Internet Connection

There are many reasons to set up a home internet connection. It gives you access to a world of information, entertainment, and communication, including:

  • Email and messaging
  • News and research
  • Online shopping and banking
  • TV shows, movies, and music

Once you have a working internet connection, you can also create a wireless home network (also known as Wi-Fi). This will let your whole family connect their computers, smartphones, and other internet-ready devices at the same time.

Types of Internet Connections

When you sign up for internet service, you'll have a few different types of connections to choose from. The best option for you will depend on what's available in your area.

  • Dial-up: This is an older technology that connects through your phone line. It is very slow and is rarely used today, but in some remote areas, it may be the only option available.
  • DSL (Digital Subscriber Line): This also uses your phone line, but it is much faster than dial-up and allows you to use the internet and talk on the phone at the same time.
  • Cable: This service uses the same coaxial cable as your cable TV. It is a very common and reliable type of broadband internet.
  • Fiber: This is the fastest type of broadband currently available. It uses fiber-optic cables to transmit data at incredibly high speeds. However, it is not available in all locations and can be more expensive.
  • Cellular: You may know this as 4G, LTE, or 5G. While commonly used for smartphones, you can also get a cellular internet plan for your home. This can be a great broadband alternative, especially in areas where DSL or cable aren't available.

Getting Connected: The ISP and the Modem

No matter what kind of internet service you choose, you'll need to purchase it from an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

What is an ISP? This is the company that provides you with access to the internet. Chances are, your local phone or cable company is an ISP. You can shop around to find the best plan and price for your needs.

The Modem: Your ISP will guide you through the process. They will typically send a technician to your home to set up the connection and provide you with a modem.

A modem is a device that connects to the internet service coming into your home (from a phone jack or cable outlet) and makes it usable for your computer.

Setting Up Your Connection

Once you have your modem, the setup is usually simple:

  • Connect the modem to your phone jack or cable TV outlet.
  • Connect your computer to the modem using an Ethernet cable. This is the standard way to get one computer online.
  • Plug in the modem's power cord and turn it on.

Creating a Wireless (Wi-Fi) Home Network

If you want to connect several devices to the internet without cables, you'll need to create a Wi-Fi network. To do this, you'll need a wireless router.

What is a Router? A router takes the internet connection from your modem and broadcasts it wirelessly throughout your home, creating your Wi-Fi network.

Modem/Router Combo: Many ISPs now provide a single device that is both a modem and a router. If so, you may not need to buy a separate router.

Setting Up Your Wi-Fi Network

Follow the instructions included with your router to set it up. The process will generally involve these steps:

  • Choose a Network Name (SSID): This is the name that people will see when they search for available Wi-Fi networks. You can make it anything you like, for example, "TheSmithFamilyWiFi."
  • Set Up Security: For security, you must enable WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. This prevents strangers from accessing your network.
  • Choose a Strong Password: Create a unique password that is hard for others to guess. This is very important for protecting your network.

Once your network is set up, you can go to each of your devices (like your smartphone or tablet), open the Wi-Fi or network settings, select your network name, and type in your password.

Setting up an internet connection and a Wi-Fi network takes a little bit of work, but it's well worth the effort. Once it's done, you and your family will be able to enjoy the internet on all your devices without being limited to a single computer.