How to set up your internet and WiFi in a new apartment

This article will walk you through the steps required to set up your internet and WiFi in a new apartment so you can stay connected without interruption during your move.

Understanding your usage and bandwidth requirements can help you determine what internet speed you need.

Different activities demand different speeds such as:

• Web browsing
• Streaming HD video
• Online gaming

Consider the number of devices you intend to connect and choose an internet plan with enough bandwidth to support all of them simultaneously.

Use an internet moving checklist that includes essential tasks such as account setup, payment options, and text alerts for your account.

Finally, our step-by-step internet moving guide will help you get the best internet setup experience for your new home.

You will need the following items to set up internet in an apartment:

• An Internet Service Provider (ISP) – Compare ISPs in your area to find a reliable internet service provider that’s the best fit for your needs. If you value high speed and reliability, then you should look for a service provider that offers a fiber or cable connection.
• Modem and Router – Most ISPs provide combination devices that include a modem and a router, or you can buy both separately. The modem links your apartment to the internet, while the router establishes a wireless network for WiFi access.
• Ethernet cables may be required to connect your modem to the router and to connect devices directly to the router for a wired connection.
• WiFi devices – To connect to the wireless network, check that your devices, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and smart home devices, are WiFi-enabled. In addition, ensure that your devices are capable of receiving the speeds you’re purchasing.

You can set up a reliable and secure WiFi connection in your apartment by having these necessary components and following the setup instructions from your ISP.

Once you’ve moved into your new apartment, you may have to wait a bit for your internet installation. Here are a few methods for staying connected in the short term:

You can set up a mobile hotspot on your cell phone with a cellular connection to share your mobile data with other devices.

Learn more: How to secure your mobile phone from hackers

Nearby businesses such as restaurants or coffee shops, or institutions such as libraries may have public WiFi connections you can use to access the internet.

Use caution when on public WiFi. Don’t access sensitive data like financial transactions, emails, or passwords and employ a virtual private network (VPN) for secure browsing.

Here are some things to consider when selecting an Internet Service Provider:

Since coverage varies by location, the first step in selecting an Internet Service Provider is to check what ISPs have services available in your area. If you live in a rural area, you will likely have fewer options than in an urban area.

Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transmitted through a network connection in a given amount of time. Streaming videos, playing online games and downloading large files all require more bandwidth and faster WiFi speeds. If these are activities you engage in often, be sure to choose an ISP with faster download and upload speeds.

Compare costs, internet deals and promotions and contract terms of different ISP’s plans to find the most affordable WiFi option. Internet service providers charge different prices based on the type of service you receive and where you reside.

You should also pay close attention to the contract’s length and terms. Longer contracts can limit your ability to find a better deal later.

The type of connection an ISP provides can impact the internet service’s speed, availability, reliability, and performance.

• Fiber-optic internet delivers incredible speeds and reliability but is generally limited to urban areas.
• Cable internet provides a good blend of speed and affordability and is commonly available.
• DSL internet is widely available because it relies on regular telephone lines, but generally offers slower speeds.
• Satellite internet is available in remote areas, but has higher latency and slower speeds.

The ISP you choose should be able to provide customer support 24/7. If your connection is disrupted, access to timely and professional customer service is critical for getting service restored quickly.

Self-help resources, such as online tutorials and FAQs, can also assist you in quickly resolving common issues without having to contact your ISP.

You can identify the best providers by looking at their awards, especially how they perform in the customer service category.

WiFi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices such as computers, mobile devices, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to exchange data across the internet.

A router serves as the network’s primary hub, allowing several devices to connect to the internet simultaneously.

In most cases, you’ll need both a modem and a router to install WiFi in your apartment. This can either be rented from your ISP or purchased. Check with your ISP to determine if you can bring your own modem.

The modem connects your apartment to your ISP’s internet service, while the router allows you to set up home WiFi and connect several devices to the internet.

Some ISPs provide modem/router combo devices, which eliminate the need for additional equipment.

Learn more: Equipment to bring when you move.

If the WiFi router in your apartment isn’t providing you with the wireless connectivity you want, a mesh WiFi router system could be the ideal option. It has several advantages, including improved coverage, seamless roaming, easy network management and more. Find out how a mesh WiFi system can improve your internet experience.

Here are some issues you may encounter when setting up your internet and WiFi and troubleshooting suggestions to fix them:

• Confirm with the ISP’s self-installation guide that the router and modem are configured and plugged into the power source.
• Power cycle your network equipment and allow the devices to restart completely before attempting to reconnect.
• Check that the WiFi icon is turned on and your device isn’t in Airplane mode.
• Confirm that you are connecting to the correct network.

• Plug a laptop directly into your router through an ethernet cable and run a speed test to see if the problem is with your internet connection.
• Other adjacent networks’ devices or your own devices could be clogging up the wireless channel you’re currently using. Try adjusting your router’s admin settings to change the channel.
• Perform a factory reset on your router. Most routers have a reset button that you can hold down for 30 seconds to reset the router to factory settings.
• Move your router to a more central location in your apartment. This may improve signal distribution.
• Buy a WiFi extender or set up a mesh system using multiple routers to increase your signal across the apartment.

If the problem persists, contact your Internet Service Provider for advice.

Your device may be the problem if your WiFi setup and installation are complete, your router appears functional, and your internet access hasn’t been cut off for any other reason. If this happens:

• Try to connect another device to WiFi, such as another phone or laptop.
• If your WiFi connection problems are restricted to a single device, consider resetting the wireless connection settings or “forgetting” the WiFi and reconnecting to the network. You can try connecting with the correct WiFi password or rebooting your device to clear the cache.

If that doesn’t work, a virus or malware could be interfering with your WiFi connection.

The process of setting up your internet with Astound Broadband in your new apartment is easy. We’ll assist you in determining whether services are available at the new location, scheduling your installation, and ensuring your equipment is operational.

The first step to moving or transferring your internet service with Astound Broadband is to contact us at 1.800.427.8686 to speak with a representative about transferring your service.

When you call, be sure you have your:

• Account number or phone number
• Your new address
• Your move-out and move-in dates

The representative will then be able to tell you whether Astound Broadband is available at your new address.

If your new location is outside Astound Broadband’s service area, you’ll have to cancel your service.

Internet equipment can be returned using a prepaid shipping label provided by Astound, or the equipment can be dropped off at a local payment center.

Whether you’re a casual surfer or serious gamer, Astound internet has you covered with supercharged speeds up to 1.2 Gig. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, working or learning, Astound Broadband will keep you connected.

When you need help with your service, our Customer Pledge means our customers get 24/7 award-winning customer service. Our commitment begins at installation, when we provide convenient appointment windows and an on-time guarantee (backed up by a $20 credit).

Plus, put more money in your pocket when you combine mobile service with Astound’s high-speed internet. Check out our savings calculator to see the changes in your bill when you combine mobile with internet and build a plan with Astound.

When setting up internet and WiFi in a new apartment, it’s important to understand your internet needs and choose the right ISP. You then need to understand how to set up your new internet with Astound Broadband or whatever ISP you choose.

It’s also important that you have a clear grasp of what WiFi is and the role of a router in your new apartment. You should consider extra equipment that may improve the performance of your apartment’s WiFi, including mesh systems like eero.

Don’t neglect the importance of securing your WiFi network, or of understanding the troubleshooting steps you can take if you experience WiFi issues when setting up your network.

Finally, know what your options are to access the internet while you’re waiting for your new service to be installed.

You can contact Astound Broadband for any assistance when you are experiencing problems with your WiFi. Our customer service agents are available 24/7 to ensure you get the best support and enjoy your services.