How to Connect Laptop to Broadband in NZ

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You've signed up with a reliable internet service provider and got a broadband connection set up in your new home. Now, you're wondering how to access the fast internet connection you were promised on your laptop.

There are several ways to do this; we'll show you the most common ways how to connect your laptop to broadband.

How Can I Connect My Laptop to Broadband?

Usually, connecting wirelessly to your network is the way to go. Click the network icon in your taskbar, click Wi-Fi to reveal a list of available wireless networks, and then connect to yours. First-time connections require you to input the password provided by your internet service provider. You can also use an ethernet cable or a mobile hotspot.

What Are The Different Ways to Connect My Laptop to Broadband?

We'll list the most common methods to provide alternatives if you face issues accessing your broadband connection.

Wireless Connection

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This is the most common way Kiwis connect to the internet. Even though you'll have several broadband types to choose from, they're all nearly identical in their function.

Most broadband providers will provide, install, and configure your wireless router as part of your subscription.

They'll also explain your internet plan in a written contract. This is important: this contract includes your wireless network's Service Set Identifier (SSID) and password. They should also be on a sticker on your router. By the way, the SSID is your network's name.

Do the following once you obtain both:

1. Click the network icon in the notification area. It's symbolised by Wi-Fi bars.
2. Click "Wi-Fi" to reveal a list of available networks.
3. Look for yours. By default, it should partly carry your router model's name. For example, "Technicolor" followed by a string of numbers.
4. Click "Connect" and input the password provided by your ISP.
5. A pop-up will ask whether your connection is private or public. For residential and work office settings, pick "Private."
6. Check "Connect Automatically" for convenience, but only if it's a private network.

You can also do this from Settings > Network and Internet > Wi-Fi > Show Available Networks on Windows 10 and 11. There's also a network symbol on the macOS taskbar; the procedure is the same as on Windows.

You'll have to manually add your Wi-Fi if it's hidden from the list. Some people prefer to have their wireless network hidden for privacy purposes. Here's how:

1. You'll see "Hidden Network" in the list of available networks if there's a hidden one.
2. Click on it. This time, you'll be asked to confirm its SSID first. You can find it on a sticker on your wireless broadband router or your contract.
3. Next, input your network's password.

Wired Connection

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Although it'll limit your portability, your internet speed and latency can be improved if you use an ethernet cable.

Connect one end of your ethernet cable to your router's LAN port, then connect the other end to your laptop's ethernet port.

Mobile Data

You can use a broadband connection on your laptop through the cellular data provided by your carrier.

Mobile Hotspotting

Mobile broadband is also a thing; your mobile device can help you connect your laptop to the internet using cellular data. You'll need a data plan from a carrier; we can show you how to connect your mobile to broadband.

Here's how:

1. Go to your phone's settings
2. Click "Portable Hotspot"
3. Click "Set-Up Portable Hotspot"
4. Change your hotspot's SSID and password to your liking
5. Activate portable hotspot

Your phone will now appear in your laptop's Wi-Fi networks list; it'll use its cellular data to access the internet. You can also enable a mobile hotspot from your notification area once you configure it for the first time.

Remember that data depletes quickly, so consider setting a data limit.

On iPhone devices, "Portable Hotspot" is labelled as "Personal Hotspot."

USB Tethering

Some mobile devices, including iPhones, support USB tethering. You can share your mobile data with your laptop using a USB cable. Here's how:

1. Connect your phone and laptop using a USB cable
2. Go to "Settings"
3. Go to "Personal Hotspot"
4. Activate USB Tethering

These steps will differ depending on your smartphone's brand and model slightly.

Mi-Fi Device

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Some Mi-Fis can be a temporary broadband solution thanks to their portability. They're portable Wi-Fi routers that use a SIM card with a data plan. They support different types of cellular networks and create a mobile hotspot in an area.

One thing to mind is that Mi-Fis are susceptible to the same problems smartphones face: your internet quality and speed are influenced by the availability of the network in your area. They don't work too well in remote locations.

Here's how to set it up:

1. Buy a Mi-Fi device. It should be compatible with your SIM card and data plan.
2. Install the battery and SIM card. Not all Mi-Fi devices have batteries; some must be plugged into your wall outlet.
3. Charge the Mi-Fi device using the provided USB cable or power adapter.
4. Turn on your Mi-Fi device. Activation can take time.
5. Connect your laptop using Wi-Fi. You'll find the Mi-Fi device's name on your list of available networks. Its SSID and password should be printed on the device itself.

Configuring Wi-Fi and Mi-Fi

You can configure your router or Mi-Fi device by accessing its admin page from your internet browser. Enter its IP address in your address bar to do so. The IP address is 192.168.1.1, and "admin" is the login credentials in most cases.

Don't modify any settings you're not familiar with. If you deactivate your wireless router's "Access Point," you'll need an ethernet cable to connect to it again.

Conclusion

Connecting your laptop to broadband is straightforward. You can connect wirelessly by accessing your Wi-Fi settings and entering your network password, or use an ethernet cable for a faster and more stable connection.

You can also share your phone's cellular data or use a Mi-Fi device if you have a SIM card with a data plan. And don't forget to configure your Wi-Fi network; changing its name and password is necessary.