How to Set Up Internet in a New House

Moving to a new home is an exciting time. You get to decorate a new place, explore a fresh neighborhood or city, and update your lifestyle. It’s also an opportunity to conquer your connectivity by upgrading your internet connection. Most of us sign up for an internet service once and forget about it, never adjusting for new needs. But cutting-edge technology like WiFi 7 and faster internet service can turn your new home into a high-tech haven. We’ve put together some key steps to help guide you when moving internet service to a new home.

Know your bandwidth

Before you sign up with an internet service provider (ISP) at your new home, take inventory of your needs. Tally the number of devices and users that will access your WiFi and consider what they use the internet for.

• Number of users: Some households use the internet casually for light web surfing and social media check-ins. But many homes have streamers, gamers, and remote workers who require robust bandwidth.
• Number of devices: Each person in your home probably has multiple devices that need WiFi access. Count the number of smart televisions, computers, and mobile phones. And don’t forget smart IoT devices like appliances, thermostats, speakers, and light bulbs. The more devices you have, the more bandwidth you’ll need.
• Future needs: Have plans to make your home a smart home over time? As you add more devices and capabilities, you’ll want internet service that can deliver the bandwidth you need now and in the future.

Research your internet service provider options

Moving internet service can be confusing when you relocate to a new city or region since internet service providers vary. The ISP you’ve been using might not be available in your new home. In that case, moving internet service is more than just a straightforward transfer of your account. To select a new internet service provider, keep the following in mind:

• Type of technology: Different types of connections—like DSL, cable, and fiber—provide different speeds and price points. A fast option is fiber internet, which can supercharge your connection with multi-gig speeds. Fiber internet users benefit from mega-fast speeds and download times.
• Contracts, prices, and deals: Look for new-resident sign-up deals and assess the fine print when considering a new ISP. Some require long-term contracts that can charge early termination fees if you decide to switch later. A great option is an ISP that doesn’t require a long-term contract. For example, Quantum Fiber offers no annual contracts or termination fees.

Assess your internet equipment

Will your new home be wired, wireless, or a combination? A wired connection requires Ethernet cables throughout your home so devices can connect via cable to the internet. Some users prefer wired connections because, in the past, this type of setup has been more reliable. But today’s mesh networks, like Quantum Fiber ®  360 WiFi^TM, can deliver stability and speed throughout your home without cables. Your first step is to decide how you will connect your devices to the internet and what will work best for your needs.

Other equipment you’ll need to consider for your new home:

• Modem and router: A modem receives the internet signal coming to your home, and a router distributes it wirelessly to your devices. A gateway device contains both a router and a modem. You can usually rent this equipment from your ISP. If you decide to purchase your own, make sure it’s compatible. 
• Mesh network: Mesh networks can either replace the need for a router or work with an existing router to deliver WiFi coverage to your entire home. These networks are usually comprised of nodes distributed throughout your home and communicate with each other to optimize coverage. Learn more about how a mesh network works.   
• Network interface device (NID): Fiber internet can be delivered via a permanently installed NID that connects your home to your ISP, replacing the need for a separate modem.

Installing internet in your new home

Setting up your internet before you move into your new home is a good idea because your internet will be up and running as soon as you arrive. Once you’ve selected the best ISP, plan where your equipment will be located in your new home and schedule the installation. Deciding where to place your router can make a big difference in coverage. The best place for it is in a central location, away from other electronics, and raised so it can broadcast a clear signal. Learn more tips for router placement.

Tips for optimizing internet in your new home

Once you’re up and running, take some time to customize your settings and secure your network with these tips:

• Create a unique and strong password for your network so others can’t access it. 
• Set up a firewall to prevent outside access.
• Update firmware regularly to ensure you have the latest security enhancements.

Interested in Quantum Fiber for your new home? Enter your address to check availability here.