Do I need a modem and/or wireless router?

Question

I am moving into an apartment complex for college. The complex provides internet services and connection, but I'm afraid I'll have a slow connection due to so many other people also trying to connect to the internet.

What can I do to ensure that I'll have quick and easy internet access?

Is a modem or router necessary, and if so how do I set them up to connect to the internet services provided in my apartment complex?

Please help! I'd prefer not to fail due poor internet connection keeping me from doing my research.

Answer 1

Ask the landlord. If they provide actual Internet, it would probably be an Ethernet jack, or maybe WiFi.

All you would need would be an Ethernet cable.



If you wanted to have multiple devices, and there was only one jack, you might need a NAT router, or maybe just a switch. It depends how many devices they'd let you connect, which is limited by their addressing policy, not the number of outlets.



If they provide cable TV, you could get a cable modem contract yourself I presume

Answer 2

Most places ive seen/lived in send the internet wirelessly through the apartments own modem and router. i would call and check before you go out and spend any money.

If they say you do need to connect it yourself then you will have to go out and buy a modem and router, connect the modem to a cable jack coming from the wall and then connect the modem to the router with a network cable(in box).



Or if you don't want wireless internet then you can simply connect the modem to your computer with a network cable.



But like i said they probably send you the wifi with their own equipment.

Answer 3

I will prefer you to buy high end router which comes with USB port the high end routers will provide u good range and will be easy to use but as you said it will be used by many people so if network is down then you can use your 3G data card to have fast internet



:)

Answer 4

If you can afford you can buy your own router and connect your wifi with it with password so no one else can use it.

else you can also get some powerful wifi device on your laptop so it can get maximum frequency for you