While connecting to the internet is an easy job, it can be difficult for those who are not familiar with the network or the type of internet you want to use. However, as the internet plays an increasingly vital role in our lives, of course you need to know how to connect to this network. Whether you're using Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or very old-fashioned dial-up, connecting to the internet is a simple thing that's important to learn.
Step
Step 1. Make sure the internet source is turned on
Although very natural, but a common mistake that is often made when trying to connect to the internet is not making sure the source is turned on. Make sure that the device is turned on and that all cables are connected, especially if you have just set up your router and/or modem. Also, check if all the lights show that there is no problem. The cable can also come loose or be slightly pulled from the wall making it inoperable. Make sure everything is properly connected and working exactly before starting.
Step 2. Understand that most mobile devices can only connect to wireless broadband
Devices such as smartphones, tablets, iPods, portable game consoles, and so on can usually only be connected via a Wi-Fi connection. As such, you cannot connect your mobile device to an ethernet or dial-up network. Ethernet and dial-up connections are only available on computers and non-portable game consoles (not covered in this article).
Step 3. Know the "path" taken to reach the network setup
No matter what operating system or device you are using, at some point in this process you will need to access network settings. This process is slightly different on each device, but the path taken to access network settings is usually the same, depending on the operating system used. Here are some common devices or operating systems and their paths to network settings:
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Windows XP:
Start –> Control Panel –> Network and Internet Connections
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Windows Vista:
Start –> Network –> Network and Sharing Center
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Windows 7:
Start –> Control Panel –> Network and Internet
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Windows 8:
Start –> Search for " View network connections " –> View Network Connections
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Windows 10:
Search for “View network connections” –> View Network Connections
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Mac OS X Jaguar and later:
System Preferences –> Network
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Ubuntu and Fedora:
Network Manager
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iOS (iPhone, iPad, etc.):
Settings -> Wi-Fi
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Android:
Settings -> Wi-Fi (or Wireless & Networks)
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Windows Phones:
Settings -> Wi-Fi
Method 1 of 3: Connect Using Wireless Broadband
Step 1. Make sure the Wi-Fi connection for the device is on
Regardless of the device, it's possible that Wi-Fi is off. Some devices have a switch that turns the Wi-Fi connection on and off, while others have a Wi-Fi connection button in the software settings. Make sure that the computer's connection to Wi-Fi is not turned off before continuing.
Step 2. Access device settings
Go to the device settings app and open it, then go to network settings. You can also click the Wi-Fi icon on your computer's toolbar to open a drop-down menu, which displays the names of connections in the surrounding area.
Step 3. Find the name of the Wi-Fi network
Your network broadband router should have an initial (default) name. The name of the hotspot (wireless network coverage area) that appears is usually the name of your mobile device (such as "[Your Name]'s iPhone"). Look for this name and select it when you find it.
Wi-Fi or hotspot names can change, but if you've previously changed the name of the network or the associated hotspot, you should already know that. If you didn't change it, or you don't know the name, check with the person who manages the network
Step 4. Enter the password to the network or hotspot
Sometimes wireless networks are publicly accessible, often not. If the network you want to connect to has a password, you will be asked to enter it before you can connect to the network. The initial password is usually listed on the router, but if you don't know it, check with the person who manages the network.
Some protected public networks can have multiple passwords per person. For example, a school may grant access to its network to its students through a student ID number, rather than just a password
Step 5. Wait until the computer is connected to the network
It usually takes a few seconds for the computer to connect to the wireless source. However, if the computer can't connect to the router, the Wi-Fi connection will automatically disconnect. In this case, move closer to the network source, or disconnect and reconnect the computer to Wi-Fi.
Step 6. Test internet connection
Once you are connected to the internet, open the page in a web browser and wait for it to finish loading. Since some pages can crash, it's a good idea to go to a trusted site, such as google.com or isup.me to make sure it doesn't crash.
Step 7. Troubleshoot if the computer is not connected to the internet
For some people, Wi-Fi will connect with the computer without any problems. However, others may not be so lucky. There are many reasons why a computer can't connect to the internet; most computers have built-in software that can identify the problem. Here are some common problems:
- Some old computers cannot connect to the internet wirelessly. You need an ethernet cable to access the internet.
- If the internet is running slowly or won't connect, you may be too far away or out of range of the router. Try approaching internet sources.
- If the network does not appear, you may be out of range, or the network is down. Try getting closer to the router or reboot.
Method 2 of 3: Connect Using an Ethernet Cable
Step 1. Prepare the required ethernet cable and adapter
Many devices can connect directly to the router via an ethernet cable. However, some others do not support this type of connection. Laptops, for example, now typically don't have components for ethernet. Therefore, make sure you get all the adapters needed to be able to connect the Ethernet cable to your device.
- Ethernet cables vary; for example, Cat-5 or Cat-5e run slower than Cat-6. However, the connection speed is also highly dependent on the router connection and the number of people connected to the network at the same time. Unless you're uploading files very, very intensely, you probably won't need a Cat-6 cable if you're on the network yourself.
- You cannot connect mobile devices (such as smartphones) with Ethernet and adapters.
Step 2. Connect one end of the ethernet cable to the broadband source
The broadband source is usually the router, but sometimes a modem is used. Either way, you'll need to connect one end of the Ethernet cable to a broadband source so that the computer can connect to the network.
Step 3. Connect the other end of the ethernet cable to the computer
Find the ethernet port on the computer and insert the other end of the cable into it. This port is usually located on the back of the computer, where the ports of other components are located.
If your computer does not support ethernet, you will need to make sure your computer is connected to the adapter, then connect the ethernet cable with the adapter
Step 4. Access computer settings
You need to make sure that the computer is set to recognized Ethernet, not wireless. Most likely, you will need to turn off the wireless connection to make sure the computer recognizes the ethernet connection.
Step 5. Test internet connection
Open the page in a web browser and see if it loads. Some web pages take a long time to load so it's a good idea to try going to a trusted website (like google.com or isup.me) to make sure the connection is up and running.
Step 6. Troubleshoot if it won't connect
Ethernet is more reliable than Wi-Fi, but that doesn't mean the connection is problem-free. If you're having problems with Ethernet, the causes can vary, but make sure all the basics (eg router is connected) are working properly, and the computer is fine.
- Make sure there are no problems with the Ethernet cable (which can range from “the cable is not properly connected” to “the cable is damaged and needs to be replaced”).
- Check if the router is having problems, and reboot if so. Contact your internet service provider (Internet Service Provider aka ISP) if resetting the router doesn't work, but the cable connection and computer connection are working fine.
- Although rare, a computer's Ethernet card can be damaged. If so, contact the computer manufacturer or seller.
Method 3 of 3: Connect Using Dial-Up
Step 1. Understand that dial-up internet is very rare and it is difficult to perform most activities using this connection
Using dial-up, you can only open sites that contain mostly text and/or images without additional add-ons and features. Because dial-up internet is far behind compared to broadband internet, it is rare for people to recommend using this internet connection. If you're serious about browsing the internet, it's a good idea to look for a public Wi-Fi hotspot. However, dial-up connections are still common in remote places, which means you need to know how to connect.
Step 2. Make sure you can connect to dial-up
Dial-up Internet requires a telephone line, and can only connect one person per phone at a time. If someone else is already connected, and/or the connection is being used to make a call, you cannot use the internet until the other person disconnects or finishes the call. Also, most new computers don't have components to connect to dial-up so you'll need to purchase an external USB modem to connect to the computer.
Step 3. Connect the modem to the telephone port
Often, devices with dial-up internet have two phone lines: one for the phone, and one for the modem. However, if the phone is rarely used or there is only one phone port, you can disconnect the phone. Make sure that one end of the phone cord is connected to the telephone port on the wall and the other to the modem.
Step 4. Connect the modem to the computer
Using another phone line, insert one end of the second phone cord into the modem and the other end into the computer's modem (or converter) port.
Make sure you don't accidentally plug the phone cord into the ethernet port. The phone port on the computer has a receiver symbol next to it
Step 5. Access computer network settings
You will need to manually set up a dial-up connection on your computer. From here, set the modem settings. If this is your first time connecting to a dial-up source, the modem's network settings will usually need to be adjusted. Although the process may vary depending on the operating system of the computer, the information that needs to be entered remains the same: dial-up phone number, username, and password. The setup path that needs to be traversed to be able to set network settings is:
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Windows XP:
Network and Internet Connections –> Set up or change your Internet connection –> Setup
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Windows Vista:
Network and Sharing Center –> Set up a connection or network –> Set up a dial-up connection
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Windows 7 and 8:
Network and Internet –> Network and Sharing Center –> Set up a new connection or network –> Connect to the Internet –> Dial-up
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Windows 10:
Network –> Dial-up Connection
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Mac OS X:
Network –> Internal/External Modem –> Configuration
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Ubuntu or Fedora:
Network Manager –> Connections –> Modem Connections –> Properties
Step 6. Connect the computer connection to the modem
If dial-up is set up, all you need to do is open network settings and connect to the modem, instead of looking for a wireless connection. You need to enter a number, username and password.
Step 7. Test internet connection
To make sure the connection is working properly, open the web page and wait for it to finish loading. Dial-up internet is much slower than broadband connections so don't be surprised if you have to wait a long time. We recommend that you try loading web pages that contain only text to increase loading speed and make sure the internet is up and running.
Step 8. Troubleshoot if it can't connect
Even though dial-up is no longer widely supported, you can still have problems with it. Make sure the phone cord is plugged in properly and the system is compatible with the dial-up connection.
- Windows 10 is known to have problems with dial-up internet. You need to use a computer with an older operating system, if you have one.
- Make sure you didn't insert the wrong phone cord into the ethernet port. Telephone cord jacks are smaller and the port is often labeled with a telephone receiver.
Tips
- There are several guides on wikiHow regarding Wi-Fi connections that are specific to operating systems, such as Windows 8.
- If you use a mobile hotspot, a direct connection can be done with a USB cable. This method is similar to an ethernet cable and hotspot, except that you use a cell phone and a USB cable.
