 encryption on your wireless network for the latest and most robust WiFi security protocol. WPA3 fends off brute force password cracking.

Install a network-wide VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN to encrypt all traffic and prevent snooping or data theft.

Enable your router‘s firewall to filter out unwanted connections. A firewall acts like a bouncer, only letting authorized guests (data packets) in.

Change default admin passwords on all hardware to prevent unauthorized access. Never use defaults like “admin/admin” or “password”.

Disable WPS because it allows devices to easily connect without a password, which is a major vulnerability.

Enable MAC address filtering so only approved devices can join your network. MAC filtering adds an allowlist layer.

Stay tuned for more of my cybersecurity tips to keep your home network safe! For now, start with those basics once your gear is up and running.

When Should You Call in the Pros Instead?

DIY installation is great for anyone who feels comfortable tinkering with tech. But for some situations, getting professional help is the wise way to go:

• If you need equipment mounted on roof/exterior of the home.

• If your house layout makes ideal modem placement really tricky.

• If you want true customization with commercial-grade routers and optimization.

• If you tried self-installing but just couldn‘t get it to work right.

• If you need in-wall wiring or cabling installed or altered.

• If your ISP requires pro install for gigabit speeds.

So don‘t bang your head against the wall endlessly if you‘re really struggling. Calling in reinforcements ensures you get online quickly and smoothly. Hey, we all need a helping hand sometimes, am I right? No shame in that game.

Time to Get Your Internet On!

Phew, that was a boatload of info wasn‘t it? But now you‘ve got all the tools, tips, and tricks for getting your home internet up and running yourself – and saving a bundle in the process!

To wrap it up, self-installing your own internet provides convenience and control. But it also comes with more responsibility for learning the tech side. As long as you‘re willing to put in some effort up front and follow instructions closely, you can definitley handle it.

And remember, I‘m always available to answer any questions and talk you through the rough spots. We got this! I can‘t wait to see you connected. Talk soon!