If you’re like most Americans, you have a setup for Internet and cable in your home. How else would you be able to connect your wireless devices to the world wide web? In fact, products such as iPods, Macs, iPads, Apple watches, and iPhones were owned by 64% of Americans in 2017. But is it time to install a new system? Here are some pros and cons for a do-it-yourself network installation.
1. Costs
If you decide to take on your network installation, whether it is a 500 ft Ethernet cable, a 75 ft Ethernet cable, or bulk fiber optic cables, you will save yourself the cost of having a professional come to your home and do the installation. However, you will probably have to purchase an installation kit, which costs money. And if there is a problem that comes up, you will be on your own.
2. Scheduling
Arranging to have a technician come to your home and do a network installation is not an easy process. There are limited appointment times, and limited days during the week that the company may be able to come to your neighborhood. Often it is extremely inconvenient to have a professional come to the house and do an installation. It may even require you to miss work, or to let the technician in unaccompanied or unsupervised. However, if you are a do-it-yourselfer who knows what to do with a 500 ft Ethernet cable, for instance, and you can do the network installation on your own, then you can decide what a convenient time is. Then, it can be done when you want it done, and when you have time to do it yourself.
3. Owning/Renting Equipment
If you decide to do your own installation, you will be able to purchase the equipment that you need based on the requirements of your household. Don’t need a 500 ft Ethernet cable? Then you don’t have to buy one. In addition, you will not have any monthly payments and you will keep the equipment for yourself. However, this is possibly a bit more expensive up front since you have to pay for the equipment yourself. Also, further down the road, it could be a little bit more difficult to get technical support appointments because many internet and cable companies are reluctant to repair equipment that they have not installed themselves.
4. Upgrades
Most of the time with an internet and cable company, upgrades are done as part of the service. However, if you install your own network connection, any upgrades that you are interested in will be entirely up to you. This may result in incurring extra costs. And as previously mentioned, it may be much more difficult to get tech support.
So, if you’re at the point where you’re shopping for a new Internet service provider, you have two choices for installation. You can either do it yourself, or you can have a professional from your service provider do the installation. Maybe you are a pretty good do-it-yourselfer and think you can tackle a network installation. Great, then, go ahead and good luck. Many folks do installations using a surge protection service, power lightning cables, or even cell phone cables successfully. But, if the prospect of a 500 ft Ethernet cable seems a bit daunting to you, you may be wise to call and have a professional do the installation for you.
