How to get Wi-Fi at home in 4 simple steps

Internet, Home | 8 March 2019

Wireless internet connectivity, known as Wi-Fi, is an amazing innovation. Without Wi-Fi, your home internet connection is confined to devices that can connect to your modem with a LAN cable.

You’re also limited by the length of that cable – if you need to carry your laptop into the next room, you have to unplug it and lose your internet connection. But with Wi-Fi, your entire home is blanketed in fast, reliable wireless internet coverage. Having Wi-Fi at home is a huge advantage.

If getting Wi-Fi set up at home seems mysterious or too technical for you, never fear! Here’s our short guide to doing this in 4 simple steps.

Step 1: Buy a wireless router

The first step to enabling Wi-Fi at home is to get a wireless router if you don’t have one already.

In the old days, your broadband modem and your wireless router were always separate devices. Your ISP supplied the modem, and you headed down to the local electronics store to buy the router. But today, most ISPs offer a combination device that is both a modem and a wireless router.

At MATE we let you bring your own modem and wireless router, but if you prefer, you can add on our preconfigured nbn-ready modem for just $149. This modem has wireless capability built right in. The best part? It’s preconfigured, meaning you can skip steps 2 through 4!

Step 2: Connect your wireless router

(If you have a combination device as described in step 1, skip this step.)
It’s time to connect your wireless router to your broadband modem (sometimes called an internet gateway). Broadband modems have a variety of looks to them, but every single model will have a

LAN port. If you’ve already been using wired internet, this is the port your LAN cable is already plugged into. If you see more than one LAN port, look for a label of “OUT” or “to router” on one of them.

Once you locate the LAN port on your modem or gateway, plug in one end of a LAN cable to the modem and the other end into the “IN” port on your wireless router. Make sure both devices are connected to power as well. Wait a couple of minutes for the devices to boot, then proceed to step 3.

Step 3: Configure your wireless network

The exact steps for configuring your wireless network are different for every brand. So, compare this general guide with the instructions that come with your wireless router.
Start by connecting to your wireless gateway, either by plugging your computer into a spare LAN port on the device or by connecting to the default network name (included either on the device o in your documentation).

Then, sign in to your router following the included instructions (often this involves typing an IP address like 192.168.0.1 into your web browser’s address bar). Change the network name if you like, and be sure to set a memorable yet secure password. If given the choice, choose WPA2 encryption, which is the most secure. Be sure to hit “Save” before exiting.

Step 4: Connect!

Disconnect the LAN cable from your computer, and search for Wi-Fi networks. Choose the one you just configured, enter your password, and that’s it! Then, try navigating to a familiar webpage like Google or MATE to test your connection.

And that’s it! You should be in business now. If not, it’s time to contact your friendly neighbourhood tech support (that’s us!). Give us a call to help solve any troubles you’re having.