You will also need a modem, a router, or a device that combines the two. Some ISPs will send you these devices in the mail; otherwise, you will need to buy them. When you have your modem and router or your combination device, either follow the instructions provided by your ISP, or follow the corresponding steps below.
Plug one end of a phone cord or cable into the wide area network (WAN) port of the device, and then plug the other end into the wall jack. The WAN port should be labeled "WAN." (DSL users: Do not use a DSL filter on the phone line.)
3.
Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the local area network (LAN) port on the device, and then plug the other end into the networking port of the computer that you want to connect to the Internet. The LAN port should be labeled "LAN." (If you are connecting wirelessly, skip this step.)
4.
Start (or restart) the computer.
5.
Open the Connect to the Internet wizard by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Network and Internet, clicking Network and Sharing Center, clicking Set up a connection or network, and then clicking Connect to the Internet.
Plug one end of a phone cord or cable into the modem, and plug the other end into the wall jack. (DSL users: Do not use a DSL filter on the phone line.)
3.
Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the modem, and plug the other end into the wide area network (WAN) port on the router.
4.
Plug the router into an electrical outlet.
5.
Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the local area network (LAN) port on the router, and plug the other end into the networking port on the computer that you want to connect to the Internet. (If you are connecting wirelessly, skip this step.)
6.
Start (or restart) the computer.
7.
Open the Connect to the Internet wizard by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Network and Internet, clicking Network and Sharing Center, clicking Set up a connection or network, and then clicking Connect to the Internet.
A device that sends, or routes, information between two networks (for example, between a home network and the Internet). Routers find the quickest paths for sending information, which makes network connections faster. Routers can be wired or wireless.
Wide area network (WAN)
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Wide area network (WAN)
A network that connects geographically separated locations by using telecommunications services.
Ethernet
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Ethernet
A networking standard that uses cables to provide network access. Ethernet is the most widely installed technology for connecting computers.
Modem
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Modem
A device that allows computer information to be transmitted and received over a telephone line or through broadband services such as cable or DSL. Modems are most commonly used to connect to the Internet.
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
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Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
A type of high-speed Internet connection using standard telephone wires. This is also referred to as a broadband connection.
Local area network (LAN)
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Local area network (LAN)
A network of computers, printers, and other devices located within a relatively limited area (for example, a building). A LAN enables any connected device to interact with any other on the network.
Internet service provider (ISP)
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Internet service provider (ISP)
A company that provides Internet access to individuals or companies. An ISP provides a telephone number, a user name, a password, and other connection information so that users can access the Internet through the ISP's computers. An ISP typically charges a monthly or hourly connection fee.
Help and How-to
