What "creating the internet" actually means
You cannot create the internet itself — it is a global network of computers and cables owned and operated by thousands of companies and governments. What you can create is a home network, which connects your devices to the internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). This is what people usually mean when they say they want to "set up internet" at home.
To get internet in your home, you need three things: a contract with an ISP, a modem (the device that receives the signal from your ISP), and a router (the device that broadcasts that signal to your devices wirelessly or through cables). The ISP provides the connection; the modem and router let you use it.
This guide covers how to order service, install the equipment, and connect your devices. If you arrived here from the home network security guide, this explains the foundation that security protects.
Key Takeaways
- You need an ISP contract, a modem, and a router to create a home internet connection — the ISP provides the signal, and the modem and router distribute it to your devices.
- Most ISPs will install the modem and router for you at no extra cost, or you can buy your own equipment and install it yourself if you know your modem and router are compatible with your ISP.
- The modem connects to the wall outlet or cable that comes from your ISP; the router connects to the modem and broadcasts the signal wirelessly.
- You should change the default password on your router when ready after setup, because the default password is the same on every router of that model.
- Internet speed depends on what your ISP offers in your area, not on the router you buy — a better router will not make a slow plan faster.
Finding an Internet Service Provider in your area
Not all ISPs serve all neighborhoods. The first step is to find out which providers operate where you live. Visit the FCC's broadband map at broadbandmap.fcc.gov, enter your address, and you will see which ISPs serve that location and what speeds they offer.
Common ISPs vary by region. In many areas you will see Comcast (Xfinity), Charter (Spectrum), AT&T, Verizon, or smaller local providers. Some neighborhoods have only one or two choices. Write down the names and speeds available to you — you will need this information when you order.
Call or visit the website of each ISP that serves your address. Ask about the speed tiers they offer, the monthly cost, any installation fees, and whether they provide equipment or require you to buy your own. Some ISPs charge $15 to $20 per month to rent a modem and router; others include it in the service cost. If you plan to keep the service for more than a year, buying your own equipment usually costs less over time.
Choosing between renting and buying equipment
Most ISPs will send you a modem and router at no upfront cost, but charge a monthly rental fee (usually $10 to $15). If you buy your own, you pay once upfront ($100 to $200 for both devices together) and own them permanently. If you move or switch ISPs, you keep your equipment.
The catch: your equipment must be compatible with your ISP. Before you buy, check your ISP's list of approved modems and routers on their website. If you buy a modem that is not on the list, your ISP will not set up it. Routers are more flexible — most routers work with most ISPs — but modems are specific to your ISP's network type (cable, fiber, or DSL).
For a first-time setup, renting from your ISP is simpler because they may provide compatibility and handle support. If you buy your own, you are responsible for troubleshooting if something goes wrong. Either way, you will need to set a strong password on the router once it is installed.
Installing the modem and router
If your ISP is installing the equipment, a technician will come to your home, connect the modem to the wall outlet or cable that runs from the street, and set up the router. They will give you the default network name (SSID) and password. Write these down or take a photo — you will need them to connect your devices.
If you are installing equipment yourself, locate the cable or fiber outlet on the wall where your ISP's line enters your home. Plug one end of a coaxial cable (for cable internet) or ethernet cable (for fiber) into that outlet, and the other end into the port on the modem labeled "In" or "Internet." Then plug an ethernet cable from the modem into the port on the router labeled "Internet" or "WAN." Plug both devices into power outlets.
Wait two to three minutes for the lights on both devices to stop blinking and settle into a steady pattern. The modem should show a light indicating it is connected to your ISP. The router should show a light indicating it is powered on. If the modem light does not stabilize, restart it by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting again.
Changing the default router password
Every router of the same model comes with the same default network name and password printed on a sticker on the back. Anyone in range can look up that default password online and connect to your network. You must change it when ready after setup.
Open a web browser on any device connected to the router. Type the router's IP address into the address bar — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, printed on the router sticker. You will see a login page. Enter the default username and password (also on the sticker), then look for a section called "Wireless Settings," "WiFi," or "Network." Change the network name to something you will recognize and the password to something strong — at least 12 characters, mixing uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
Save the changes. The router will restart, and you will be disconnected. Reconnect using your new network name and password. Write down the new password somewhere safe, or use a password manager to store it. If you forget it, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding a small button on the back for 10 seconds, but this erases all your settings.
Connecting your devices to the network
Once the router is set up with a new password, connecting devices is straightforward. On your phone, tablet, or computer, open the WiFi settings. You will see a list of available networks. Select the network name you created, enter the password you set, and wait for the device to connect. The device should show a WiFi icon once it is connected.
If a device will not connect, make sure you are typing the password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters are different. If you are still stuck, restart the device and try again. If the device is very old, it may not support the WiFi standard your router uses; in that case, check your router manual to see if it has an older WiFi mode you can enable.
For devices that need a wired connection (like a desktop computer or a printer), use an ethernet cable to plug them directly into one of the numbered ports on the back of the router. These devices will connect automatically without needing a password.
Understanding internet speed and what affects it
The speed of your internet connection is determined by your ISP's plan, not by your router. If you pay for 100 Mbps (megabits per second), that is the maximum speed your connection can deliver, regardless of whether you have a $50 router or a $300 router. A better router will not make a slow plan faster.
What a better router can do is distribute that speed more evenly across multiple devices. If you have many devices connected at once, a cheap router may slow down more noticeably than an expensive one. For most homes with a few devices, the router your ISP provides is sufficient.
Internet speed also depends on distance and obstacles. Devices far from the router or separated by thick walls will have weaker signals and slower speeds than devices close by. If you need faster speeds in a distant room, you can buy a WiFi extender or a mesh WiFi system, which uses multiple small routers to cover your whole home. But again, these do not increase your plan's speed — they just distribute the speed you already have more evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need both a modem and a router?
Yes. The modem receives the signal from your ISP and converts it into a form your devices can use. The router takes that signal and broadcasts it wirelessly to your devices. Some ISPs provide a combined modem-router unit, but it still performs both functions. You cannot connect to the internet with only one or the other.
What if I move to a new home?
Contact your ISP and ask them to move your service to the new address. They will tell you whether the new location is in their service area and what speeds are available there. If you own your modem and router, you can take them with you as long as they are compatible with your ISP's network at the new address. If you are renting equipment, the ISP will arrange to pick it up from your old home and deliver new equipment to your new one.
Can I use the same router with a different ISP?
Yes, routers are not tied to a specific ISP. Modems are — you will need a new modem compatible with your new ISP's network type. But your router will work with any ISP. This is one reason buying your own router can save money over time if you switch providers.
Why does my internet slow down when multiple people use it?
Your ISP plan has a maximum speed, and that speed is shared among all devices using the network at the same time. If one person is downloading a large file while another is streaming video, they are both using part of that shared speed. This is normal and expected. If slowdowns happen even when only one device is active, contact your ISP to check whether the connection is working properly.
Is it safe to use the default router password?
No. The default password is the same on every router of that model, and anyone nearby can look it up online. Changing it to a strong, unique password is essential. This is the first security step you should take after any router is installed.