How should I set up my home network, from scratch?

Setting up a home network might sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re moving into a new place or upgrading your current setup, having a reliable internet connection and strong Wi-Fi throughout your home is essential. This guide from Google Keith will walk you through the process step by step – no technical background required.

Let’s get started with some practical tech tips and a clear how-to guide to help you build a home network that works for your needs.

Understand Your Internet Needs

Before buying any equipment or plugging in cables, take a moment to think about how you use the internet at home.

Ask yourself:

How many people will be using the internet?
Do you stream movies or play online games?
Do you work from home or attend video meetings?
Do you have smart devices like thermostats, cameras, or lights?

These questions help determine the internet speed and type of connection you’ll need. For example:

Basic use (email, browsing): 25 Mbps may be enough.
Streaming and video calls: 100–300 Mbps is better.
Gaming or smart homes: 500 Mbps or more is ideal.

Check with local internet service providers (ISPs) to see what plans are available in your area.

Choose the Right Equipment

To get online, you’ll need two main devices: a modem and a router.

What’s the difference?

Modem: Connects your home to the internet through your ISP.
Router: Distributes the internet connection to your devices, either through Wi-Fi or Ethernet cables.

Some ISPs provide a combined modem/router unit, but buying your own can give you better performance and save rental fees.

Equipment options:

Separate modem and router: Offers more flexibility and better performance.
Mesh Wi-Fi system: Great for larger homes or places with Wi-Fi dead zones.
Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E routers: Provide faster speeds and better support for multiple devices.

Look for routers with easy-to-use apps for setup and management – perfect for beginners.

Plan Your Network Layout

Where you place your equipment matters. A poorly placed router can lead to weak signals and frustration.

Placement tips:

Put your router in a central location, away from walls and metal objects.
Avoid placing it near microwaves, cordless phones, or thick concrete.
Keep it elevated – on a shelf or table, not the floor.

If you have a large home or thick walls, consider using:

Mesh Wi-Fi nodes to extend coverage
Ethernet cables for devices that need stable connections (like gaming consoles or desktop PCs)

Set Up Your Hardware

Once you’ve got your modem and router, it’s time to connect everything.

Step-by-step:

Connect the modem to the wall outlet using the coaxial or DSL cable.
Plug the modem into a power outlet and wait for it to fully power up.
Connect the router to the modem using an Ethernet cable (usually provided).
Plug in the router and wait for the lights to stabilize.

Most modern routers come with a mobile app or web interface. Follow the instructions to:

Name your Wi-Fi network (SSID)
Set a strong password
Choose a secure encryption method (WPA2 or WPA3)

This is where Google Keith‘s how-to guides can be especially helpful – check the site for router-specific setup tips.

Secure Your Network

Security is one of the most important parts of setting up your home network. A few simple steps can protect your data and devices.

Key security tips:

Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption (avoid WEP – it’s outdated and insecure)
Change the default admin username and password for your router
Create a guest network for visitors so they don’t access your main devices
Turn off remote management unless you need it

These tech tips help keep your home network safe from unwanted access.

Optimize for Performance

Once your network is up and running, you can make a few tweaks to improve speed and reliability.

Try these:

Update your router’s firmware regularly (check the app or web interface)
Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize important traffic (like video calls or gaming)
Limit the number of connected devices if your router is older
Use Ethernet for devices that don’t need to move around

If you notice slow speeds in certain rooms, a mesh system or Wi-Fi extender can help.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even the best home networks can run into problems. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

Problem: Internet is slow

Restart your modem and router
Check for firmware updates
Run a speed test to see if your ISP is delivering what you’re paying for

Problem: Wi-Fi drops in certain rooms

Move your router to a better location
Add a mesh node or extender
Reduce interference from other electronics

Problem: Devices won’t connect

Make sure you’re using the correct Wi-Fi password
Restart the device and router
Check if MAC address filtering is enabled (and disable it if needed)

If problems persist, contact your ISP – they may be able to help or replace faulty equipment.

Maintain and Monitor Your Network

A well-maintained network runs better and lasts longer. Here’s how to keep things running smoothly:

Ongoing maintenance:

Reboot your router once a month (some routers let you schedule this automatically)
Monitor connected devices using your router’s app
Change your Wi-Fi password every 6–12 months
Check for firmware updates every few months

Some routers even send alerts if something unusual happens – another reason to choose one with a good app.

Keep Your Connection Strong

Setting up a home network from scratch doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right equipment, a little planning, and the help of how-to guides like this one from Google Keith, you can enjoy fast, secure, and reliable internet throughout your home.

Whether you’re streaming your favorite shows, working from home, or just browsing the web, a solid home network makes everything easier. Bookmark this guide, explore more tech tips on Google Keith, and take control of your home internet setup with confidence.