Buzz
Today, Mytour will guide you through the process of connecting your computer directly to a router using an Ethernet cable, as well as how to configure Ethernet settings on both Windows and Mac computers.
Steps
Connecting to the Router
Prepare an Ethernet cable. An Ethernet cable (also known as an RJ-45 cable) has a square-shaped connector. Ethernet cables are commonly used to link computers to routers.
- The cable that connects the modem to the router is also an Ethernet cable.
Ensure the router is connected to the network. The router must be connected to the modem, and the modem must be linked to the cable or Ethernet port on the wall. Additionally, the front lights on either or both devices should remain steady.
- If using only the modem, simply ensure the modem is connected to the cable or Ethernet port on the wall.
Locate the Ethernet port on the computer and router. The Ethernet port is square-shaped and typically has an icon representing a series of connected blocks.
- On the router, the Ethernet port is usually labeled "LAN" (Local Area Network).
- If you're using only the modem, the port you need is typically labeled "Internet" or "WAN" on top.
Plug the Ethernet cable into both the computer and router. As long as the router is connected to the network, your computer will automatically access the Internet once the installation is complete.
Configuring Ethernet Settings on Windows
Open the Start menu. Click the Windows icon at the bottom left corner, or press the ⊞ Win key.
Click the ⚙️ icon at the bottom left of the Start window.
Click on the Network & Internet option from the top section of the menu.
Click on the Ethernet. This option appears on the left side of the window.
Check if the Ethernet cable is working. Your network name will appear at the top of the page with the word "Connected" underneath, indicating that the Ethernet connection is active.
- If the Ethernet connection is not working, try using a different port on the router or switch to a different Ethernet cable.
Configuring Ethernet Settings on Mac
Open the Apple Menu. Click the apple icon in the top left corner of the screen.
Click on the System Preferences option. This option is located in the dropdown Apple Menu.
Click on the Network option. The Network window will open.
Select the "Ethernet" connection from the left-hand panel.
Click on the Advanced button. This option is located at the bottom right of the window.
Click on the TCP/IP tab near the top of the Advanced window.
Ensure that the "Configure IPv4" option is set to "Using DHCP". If it is not, click the box next to the "Configure IPv4" heading and select Using DHCP.
Click on the Renew DHCP Lease button on the right side of the page. This will ensure that you can access the Internet via the Ethernet connection.
Click on the OK button at the bottom right of the screen. The Ethernet connection will now be active.
Tips
- If your Mac doesn’t have an Ethernet port, you’ll need to use a USB-C-to-Ethernet adapter.
Warning
- If you plan to use Ethernet as your primary connection, make sure everything is set up in the location where you will place your computer.
