Home Wireless Internet

Home wireless internet isn’t very complicated to set up on your own, but some of us don’t have the time or inclination to do it ourselves. That is where installation experts come in and make this process easy.

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Of course, if you have a friend who is tech savvy you might be able to save yourself some money. I list techno-geeks high on the networking list of “must have” friends. You never know when you’re going to need answers, and the alternative is relatively expensive or involves learning it yourself.

Getting Connected

If you’re like me you just want it done and you don’t want to have to mess with it after that. If you don’t have a tech savvy friend you can bribe with dinner or drinks you’re going to have to do it yourself or pay someone to do it for you.

If you must pay, here are some home wireless internet helpful tips. Figure this out in advance and help the process go smoother once the installation tech arrives:

• Where to place your wireless router

You should decide in advance where the router can or will go.  Try to put it in a central location considering every possible place you might want to use your computer wirelessly. Your decision might depend on where your internet comes into your house.

You shouldn’t need to do anything to it once you are set up so you don’t really need immediate access.  You will also need access to power so take that into consideration. The technician should be able to help you with placement but you should know what you want too.

• Put thought into a strong password

You may need to think up a password for your security settings. Think of this in advance. The best passwords won’t be easy to guess, but they will be something you can remember. Alpha-numeric passwords (letters and numbers) are best. Since you don’t know how long it will have to be, just having an idea will make any adjustments easier to make.

A word of caution, some of the most common passwords people use are – password, 123456, qwerty, abc123, letmein, or (your first name). Don’t use these. Don’t.

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Other Things to Consider

There are a couple of things to consider; the equipment, and the installation of the equipment. If you don’t already have internet you will need a modem to accept the internet into your house, and a wireless router to send the signal to your computer(s). You may also need adapters if your computers aren’t wireless ready. Will your internet provider give you the equipment?

• If you already have internet and are upgrading to wireless, does your internet provider have a router? How much? How is it billed?

In my area the equipment is supplied by the internet provider and it’s often free. From what I remember my modem was free but the wireless router (when I upgraded to wireless) was billed to my account.

• Is the equipment compatible with your computer? You may need to read up on the specific router (and adapter if using one) to be sure it will all work together.

• If it is the provider doing the install, will they bill you on your regular monthly statement or will you have to pay when it’s installed?

• If you are using a third-party installer, will they bill you? Accept checks? Credit cards?

Home wireless internet installation costs vary depending on where you live and the availability of high-speed internet. More often than not the provider who supplies you the internet will have technicians they can send for setup, for a fee.

In some cases it can be as long as several days before anyone can show up to install. Also, you might not get a specific time for your appointment, but a time range. For example, they might say they will arrive on Friday between 11am and 3pm and someone will have to be there waiting for them. Something else to consider.

Don’t overlook the recommendations of friends who have had home wireless internet installed. Ask around and do your homework.

How Much To Install?

In my area (West Michigan) prices range from $99.99 for a consultation to $149.99 for the actual install.  Prices are subject to availability and change at any time but have come down since I first looked into this years ago.

You will find independent home wireless internet installers online, in the phone book, or through friends. Always understand in advance what you are getting, how much it will cost, and know the reputation of your installer.