Congratulations! You have recently acquired a modem and are now prepared to realize cost reductions on your monthly cable payment. (If you are still renting, you should stop! Here you can choose the ideal modem and router for your needs and solution of how to setup a Netgear cable modem.)
Although it may appear difficult (especially for those unfamiliar with the technology), upgrading your existing rental modem is relatively simple. It takes only a few minutes to complete.
So, how exactly do I configure and turn on a modem?
First things first: if your WiFi still needs to be built into your modem, you will need to configure your router before you can get started.
For everyone else, here is a step-by-step guide to setting up and activating your modem in five easy steps:
Get the information ready for your modem.
Before you start the netgear cable modem router setup, it is helpful to prepare all the information your internet service provider will require to configure and activate your new modem swiftly. This information can be found in the documentation that came with your modem.
Collect the following data and keep it close by so you can use it in the next steps:
MAC Address (MAC ID)
This is a one-of-a-kind string with 12 characters and identifies your modem. Most cable service providers will ask you for your modem’s unique MAC ID before allowing you to sign up for their service.
It is printed on a sticker that is attached to your modem device:
Your device may contain more than one instance of a MAC address. For example, modems used for telephony will have an eMTA MAC address, while modems used for WiFi will have a WLAN MAC address. You will need to use the MAC address or the CMAC address (Cable).
Serial Number (S/N)
In most cases, the only piece of information required by cable providers is the MAC address, however, some Internet service providers (ISPs) may additionally ask for the device’s serial number. This is typically found close to the MAC address and may be denoted by serial, S/N, or SN labels.
Your account number with your Internet service provider
This account ID allows your internet service provider to identify you as a user of their service. Your most recent billing statement should contain your account ID for easy access. Because some Internet service providers can now look up your account information using your name, address, and the last four digits of your social security number, this step may no longer be necessary.
Unplug the Existing Modem and Plug in the New One
You will need to change the ethernet and coaxial cables on your existing rental equipment to be compatible with the modem you just bought.
Verify that you can access the internet.
Typical modems feature the following five lights:
When you first connect your device and setup the Netgear cable modem, you will see that several lights are flashing… then they will all go off except for the light that says “Power.”
They will begin to blink one by one and then become solid in succession.
As soon as the “Online” or “Internet” light remains lit (or is a solid shade of green), you are reliably connected to the internet!
Turn on your brand-new modem.
At this point, most internet service providers will demand that you activate the new device by using the information you gathered in step 1.
Some may ask you to give them a call, while others will direct you to an online activation page.
You should be able to use your brand-new device to navigate the internet at this point.
At this moment, you are welcome to connect your router to obtain a WiFi connection.
If your modem comes with built-in WiFi, you should be able to connect to the network by entering the credentials printed on the sticker or in the instruction manual with your modem.
Return your rented modem equipment
Your cable payment can be reduced once you have completed the final stage: return any rental equipment.
You can return your old modem by mailing it using a pre-paid shipping label or bringing it in person to a local office, but this will depend on the service provider you use.
Please note that we recommend you return it in person and obtain a receipt as proof of return whenever possible. Because of this, any problems that could arise with misplaced equipment or incorrect billing statements will be avoided.
Check the following month’s statement for a possible discount.
You should be finished from a practical standpoint, but there have been many instances where the internet service provider failed to remove the rental price from the monthly account.
You must examine the extra fee added to your subsequent few statements to ensure that it has been removed.
Call your cable provider and explain the situation of netgear modem setup and if the price is still included in the bill. If you returned the gadget to them in person, they would need to see verification that it was returned.
That wraps it up!
You should now enjoy speedier internet while seeing a reduction in the cost of your monthly cable subscription. How about trying to negotiate a lower price on your cable bill to save even more money each month?
sanchitkaushal754
Sanchit Kaushal is the Co-Founder of Network Solution, a content creation company. He’s been a content marketer for over 5 years and writes for Tech, Entrepreneur, Inc and many other blogging and publications website strategy.
