Apartment life offers many conveniences. But there are some things you should know before moving in.
It’s possible that the leasing office or property owner will tell you that a specific internet provider is your only option. This could be because they have a partnership with this provider or because they want to receive a commission from every subscription.
Types of Apartments in New York City
Apartments in New York City come in all shapes and sizes, from studios to three-bedrooms. Each layout has its pros and cons, so it’s important to understand the vocabulary used to describe different types of apartments before you move in.
A studio is a one-room apartment that combines a living space, bedroom, and kitchen into a single room. It’s a common apartment style in NYC, especially for young professionals who want to live in the city without breaking the bank. Studio apartments are often cramped, but renters can make them feel bigger with clever space-saving furniture, like Murphy beds or extendable sofas. They can also use a few simple tricks to create more storage space and keep their place clean.
In terms of internet, a studio apartment needs at least 25 Mbps. This is enough for most people to stream movies in HD on multiple devices and download files in a reasonable amount of time. However, if you have a roommate or are planning to have children, you may need more speed. In that case, it’s worth investing in a 100 Mbps plan.
If your apartment is in a walkup building, it’s likely that you will have to go up and down the stairs to get to your apartment. A walkup is a building with six or fewer floors and no elevator. This type of apartment is usually less expensive than a traditional Manhattan building, but it can be difficult for older people or people with physical disabilities to navigate. Many buildings with walkups have voice or video intercoms for residents to buzz up guests.
An elevator building is the opposite of a walkup and usually has an elevator in the lobby. If your apartment is in an elevator building, it’s probably in a high-rise with more than six floors. These buildings typically have a doorman or concierge. The concierge can help you with your groceries and other errands. They can also give you tips on getting around the city.
Under zoning laws, all NYC apartments must be at least 400 square feet. But in 2013, the law was changed to allow for micro apartments, which are about 260-360 square feet. They still have big windows, ample storage, and Juliet balconies, but they’re designed to be efficient. Some even have a hidden closet to store extra clothes.
Types of Internet Connections
There are a few different ways to connect to the internet in your apartment. The most common is through cable, but fiber, fixed wireless and satellite internet are also options. It’s important to know which type of connection you need before you move into an apartment so that you can shop for providers and find the right plan.
If you are moving into an apartment that already has cable internet, then you should check with your landlord to see if you can continue to use the same provider or if you need to switch. If you want to switch providers, make sure that you do so before you move in so that the new provider can schedule a technician to come out and install your service.
You should also ask your landlord about the availability of a fiber internet connection in your apartment building. While this is not available in all buildings, many do offer it as an option. This type of internet is more expensive than cable but it offers a higher speed and fewer restrictions on data usage.
Another way to get WiFi in your apartment is by using your mobile phone. You can tether your phone to your laptop or tablet, which will allow you to get a Wi-Fi connection. However, this method can be slow and unreliable, so it is best used for light internet use only.
The final option is to use a satellite Internet provider like Viasat or HughesNet. These providers have a national network and provide high-speed connections for a low cost. This type of internet is not as fast as cable or fiber, but it’s still a good choice for many people.
Providing community WiFi in your apartment building is a great way to attract tenants and keep them satisfied with their residence. It can also help you boost your NOI and improve your property’s value. However, you should be aware of the security concerns that come with offering a shared internet network. Be sure to educate staff on how to respond to residents’ security questions and put them at ease.
Getting Wi-Fi in Your Apartment
It isn’t common, but it is possible that your apartment will come with Wi-Fi service included in your rent. This is great because it saves you from shopping around, scheduling a time for installation, and paying a monthly bill for internet service that may not be what you want. However, it’s also important to keep in mind that the quality of your connection could be limited. If this is the case, you should always run a speed test before signing a lease contract to ensure that it’s enough for your needs.
If your apartment doesn’t have cable or fiber internet, you should consider getting a DSL provider like EarthLink. This provider offers affordable internet plans and excellent customer service. Additionally, their DSL connections are fast enough for most households. If you’re a heavy online gamer or a heavy Netflix user, you might want to opt for a faster provider like AT&T. They offer high-speed fiber internet in 21 states, which is ideal for people who require an extra-fast connection.
The leasing office at your apartment might be able to get you hooked up with an Internet service provider that you don’t already have an agreement with. However, you should check with the landlord first before deciding to switch to another provider. This is because some providers, such as Xfinity, only provide their services to buildings that are wired for them. In addition, a new line from another provider may need to be installed, which can be difficult for an apartment building.
You can also install a wireless repeater in your apartment to increase your wireless coverage. This device is connected to your router via ethernet cable and extends the signal to a greater area. It is an inexpensive option compared to having a cable company technician visit your apartment, but it’s not as reliable as having a wired connection.
Providing high-quality WiFi for your apartment complex is a great way to attract and retain tenants. It’s a desirable amenity that makes your building stand out from the competition and will increase your NOI. In addition, it shows that you care about your tenants’ technological needs and are committed to improving your property.
Getting Wi-Fi in Your Building
Many apartment tenants assume that Wi-Fi comes with their new apartment, but this is not always the case. While some apartment buildings partner with internet providers to offer residents a turnkey experience, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you can choose the best service for your needs or budget. It’s essential to find an ISP that offers reliable and affordable internet for apartments in your area, so you can connect your devices quickly and easily.
The first step to getting WiFi in your apartment is to check whether your building is already wired for broadband. If it is, you can get started right away. However, if it’s not, you’ll have to work with the landlord or leasing office to get it installed. This may require drilling or mounting new boxes on the outside of the building, so you’ll want to consult your lease agreement to ensure that this is permitted. If it isn’t, you’ll need to speak with a local cable or fiber provider to see what options are available in your neighborhood.
If your apartment building offers wireless Internet access, you’ll likely need to set up your own router in your home. This will allow you to connect your devices and create a private network that’s secure from public networks. This is important, as public WiFi can expose your data to hackers. Once you have your router set up, it should take just a few minutes to connect your devices. Once you’re connected, it’s simple to stream your favorite shows and movies, use your favorite online services, and more.
If you live in a newer apartment, you may be lucky enough to have fiber internet already installed. This type of high-speed internet is up to 30 times faster than cable or DSL connections. It’s also an ideal option for residents who rely on smart home technology, or for those who need a fast connection for their careers as digital entrepreneurs or professional gamers. If you live in a newer apartment, make sure to ask your ISP about availability for fiber internet in your building.