Wi-Fi and Internet Setup

Rahul moves into his rented flat and calls an internet provider to install a new Wi-Fi connection, then troubleshoots a router issue.

Meanings in Rahul, Customer care executive, Technician

Key words and phrases

internet connectiona link that allows a device to access the internetHe requested a new internet connection for his flat.

routera device that distributes internet signal wirelesslyThe router is placed near the living room window.

installationthe process of setting up equipment or a serviceInstallation will take about an hour.

broadband plana subscription package for internet serviceWe chose the unlimited broadband plan.

passworda secret code used to access a network or accountPlease share the Wi-Fi password with the guests.

signal strengthhow strong or weak a wireless connection isThe signal strength drops in the bedroom.

techniciana skilled worker who installs or repairs equipmentA technician came to fix the connection.

to resetto restart a device to its original settingsTry to reset the router if it's not working.

outagea temporary stop in a service, such as internet or electricityThere was an internet outage in our area yesterday.

customer carea service that helps customers with issues or questionsI called customer care about the slow speed.

modema device that connects a network to the internet serviceThe modem blinks red when there's no signal.

bandwidththe amount of data that can be transferred at onceVideo calls use more bandwidth than browsing.

ethernet cablea wire used to connect a device directly to the internetHe used an ethernet cable for a stable connection.

IP addressa unique number identifying a device on a networkEach device connected to the router has its own IP address.

firmwarethe built-in software that controls a deviceUpdate the router's firmware for better performance.

bufferinga pause in streaming while data loadsThe video kept buffering during the call.

data limitthe maximum amount of data allowed in a planWe crossed the data limit before month end.

download speedthe rate at which data is received from the internetThe download speed here is quite fast.

upload speedthe rate at which data is sent to the internetUpload speed matters for video calls.

pingthe time it takes for data to travel to a server and backA low ping is important for online gaming.

Useful sentences

Ask I'd like to get a new internet connection installed.
Answer Sure, please share your address and preferred plan.
Ask Which broadband plan would you recommend?
Answer The 100 Mbps unlimited plan suits most homes.
Ask When will the technician come for installation?
Answer He'll arrive tomorrow between ten and noon.
Ask Why is the signal strength so weak in my room?
Answer Try placing the router in a more central location.
Ask The internet isn't working, what should I do?
Answer Please try to reset the router first.
Ask Why does the video keep buffering during calls?
Answer Your bandwidth might be too low for video calls.
Ask Can I connect my laptop with an ethernet cable instead?
Answer Yes, that gives a more stable connection.
Ask What is the Wi-Fi password for the new router?
Answer It's printed on the sticker at the back of the router.
Ask Have we crossed our monthly data limit?
Answer Not yet, we still have a few GB left.
Ask Should I update the router's firmware?
Answer Yes, it can improve the signal and speed.

Dialogue

RahulHi, I recently moved in and need a new internet connection.

Customer Care ExecutiveSure. Which broadband plan would you like?

RahulThe unlimited plan with the fastest speed, please.

Customer Care ExecutiveNoted. A technician will visit for installation tomorrow.

RahulThe signal seems weak in my bedroom. What can be done?

TechnicianI'll move the router closer to the centre of the flat.

RahulThanks, and how can I check the download and upload speed?

TechnicianYou can run a quick speed test on your phone.

RahulGreat, one more thing, what's my Wi-Fi password?

TechnicianIt's written on the label underneath the router.

Common mistakes

Saying "my internet is not coming" instead of "my internet isn't working" or "my connection is down."
Saying "open the Wi-Fi" instead of "turn on the Wi-Fi" or "connect to the Wi-Fi."
Saying "router is hanged" instead of "the router has hung" or "the router isn't responding."
Saying "the net is slow" instead of "the internet connection is slow" in a formal context.
Saying "install internet" instead of "get the internet installed" or "set up the internet connection."
Saying "check the speed of net" instead of "check the internet speed" or "run a speed test."

Quick quiz

1. What does "outage" mean?

2. A device that distributes internet signal wirelessly is called a ___.

3. Complete: "Try to ___ the router if it's not working."

4. What is the amount of data that can be transferred at once called?

5. Complete: "The video kept ___ during the call."

6. What is the built-in software that controls a device called?

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