How to Set Up Your Home Network

Get the essential devices for accessing the internet at home

A home network consists of several components: a connection to the internet (modem), a device to control the home network (router) and all the devices in your home that are connected to the router. Decisions to make about home network essentials include the type of network, whether it's wired or wireless and the best place to place everything.

Establishing an internet connection

Your first step is to get an internet connection from an internet service provider (ISP). If you have cable TV, you can usually get an internet contract from your cable provider. Alternatives include a digital subscriber line (DSL) phone line, wireless connection or fiber-optic cable.

Before signing up with a provider, work out what you need in terms of speed and data. If you're streaming high-definition (HD) TV, you need around 5 Mbps and 25 Mbps for 4K or ultra-HD (UHD). For a family of four, you might need something approaching 100 Mbps. Avoid capped internet packages that restrict speeds if you're watching videos or gaming, as you can easily run out of data.

Choosing a router

A router is the central device of a home network and the gateway to the internet. Its job is to connect every device in the home to the internet.

Even though a router and modem perform completely different functions from each other, it's still easy to get confused. This might be because some internet providers supply a router and modem combo. If that's what you get from your provider, you now have two of the three home network components.

Alternatively, you may need to purchase a modem and router, especially if you're upgrading an existing internet connection. Most routers have 3 or 4 Ethernet ports and are Wi-Fi compatible. If you're connecting a device that doesn't have Wi-Fi, you'll need to connect to an Ethernet port with a cable. Fortunately, routers typically have several ports meant for Ethernet cables to connect static devices, such as desktop computers and peripherals. For wireless speakers, mobile phones, tablets and smart TVs, you’ll use the router’s Wi-Fi connection.

Router configuration

Router configuration is the most essential aspect of setting up your home network. If you're fortunate, your ISP will supply a pre-configured router. If not, most routers have a configuration wizard or app that takes you through the steps.

The first step is to connect the router to your modem, or if you have a combo unit, the unit to the ISP's network cable. Then check that the internet connection light comes on. Next, connect a computer to the router using an Ethernet cable. If all is well, you'll then be able to browse the internet. You may need to run the router app to complete this step. If you need help at any point along the way, consider a professional home network setup service.

How to secure your home network

While in the app, check that your Wi-Fi security is set to WPA2 security (most secure) and optionally change the Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password (also known as the Wi-Fi key). Also, make sure you've changed the default router log on, as well as the default password. Check for firmware upgrades and update if necessary.

Place the router in the best location

To get the best Wi-Fi signal, place the router in a central location in your home that’s away from external doors, windows and electrical appliances. If your home has two levels, place the router as high as possible on the first level. If necessary, extend the cable from the ISP's wall or modem connection.

Connecting you network

To ensure a successful network that your devices can rely on, it’s important to understand the difference between wired and wireless connections.

Wired ethernet connections

Use Ethernet cables for fixed appliances like desktop computers, smart TVs and network storage. Also, use them to extend the internet signal to areas your Wi-Fi can't reach. If necessary, use a hub or unmanaged Ethernet switch to increase the number of Ethernet connections. Ethernet connections don't require configuration; you simply plug them in to the router or switch.

Wi-Fi

Use Wi-Fi for mobile devices, tablets and laptops. To connect, open the Wi-Fi control panel on your device, choose your Wi-Fi name (SSID) and enter the password. If you click the auto-reconnect box, Wi-Fi devices will auto-connect whenever they're in range of the signal. For example, if you're using your mobile phone on the way home, it will switch to your home network automatically when you walk in the door.

Fixing Wi-Fi dead spots

Although Wi-Fi has a claimed range of up to 150 feet indoors, this isn't always the case. The signal weakens every time it goes through any obstruction. Brick walls, metal siding and large appliances can especially contribute towards weaker Wi-Fi and dead spots.

A Wi-Fi extender is one way to eliminate black spots. Connect the extender to your router by cable and place the extender in the black spot to create a separate Wi-Fi network in that area. Alternatively, consider using mesh Wi-Fi to create a larger Wi-Fi network throughout the home. Mesh Wi-Fi consists of one main hub device and several satellite devices that can be strategically placed around your home. The advantage of mesh Wi-Fi, also called whole-home Wi-Fi, is that you don't need a separate password for each unit. Using powerline adapters that you plug into your outlets is another solution for extending the internet into hard-to-reach areas.

Optimizing your home network

To get the best out of your home network, it's wise to sign up for an internet package that provides more coverage than you think you’ll need. Often, usable network speeds are lower than claimed. Use your router app to monitor your network’s internal bandwidth usage and consider running a third-party speed test to measure your ISP's actual speed. Free speed tests are also available online.

To get the best out of your home network, choose components that can handle your network connection speed. For example, always use Cat 5e or Cat 6 Ethernet cables. When buying a router, look for Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 routers as they offer gigabit performance, and make certain that any new Wi-Fi devices you purchase are designed to the same standard.