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Easy ways to set up Ethernet
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This How.com.vn teaches you how to connect your computer directly to an internet router using an Ethernet cable, as well as how to set up your Ethernet settings on Windows and Mac computers, and TVs from TV manufacturers brands and names such as Toshiba, LG, Panasonic, Sony, Vizio, even Roku TVs such as Sharp, TCL, Hisense, RCA, and so on.

Quick Start Guide for Ethernet

  • Connect your computer to the Ethernet port on a wall or router using an Ethernet cord.
  • On Windows, click "Start," then "Settings," then "Network & Internet."
  • Select "Ethernet," then use the displayed options to ensure your Ethernet cable is connected and working.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Connecting to the Router

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  1. How.com.vn English: Step 1 Acquire an Ethernet cable.
    Ethernet cables, also known as RJ-45, CAT5, or CAT6 cables, have a square plug with a clip on each end. You'll use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to your router.[1]
    • The cable connecting your modem and your router is an Ethernet cable, but don't use that one, as it is important where it is.
    • Polyethylene outdoor Ethernet cables are more resistant to damage from extreme temperatures than regular Ethernet cables, as they are manufactured to sustain atmosphere and weather variations.
  2. How.com.vn English: Step 2 Make sure your router is online.
    Your router should be connected to your modem, which should be connected to a Cable or Ethernet port in your wall, and you should see a constant light on the front of the router and/or modem.[2]
    • If you just have a modem, simply make sure that it's attached to the Cable or Ethernet port in your wall.
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  3. How.com.vn English: Step 3 Locate Ethernet ports on your computer and router.
    Ethernet ports are square, and they usually have an icon depicting a series of connected boxes near them.
    • On your router, Ethernet ports will typically say "LAN" (Local Area Network) above them.
    • If you're just connecting to a modem, the port you need will usually say "Internet" or "WAN" above it.
  4. How.com.vn English: Step 4 Plug your Ethernet cable into your computer and your router.
    As long as your router is online, doing so will connect your computer to the Internet almost immediately.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Configuring Ethernet Settings on Windows

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  1. How.com.vn English: Step 1 Open the Start menu.
    To do so, either click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen, or press the Win key.[3]
  2. How.com.vn English: Step 2 Click ⚙️ Settings.
    It's in the bottom-left side of the Start window.[4]
  3. How.com.vn English: Step 3 Click Network & Internet.
    It's in the top row of options here.[5]
  4. How.com.vn English: Step 4 Click Ethernet.
    This option is on the left side of the window.[6]
  5. How.com.vn English: Step 5 Verify that the Ethernet is working.
    You should see your Internet's network name at the top of this page with "Connected" written below it; this indicates that your Ethernet connection is live.[7]
    • If your Ethernet isn't working, try using a different port on the router or a different Ethernet cable.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Configuring Ethernet Settings on Mac

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  1. How.com.vn English: Step 1 Open the Apple Menu.
    To do so, click the apple-shaped icon in the top-left corner of the screen.
  2. How.com.vn English: Step 2 Click System Preferences.
    You'll see this option in the Apple Menu drop-down window.[8]
  3. How.com.vn English: Step 3 Click Network.
    This will open the Network window.[9]
  4. Step 4 Select the "Ethernet" connection.
    It's in the left-hand pane.
  5. How.com.vn English: Step 5 Click Advanced.
    It's in the lower-right area of the window.
  6. How.com.vn English: Step 6 Click the TCP/IP tab.
    This tab is near the top of the Advanced window.[10]
  7. Step 7 Make sure the "Configure IPv4" box says "Using DHCP".
    If it doesn't, click the box to the right of "Configure IPv4" at the top of the screen and select Using DHCP.
  8. How.com.vn English: Step 8 Click Renew DHCP Lease.
    It's on the right side of the page. This will ensure that you're able to access the Internet while connected to Ethernet.
  9. How.com.vn English: Step 9 Click OK.
    It's in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Your Ethernet connection should now be live.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    My computer automatically uses wireless. How can I change it to use ethernet?
    How.com.vn English: Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you plug in an ethernet cable, your computer should automatically pick up on that. You can also disable WiFi by just selecting Off under WiFi (depending on your computer).
  • Question
    How do I find my router password?
    How.com.vn English: Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you haven't changed it, it'll be stuck to the base of your router, or may be on a little slide out card.
  • Question
    Will I have a better internet connection with an ethernet cable if I use my PC right next to the router?
    How.com.vn English: Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Because it is a wired connection, any reasonable distance (under a mile) should not affect signal strength.
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      Tips

      • You can use a USB-C-to-Ethernet converter to connect to Ethernet on Macs that don't have Ethernet ports.
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      Warnings

      • If you're going to use Ethernet as a primary connection type, make sure you set it up in an area in which you plan to keep your computer.
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      About This Article

      How.com.vn English: Ricardo Mitchell
      Written by:
      Electrician Professional, CN Coterie
      This article was written by Ricardo Mitchell and by How.com.vn staff writer, Jack Lloyd. Ricardo Mitchell is the CEO of CN Coterie, a fully licensed and insured Lead EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Certified construction company located in Manhattan, New York. CN Coterie specializes in full home renovation, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, cabinetry, furniture restoration, OATH/ECB (Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings/Environmental Control Board) violations removal, and DOB (Department of Buildings) violations removal. Ricardo has over 10 years of electrical and construction experience and his partners have over 30 years of relevant experience. This article has been viewed 717,378 times.
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      Co-authors: 8
      Updated: March 27, 2024
      Views: 717,378
      Article SummaryX

      To set up an Ethernet connection, start by getting an Ethernet cable that you can connect to your computer and router. Next, make sure your router is connected to your modem and that the router's "online" light is on. Then, locate the Ethernet port on your computer, which is typically a square port with an icon showing a series of boxes, and on the router, which will be marked by "LAN." Finally, plug the Ethernet cable into your router and computer. To learn how to set up Ethernet on your PC, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 717,378 times.

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