Connecting an Ethernet cable and establishing an Ethernet connection between your computer and hub is incredibly simple. Simply connect one end of your Ethernet cable to your computer and the other to one of the Ethernet ports on your hub. Now you can enjoy a fast, secure internet connection. However, this article will explain how to connect an Ethernet Cable to the PC, TV, and wireless router.
How to Connect Ethernet Cable
Ethernet cables carry broadband signals between your computer, router, modem, and any other wired devices in your home that can connect to the internet, such as game consoles and laptops. Ethernet cables plug into Ethernet ports like landline phone cables but are bigger and have more conductors.
All computer manufacturers support Ethernet cables, which are in use all over the world. Except for a few very new computers, they can be used with most hardware. These devices can still be connected to an Ethernet cable; all you need is an Ethernet adapter.
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How to Connect Ethernet Cable to the PC
With a wired connection, Ethernet cables connect the two PCs directly. This method gives you a stable and reliable connection, which makes it perfect for cases where you need to send data quickly. For each computer, you will need an Ethernet cable and a network adapter to set up an Ethernet connection.
First, attach the Ethernet cable’s one end to the computer’s Ethernet port and the other end to the computer’s Ethernet port. Once the computers are linked, you may need to change the network settings on both of them to share files and talk to each other.
If you want to connect your two PCs at home through an Ethernet cable, follow these steps to get started:
#1. Gather the Necessary Equipment
Before you go any further, make sure you have the following: If each computer doesn’t have built-in Ethernet connections, you’ll also need a router, Ethernet cables, and network adapters to connect to your PC.
#2. Connect the Computers
Connect to the PC by plugging one end of an Ethernet cable into the computer’s Ethernet port. Then, connect the other end of the wire to the second computer’s Ethernet port.
#3. Set up the Router
Connect the WAN (Wide Area Network) port of the router with one end of an Ethernet cable. Connect the other end of the wire to the modem your internet service provider (ISP) gave you. This will set up a connection to the internet for your network.
Next, join the other end of a different Ethernet cable to the first computer’s Ethernet port and one of the LAN (Local Area Network) ports on the router.
Last but not least, join the other end of a third Ethernet cable to the second computer’s Ethernet port and another LAN port on the router.
#4. Configure Network Settings
On both PCs, open the Control Panel and navigate to the Network and Sharing Center. Then, click “Change adapter settings” and find the Ethernet adapter. Right-click on it and select “Properties.”
In the Properties window, choose “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on “Properties.” Choose “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain a DNS server address automatically.” Click “OK” for the changes to be saved.
#5. Enable File Sharing
Return to the Network and Sharing Center and select “Change advanced sharing settings.” Ensure that file sharing, printer sharing, and network discovery are all enabled.
After you do these things, your wired connection should be ready to go. Now, PCs should be able to talk to each other and share files and other resources.
Don’t forget to move some files between the computers to test the network link and make sure everything is working right. If you have any problems, check both PCs’ connectivity and network settings again.
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How Do I Connect Ethernet Cable to My Laptop
If your laptop is equipped with an Ethernet connection, all you have to do is attach the other end of the cable to your router. To get the most out of it, you may need to turn off Wi-Fi or tell your laptop to use the Ethernet connection first. Setting it up is easy, though.
If your laptop doesn’t have an Ethernet port, you’ll need to use an adapter to give it that ability. Some adapters can turn USB-A and USB-C ports into Ethernet connections. Depending on the generation of the USB port, different bandwidths are possible.
Using multi-port adapters with an Ethernet connection can provide you with a wider variety of port choices; just make sure the one you pick has the port you need. Most of them will just plug in and work, so you won’t need to run any extra drivers that Windows or macOS can’t find on their own. Before you buy one, though, make sure it works with your laptop and operating system.
Docking stations are the best way to add more ports to your laptop, but they only work in certain places. These frequently use a mains connection for power and have numerous additional ports in addition to the ability to charge laptops through them. You can get them for both Windows computers and MacBooks, so no matter what kind of laptop you have, you’ll be able to find one that works with it
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How to Connect Ethernet Cable to TV
Not every smart TV made today has an Ethernet port, but a lot of them do. Most of the time, this port is on the back of the TV and is sometimes labelled “LAN.”
You can connect an Ethernet cable if you can find your TV’s Ethernet port:
- Connect the Ethernet cable to one end of the Wi-Fi router.
- Connect the other end of the wire to the Ethernet port on the TV.
- Open the Settings menu on your TV, and then look for Network Settings.
- Find the choice to connect to Ethernet in the Network Settings.
- This depends on your TV brand. Look for “wired connection” or “wired internet.”
- When asked, enter your Wi-Fi password.
- To test the connection after it has been established, try launching a streaming service.
Pros and Cons When You Connect Ethernet on a Smart TV
Most of the time, Ethernet connections are faster and more reliable than wireless ones. But there are also a few small problems with using a wire instead of Wi-Fi.
The advantages and disadvantages of using an Ethernet connection as opposed to a Wi-Fi connection are listed below.
#1. Ethernet Provides a More Stable Connection
One of the worst aspects of Wi-Fi is how unstable the connection can be. A wired connection, on the other hand, provides consistent speed and consistency.
Ethernet has a higher speed, which means that streaming services and other programs can work faster, for longer, and without stopping. Your smart TV can really get better with an Ethernet cable.
Ethernet connections, unlike wireless networks, are not sensitive to radio frequency interference. Ethernet cables don’t use radio waves to send data to the object they’re connected to. Instead, they send data directly.
#2. Ethernet Uses Less Power
Because Wi-Fi doesn’t send data as quickly as an Ethernet cable, when you connect an Ethernet cable to your smart TV usually uses less power and is therefore a more energy-efficient choice.
#3. Ethernet Offers Better Security
When you use a wired connection, the information doesn’t have to go through the air to get to your TV.
While you can take precautions to protect your Wi-Fi network from hackers, using an Ethernet cable makes things considerably safer overall.
#4. Ethernet Can Help You Troubleshoot Your TV
You’d be surprised at how many issues with your smart TV a poor internet connection could cause. You can prevent the following by using a wired connection:
- TV apps from breaking, freezing, or buffering
- Your TV flickers or blinks
- Problems getting on the internet through Wi-Fi
- The TV starts up on its own
#5. Ethernet Cables Can Get in the Way
Wired internet connections can be dangerous if not properly managed. A loose cable might easily trip a small child, and curious pets may nibble on it.
How to Connect Ethernet Cable to Wireless Router
Depending on the model, you can use an Ethernet cable or a wireless connection to connect a computer to a router.
For example, most laptops can connect to Wi-Fi networks, but models like the MacBook Air that are thin and light may not have an Ethernet port for wired links. In that situation, a USB adapter will be required.
Desktops always have at least one Ethernet port, and configurations made for games and workstations sometimes have two. Wi-Fi 5 has made Wi-Fi more popular on desktops than in the past few years.
The necessary cables ought to be available if this is your first time connecting a computer to a router with an Ethernet cable. Manufacturers normally include at least one cable with the router, but double-check that your product’s parts list includes all of the cords. The only problem is that the cables that come with it might not be long enough for you, based on how far away your computer is from your router.
Here are the steps to connect your wireless router to your computer with an Ethernet cable.
#1. Connect Your Router to the Modem
Most likely, you’ve already done this step. But if this is your first time setting up your router, you need this connection before you can connect your computer to the router.
If You Have a Standalone Modem
You can use an Ethernet cable to connect your wireless router to your computer. Most routers have more than one Ethernet port, but the one used to connect directly to the modem is labelled “Internet” or “WAN” (wide area network). Most of the time, it is a different colour from the other Ethernet ports. Make sure your router’s Ethernet port is connected to your modem’s Ethernet cable.
If You Have a Wireless Gateway (A Combined router and modem),
As the internet connection enters your home, make sure the wireless gateway is appropriately secured. The type of connection depends on what kind of internet you have. For example, cable internet comes into your home through a coaxial cable, while DSL requires you to connect your modem to a filter, which then plugs into any phone jack.
#2. Connect Your Computer to the Router
After connecting your router to the modem, connect your PC to the router.
Step 1:
Connect the Ethernet cable’s one end to the Ethernet port on your computer. A USB adapter is needed if your computer doesn’t have an Ethernet port. These are two examples:
- USB-C to Ethernet
- USB-A to Ethernet
Step 2:
Plug the other end of the cable into one of the router’s grouped Ethernet ports. These are usually called “LAN” (which stands for “local area network”), “LAN1,” “LAN2,” etc.
Platforms such as Windows and macOS should connect to the local network automatically, with no login required. If this doesn’t happen, restart your computer so your router can give it a private IP address that works. Your computer’s Wi-Fi link and Ethernet connection don’t use the same private IP address.
Is WiFi Faster Than Ethernet?
While there are several factors that affect the actual speed of an Ethernet connection compared to a WiFi connection, Ethernet is usually always faster than WiFi.
What Does Ethernet Stand For?
Ethernet is the usual way to connect devices in a wired LAN or WAN. It enables devices to communicate via a protocol or network language.
Can I Connect an Ethernet Cable to a USB Port?
Yes. If your computer doesn’t have an Ethernet port, you can use a USB-to-Ethernet adapter to connect to a wired LAN, router, or modem. Next, connect the Ethernet cable to the dongle to activate Ethernet communication.
Can I Connect to the Internet Without Ethernet?
Ethernet is a wired connection, so you don’t need it at all to connect to a wireless Wi-Fi network. A Wi-Fi router is the best way to connect to your Wi-Fi network.
How Much Does an Ethernet Cable Cost?
You can choose CAT-5 (twisted copper), CAT-6 (standard cables), or CAT-7 (shielded wire), and the average price per foot will be between $0.10 and $1.13.
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