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Setting up your internet connection is the final step when switching providers or establishing new service at a residence. While professional internet installation might be required for homes needing new wiring, many users can opt for self-installation. This do-it-yourself approach is offered by many top internet providers, providing a convenient and cost-effective way to get online.
Pros of DIY Internet Installation
- Reduced Costs: Opting for self-installation can significantly cut down on initial expenses. Professional setup can add $50 to $100 or more to your bill, while self-installation is often much cheaper, sometimes even free.
- Schedule Flexibility: Avoid waiting for a technician appointment. Self-installation allows you to set up your internet service at your convenience, as soon as your self-install kit arrives.
- Minimized Contact: Reduce potential health exposure by avoiding in-home visits from technicians. While providers take precautions, self-installation eliminates the need for a stranger to enter your home.
Cons of Self-Installing Your Internet Service
- Technical Responsibility: While typically straightforward, self-installation requires some basic technical understanding. Troubleshooting any issues may involve online research (assuming you have internet access elsewhere) or contacting technical support.
- Optimal Network Setup: Professional technicians are skilled in determining the best placement for your equipment to maximize signal strength throughout your residence. Achieving optimal network performance through self-installation might require some experimentation.
- Equipment Delivery Time: Self-installation often involves waiting for equipment to be shipped to your home, potentially delaying setup compared to professional installation where equipment might be brought by the technician. Some providers offer in-person equipment pickup.
Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Installing Your Internet
1. Equipment Placement: Decide on the ideal location for your modem and router.
2. Connect Devices: Plug in your modem, followed by the router if these are separate units.
3. Service Activation: Activate your internet service if required by your provider.
4. Wi-Fi Setup: Configure your wireless network.
If you’ve determined that self-installation is suitable for you and want to benefit from the savings and convenience, here’s what to expect:
Once you receive your self-install kit—containing a modem and router or a combined gateway device, necessary cables, and setup instructions—begin by selecting the best location for your equipment.
The type of internet service you have might influence modem placement. DSL internet requires a phone jack, while cable internet uses a coaxial cable outlet. Fiber internet installations may have a network terminal box, often located in less visible areas like garages or closets.
For optimal Wi-Fi coverage, position your router in a central and elevated location within your home, such as on a bookshelf, to enhance signal range and strength. Once you’ve chosen suitable spots, proceed with connecting your devices.
First, connect your modem to the appropriate wall outlet using the provided cable (phone line, coaxial, or Ethernet). If using separate modem and router devices, connect them with an Ethernet cable. Next, plug in the power cords for both devices, power them on, and allow approximately five minutes for startup.
Verifying Your Internet Connection
To check if your internet is active, observe the indicator lights on your modem/router. Solid green or blue lights typically indicate a successful connection, and you can proceed with setting up your Wi-Fi network. Persistent red or orange lights, or blinking lights, may signal that service activation is still needed. You might need to activate online through your account or by contacting your internet service provider.
Upon seeing green or blue indicator lights, confirming internet connectivity (refer to your provider’s instructions for specific light indicators), your device is connected. For a direct connection test, connect a computer to the modem. However, most users will want to establish a wireless network.
Wi-Fi network setup processes vary by router manufacturer and ISP. Generally, you can use a mobile app to define your Wi-Fi network name and password. If no app is provided, you can access router settings manually to update your network credentials.
With internet access established and a Wi-Fi signal broadcasting throughout your home, the installation is complete. Congratulations on successfully setting up your internet! You can now connect your devices like streaming media players, gaming consoles, smartphones, and other Wi-Fi enabled devices.
Provider-Specific Self-Installation Details
While the general internet self-installation process is similar across providers and connection types, specific costs and steps can differ. Below are details for major ISPs. If your provider isn’t listed, they may not offer self-installation.
AT&T
AT&T offers self-installation at no charge for both DSL and fiber internet services, offering initial savings of about $50, provided your location is pre-wired for service.
For both service types, AT&T ships a self-install kit containing a gateway router, green data cable, yellow Ethernet cable, and power cord before your activation date.
To install your AT&T internet, first connect the green cable to the gateway device and then to the wall jack or terminal. Power on the gateway and wait one to five minutes for it to boot up.
If you’ve already registered your account and equipment online, your internet should activate automatically. Otherwise, activate via your online account or customer service.
Note: AT&T recommends starting installation no earlier than 2 p.m. local time on your activation date.
View the AT&T internet self-installation guide.
Astound (RCN)
Astound, a cable internet provider, offers free self-installation, saving around $80, though a $10 activation fee might apply.
Their self-install kit includes a MoCA filter, which Astound emphasizes must be installed directly at the cable outlet. Connect one end of the provided coax cable to the MoCA filter and the other to the modem.
Connect the power cord to the modem and a power outlet, then power on the modem and allow 30 seconds for boot-up.
After modem installation, call 1-800-427-8686 and follow prompts to activate. Once activated, unplug the modem for 30 seconds, then reconnect it. Installation is then complete.
View the Astound internet self installation guide.
CenturyLink
CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber (from Lumen Technologies) offer free self-installation, saving around $99 in installation fees. Customers may receive a C4000 series modem/router or a “tower modem,” but installation is similar.
Equipment arrives on or before your service activation date. CenturyLink states service should be active by 7 p.m. local time on activation day, so consider installing in the afternoon.
Both modem types have a green port for DSL, yellow/white Ethernet ports for fiber/computer connection, and a black power port. Connect applicable cables and power on.
Activate service via the My CenturyLink app in the Install My New Modem section, or by connecting a computer and visiting http://connect.centurylink.com. Follow prompts, confirm green lights on the modem, and set up Wi-Fi.
View the CenturyLink installation self-installation guide.
Cox
Cox offers free self-installation, with equipment available by mail or pickup at a Cox store.
Cox recommends downloading the Cox app as the first step. Log in and use Start Easy Connect within the app. Cox’s virtual assistant, Oliver, will guide you through the process, mostly involving cable connections and powering on the modem.
View the Cox internet self-installation guide.
Frontier
Frontier provides free self-installation for both Frontier Fiber and Frontier Internet (DSL) services. They recommend installing on your service start date or the day after.
For Frontier Fiber, the router may use a coaxial or Ethernet port. With coaxial, use the provided splitter/adapter as shown in their guide. For Ethernet connections, use the Ethernet cable from the wall jack to the router’s red ONT port. Connect power and turn on the router.
For Frontier Internet (DSL), use the green phone cable to connect the router to a phone jack and the green port on the router. Connect power and turn on. A blue light indicates internet service is ready.
View the Frontier internet self-installation guide.
Google Fiber
Google Fiber has no installation fee, so self-installation mainly saves time.
Locate your Google Fiber jack (find instructions online if needed). Connect it to the network box using the provided Ethernet cable. The jack’s light may turn red for up to 15 minutes before becoming blue.
Once blue, connect power to the network box. Its light may also be red initially for up to 15 minutes. When it turns blue, internet service is active, and Wi-Fi setup can begin.
View the Google Fiber internet self-installation guide.
Kinetic by Windstream
For Kinetic by Windstream, a technician might first check outdoor wiring (no appointment needed).
After serviceability verification, you’ll get an activation date and receive your install kit within 3-5 business days. Follow the included instructions to connect your modem and configure Wi-Fi.
Kinetic estimates 30-60 minutes for total installation. For issues, call Windstream Technical Assistance at 1-877-449-5707.
View the Kinetic internet self-installation guide.
Mediacom
Mediacom charges for professional installation, often waived for online orders. Self-installation is offered with equipment by mail or store pickup.
Instructions are simple: connect the modem to a coax outlet and power. Then, connect a computer to the modem via Ethernet to activate service through an on-screen prompt. A $10 activation fee might apply.
View the Mediacom internet self-installation guide.
Optimum
Optimum primarily uses cable internet, likely requiring a coax cable connection from modem to wall outlet. Fiber service users get an Ethernet cable to connect to their fiber terminal.
Optimum’s kit includes a QR code for a self-install wizard on your phone. Follow instructions to connect equipment to outlets, power on, and wait up to five minutes for connection.
View the Optimum internet self-installation guide. (Note: Login required).
Spectrum
Spectrum’s internet setup resembles other cable internet self-installations. Connect the modem to a coax outlet using the provided coax cable. Connect power and allow a few minutes for modem boot-up.
Spectrum uses separate modems and routers. You need to connect a router (Spectrum rental at $7/month, or your own) to the modem with an Ethernet cable for Wi-Fi.
View the Spectrum internet self-installation guide.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
Self-installation is mandatory for T-Mobile 5G Home Internet. It’s straightforward, but tech support is at 1-844-275- 9310 if needed.
T-Mobile sends the router by mail. Plug it in and let it start up. Use the T-Mobile Internet app to create your Wi-Fi network.
As it only needs power, experiment with router placement for best connection.
View the T-Mobile 5G Home Internet FAQ page for details.
Verizon Fios and Verizon 5G Home Internet
Verizon Fios professional installation can cost up to $99 (often waived online). Self-installation is preferred by Verizon as a safety measure.
Get your Verizon self-install kit by mail or pickup. Log into My Verizon or use the My Fios App for specific setup and activation steps.
Verizon 5G Home Internet self-installation simply involves plugging in the router and using the My Verizon app. Follow Start your 5G Home setup and ensure phone Bluetooth is enabled to connect to the router.
View the Verizon Fios internet self-installation guide or Verizon 5G Home Internet self-installation guide.
Xfinity
Xfinity charges $90 for professional installation. Self-installation is an option when signing up, avoiding the fee. Kits are mailed or available for pickup.
For xFi Gateway installation, use the provided guide or the Xfinity app for step-by-step instructions, gateway placement tips, connection, and power-up guidance. Xfinity’s support video claims it takes “less than 10 minutes.”
View the Xfinity internet self-installation guide.