RCN Self-Installation Guide

How to self-install RCN internet

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.

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.

How to activate your RCN account

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.

1. Open your favorite web browser. The browser will automatically redirect you to the RCN setup page.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions and prompts. Most of the information you’ll need to enter can be found on the RCN packing slip.
3. Save your changes. If you make any changes to the network name or password, save them before closing out of the browser.
4. Reboot the modem. To reboot it, turn off the computer and unplug the modem’s power supply. Next, reconnect the power cord and turn on the computer.
5. Open a browser to confirm the internet works as promised and expected.

How to change your modem’s settings

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.

1. Install the Cisco Connect software provided with your RCN modem or router.
2. Open Cisco Connect.
3. Click “change” underneath Router Settings.
4. Next, click “change” in the Personalize section.
5. A warning appears on the screen. Accept it to continue onward.
6. Enter the new router name (SSID) and password.
7. Click “change” to save the new settings.
8. Update devices with the new router name and password.

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.

1. Open a web browser.
2. Input 192.168.1.1.
3. If the numerical address doesn’t go anywhere, try myrouter.local.
4. You will be asked to enter a username and password. If you didn’t change these when first using Cisco Connect, the username and password are “admin.”
5. The main menu opens. Once here, you can change the username, password, and other settings, including guest networks and security protocols.
6. Save any changes you make and close out the browser.
7. If you change the username and password, update your wireless devices with the new information.

How to solve common self-installation challenges

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.

1. You likely have a loose cable or power issue.
2. Check the wall outlet. It could be one with an “on/off” switch. If it is, confirm the switch is “on.” If the power still doesn’t kick in, try plugging the cord into a different electrical socket.
3. Check the Ethernet cable. It could have jiggled loose during setup or during a cat’s jaunt behind the desk or shelf.

Problem: The internet is sluggish.

1. You should first run a speed test. You’ll want to hardwire the internet connection in for this step because RCN’s demonstrated speeds are based on wired connections, not wireless.
2. If you pass the speed test, the issue could be the modem’s location or the number of devices connected to the network.
3. Try moving the modem or router to a more centralized location, such as one where the majority of your devices live.
4. Hardwire a couple of your devices to reduce the load on the Wi-Fi. Some options include a DVR or gaming system, which typically run better when plugged into a dedicated Ethernet port anyway. And as they perform better, so will your other devices.

Problem: My streaming videos are choppy.

1. Your problem could be the equipment or bandwidth.
2. Check your computers and devices to see if they can handle the internet speeds provided by RCN.
3. Check the modem or router. If it isn’t using DOCSIS 3.0 or higher, you will experience latency and other performance issues.
4. If you own the latest equipment, the issue likely is bandwidth related. You should find the device that’s hogging the internet and hardwire it in. This should deliver a clear, smooth stream.

Problem: I can’t connect to the internet.

1. Your best bet is to power-cycle the modem or router. Rebooting it flushes out the system and resets connection settings.
2. If the reboot doesn’t work, contact Customer Support.

Choosing the best RCN-compatible modem

If you want to save money on rental fees, you will want to “bring your own modem.” The challenge, however, arises in selecting one that’s compatible. RCN’s 1 Gigabit internet requires the use of its DOCSIS 3.1 modem alone. RCN’s other internet packages demonstrate more leeway. They only demand that the modem or router be DOCSIS 3.0 certified and feature at least twenty-four downstream channels and eight upstream channels.

How to set up an appointment with a RCN

Setting up an installation appointment with RCN is easy, thanks to its 24/7 customer service. To reach the department, call 1-800-746-4726. Questions specific to your installation should be directed to 1-866-832-4726.