This is how to self install RCN internet in your home.
You will need an RCN modem, a computer, and the connection and power cables included in your RCN self-installation kit.
To install RCN internet yourself, you’ll need to connect the RCN modem to the computer, plug in the modem, and turn it on. Once your modem is connected, the second part of the installation process is activating your RCN internet service. To activate internet service, open a browser and follow the directions that appear.
See below for more detailed RCN internet self-installation instructions.
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When you first purchase RCN, you elect to either self-install or have a technician visit your home. If you choose the former, the equipment will be sent to your home, or you can pick it up at a local payment center.
1. Check the equipment
When you receive your RCN equipment, you should double-check it—just as you would when receiving your food at the Arby’s drive-through window. Make sure the RCN package contains all the requested items, including a modem, a router (or modem and router Wi-Fi gateway), a self-installation guide, and all the necessary cords and adapters. Also, find the packing slip and never let it go—you’ll need it while activating your account for the first time.
Looking to purchase your own modem and router?
If you’d rather purchase your own equipment than rent RCN’s provided modem and router, our experts put together some recommendations for you. But before you buy one, just be sure it’s compatible with RCN by checking the tech specs:
2. Find the sweet spot
Before you pull everything out of the box, figure out where you want to plug in the modem. You should look for a centralized location; it will help transmit the Wi-Fi signal throughout the home.
3. Connect the power cord
Connect the power cord to the modem and plug the power cord into a wall socket.
4. Turn off the computer
Turn off the computer or laptop you’ll be using to set up the internet. This is simply a precaution to avoid complications with the initial installation and account activation.
5. Connect the Ethernet cable
With the computer still off, plug the Ethernet cable into the modem’s Ethernet port. The port will either be labeled “Ethernet” or color-coded to match the cable. Now connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the computer’s Ethernet port.
6. Turn on the computer
Turn on the computer to initiate the modem’s search for the RCN network. Be patient as the search can take a few minutes.
7. Wait for the lights
Before attempting to activate your RCN account, you should wait for the lights to turn a steady color. This will prevent hiccups in the activation process later on.
If the lights on the modem or router turn on, you can now activate RCN internet service. Follow these steps to successfully activate your account.
The RCN-supplied modem or router is typically a Linksys model, so RCN has provided its own instructions for updating the router’s settings. If you use your own modem, you will want to find its instruction manual. While the steps usually follow a similar pattern, the starting point often differs. Some modems use a web interface while others, like the Linksys, recommend using the Cisco Connect software to simplify setup and management.
In some instances, you will want to use the browser interface. It houses a couple of advanced features not available in Cisco Connect. You also can use the interface to make simple changes, but the Linksys manual warns that using it might interfere with running Cisco Connect later on. To use the web interface, follow these seven steps.
Self-installing internet service can fell even the mightiest of technophiles. Fortunately, help is available with this short list of common issues and solutions. If these solutions fail to solve your problem, contact RCN Customer Support at 1-800-746-4726 or use the online chat. The ISP is relatively good about answering customer questions on social media, too.
Problem: The modem’s indicator lights never turned on.
Problem: The internet is sluggish.
Problem: My streaming videos are choppy.
Problem: I can’t connect to the internet.
You face a tough decision when deciding whether to self-install or to let the professionals do the work. RCN often offers a free installation service via a promo code. Setting that factor aside, self-installation could still prove to be the more efficient and convenient choice.