Internet basics

Learn how to choose an internet provider, set up your WiFi network at home, and protect it from online dangers.

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Set Up Your Network Safely

Having your own WiFi network at home has become essential these days. Setting it up by yourself and keeping it safe is surprisingly easy if you know how. Use the information on this page to enjoy your network without worries.

Source: Federal Trade Commission
Source: Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

Choosing a Provider & Plan

Choosing a Provider & Plan

Looking for an internet service provider (ISP) can seem overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to know what you need first. For instance, if you only need to check emails and read the news, a plan with a lower internet speed is enough. However, if you have a family with multiple devices at the same time to stream movies, make video calls, use social media, and more, you’ll need more internet speed.

Once you know which speed is right for you, compare the plans offered by the internet service providers in your area. Choose the plan you like best.

Here is a list of internet service providers currently servicing areas of Hennepin County:

  • USI Fiber Internet
  • Xfinity
  • PCs for People
  • Frontier
  • Century Link
  • T-Mobile
  • AT&T
  • Verizon

Disclaimer: Hennepin County does not sponsor nor is it directly affiliated with any of these providers.

Set up Your Internet at Home

How to set up your home internet depends on your provider. But in general, it’s easy, and you can do it yourself.

  • Get a router (usually provided by your ISP)
  • Connect the router to the telephone and electric outlets.
  • Turn on the router and go to the router’s setup page or app.
  • Follow the instructions, name your Wi-Fi network, and set a strong password.
  • Connect your devices to the network and test the internet.
  • Take protective measures like installing a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which is a tool that hides your online activity. Learn more about VPNs here.

Important Note: Every provider has a specific setup process. Follow their instructions carefully.

Protect Your Home Network

When setting up your WiFi network, make sure it’s as secure as possible. Here are a few steps everyone can take:

  • Change your router’s default password: Use a strong, unique password for the admin login.
  • Use a strong Wi-Fi password: Avoid names, birthdays, or dictionary words. Find more password tips here.
  • Turn on your router’s security setting (WPA3 or WPA2): This helps keep your Wi-Fi traffic secure.
  • Keep your router’s firmware updated: Updates fix security holes.
  • Turn off remote management: This prevents access to your router from outside your network.
  • Disable WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup): This feature can be exploited by hackers.
  • Name your network (SSID) wisely: Don’t reveal your address or personal info in the name.
  • Use a guest network for visitors: This helps keep your main devices separate from those of your guests.
  • Unplug or power down your router when away for long periods: No access means no hacking.
  • Back up important files: Just in case malware or ransomware slips through.
Internet Speed – What's Mbps?

Mbps means how fast your internet moves information between your device and the internet. It’s usually measured in Mbps (megabits per second), which tells you how many bits of data are transferred each second.

Higher Mbps = faster loading, streaming, and downloads.

Lower Mbps = slower performance, especially if multiple devices are online.

Example:

  • For a single person who mostly checks email and watches HD videos, 25 Mbps is usually enough.
  • A family of four who stream movies, play online games, and make video calls at the same time may need 200 Mbps or more.
Cable vs Fiber vs Satellite vs Fixed Wireless

There are three types of internet available today. Cable internet is the most common type and handles standard everyday internet use well. Fiber internet is a new data highway designed for high-speed and high-performance. Your location may have cable, fiber, or both options available. In rural areas where neither is available, internet service can be provided by satellite or fixed wireless setups.

Cable Internet

  • Technology: Uses coaxial cables originally designed for cable television.
  • Speed: Typically offers download speeds of several hundred Mbps; upload speeds are generally lower than download speeds.
  • Reliability: Performance may vary during peak times when many households in the same area are online.
  • Best for: Average households with multiple people streaming, browsing, and gaming at the same time.
  • Availability: Widely available across the state


Fiber Internet

  • Technology: Uses fiber-optic cables that transmit data as light signals.
  • Speed: Can provide symmetrical upload and download speeds, often reaching 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) or higher.
  • Reliability: Less affected by peak usage, distance, or weather, though availability depends on local infrastructure.
  • Best for: Households with heavy internet use, such as multiple people working from home, streaming, or using connected devices simultaneously.
  • Availability: Available to approximately 67% of households


Satellite Internet

  • Technology: Uses satellites in the Earth’s orbit to send and receive data via a dish at the customer’s location.
  • Speed: Typically offers download speeds from 25 Mbps to 250 Mbps, depending on the provider.
  • Reliability: Can be affected by weather conditions, and latency is generally higher due to the long distance signals travel.
  • Best for: Areas without access to cable or fiber, supporting basic browsing, streaming, and communication for small households.
  • Availability: Covers rural areas


Fixed Wireless Internet

  • Technology: Delivers internet via radio signals from a nearby tower to an antenna installed at the customer’s location.
  • Speed: Typically ranges from 50 Mbps to 250 Mbps, depending on your provider and the distance to the tower.
  • Reliability: The signal can be slowed down if trees, buildings, or bad weather conditions block it. But it’s usually more reliable than satellite internet.
  • Best for: People in rural or small-town areas who don’t have access to cable or fiber but are within range of a radio tower.
  • Availability: Becoming more common in rural areas as providers build more towers.
Provider Scams

Scammers call, text, or leave a message pretending to be your TV, cable, or internet provider. They say you can get a lower monthly bill — but only if you “prepay” part of it now. They tell you to buy gift cards and give them the card numbers over the phone. Once you do, they take your money and may also steal your personal information.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

  • Don’t share personal or payment details with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly: If they demand information, hang up — it’s a scam.
  • Ignore caller ID: Scammers can fake it to look like a trusted company.
  • Never call back numbers from unsolicited calls, texts, or emails: Always use your provider’s official customer service number.
  • Real companies will never ask you to pay with gift cards. Gift cards are for gifts, not payments. If someone demands gift cards, it’s a scam.
  • Be alert for “prepayment” offers that promise lower monthly bills. If there are upfront fees, legitimate providers will clearly disclose them and offer payment options.

Always report scams to the FTC so they can warn others and investigate: ReportFraud.ftc.gov