When you go to buy an internet service, you get the option to choose between two types of installations, at least with some plans. These two types of installation are pro-installation and self-installation. If you don’t get the option to choose, maybe the provider just doesn’t offer these with particular plans or all their plans. However, when presented with this choice, which one should you select?

No doubt it is tricky to install and set up the internet all by yourself, however, it is possible to simplify the process by providing a step-by-step guide. Additionally, it can also help to save up on some of the hefty installation costs. So, for today, this is what we plan on doing. Firstly, we will go through some differences in the installation techniques and we will also check out some pros and cons. Then, we will look at the equipment needed for self-installation!

How to Self-Install the Internet?

All providers do not operate in the same way. Hence, the connections you have to make or the equipment you get, all of these will be different as well. When you choose a self-installation option with your internet plan, you will get all the equipment and a set of instructions for the self-installation. Thus, you will know exactly what to do. 

Here, we will be talking about the basic set of instructions for self-installation. So, go on and take a look!

1. Unpack your router or gateway and plug it into a power source. 
2. Next, plug your modem into a phone jack if your internet type is DSL. Plug it into a coaxial jack if the internet type is cable. Plug it into an Ethernet jack if the internet type is fiber. 
3. Then, plug your DSL or cable modem into the router with an Ethernet cable. This step applies if you have a modem, but if you have a gateway, skip this step and continue to the next one.
4. Place your router or gateway away from any electronic devices like microwaves, walls, bulky furniture, etc. to prevent weak Wi-Fi signals. Try to keep it in a centrally placed location.
5. Once everything has been set up, check if the router or gateway is functioning properly. The light labeled as WAN, Internet, or with a globe icon, is typically indicating the status of your internet connection. Check if the light is stable or blinking. That’s how you’ll know it’s working.
6. Connect your devices to the Wi-Fi by looking for your network name and adding in the password. The password will be printed on your router or on the box it came in. You can change it later on if you wish.

What is Better: Self-Installation or Pro Installation?

So, which option would you select and why? What benefits are you getting from the option you choose? What made you choose one and not the other? You might not be able to answer these questions now, but once you have finished reading this section, you will definitely be able to. So, let’s take a look at the difference and the pros and cons of these two options. 

Pro-Installation

Pro-installation is done by a technician or an expert employed by your service provider. With pro-installation, you will have to pay for the equipment cost and the service cost too. However, once the internet has been installed and everything is set up, you will enjoy a great internet experience and you didn’t really have to do anything either (other than making the payment, of course)!

So, the pros and cons of pro-installation are:

Pros

• No technical knowledge is required
• Technician handles everything

Cons

• Installation price is high
• Appointment times might be inconvenient

Self-Installation

With self-installation, you will receive a self-installation kit with all the equipment and a guidebook or a list of instructions. You can follow these instructions and install and set up your internet connection. If you choose self-installation, you only have to pay for the equipment and not the service fee. Depending on the providers, you might have to pay some additional amount, however, it is nowhere nearly as much as with pro-installation.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of self-installation:

Pros

• No or lower installation fees
• No need to take appointments

Cons

• Technical knowledge is required
• In case of any issue, you are on your own

What Equipment is Needed to Self-Install?

As we have mentioned before, the equipment and costs for every provider differ. However, some things might just be the same like the modem (only if you’re renting one from your ISP) and the cables. So, when you order a self-install kit, you will basically get these things:

• Modem/gateway
• Coaxial cable
• Ethernet cable
• Power cord
• A guidebook

Xfinity is one of the providers that offer self-installation kits. The best thing about Xfinity self-installation kits is that you can find multiple resources and guides online. So, if you ever get stuck, you can always check online or otherwise, place a call to Xfinity customer service or head out to https://www.buytvinternetphone.com/xfinity/es/servicio-al-cliente for help. Similarly, other providers offer their own form of help and support for people choosing self-installation as well!

In Review

Self-installation comes with its own benefits whereas pro-installation also comes with some of its own perks. It is impossible to say which is better than which. Instead of choosing one based on which is better, it would be more appropriate to choose one based on what you’re comfortable with. 

If you are confident enough that you can manage self-installation, then go ahead! But, if you feel like you might not understand what to do yourself and you don’t mind the extra cost as long as it is set up properly, then you can choose pro-installation.