The fact that today is becoming increasingly widespread wireless Internet connection through the use of routers (routers and ADSL modems), is beyond doubt. But sometimes (and very often) it is necessary to configure the connection, bypassing such devices, using the direct connection of the computer to the provider through a cable. We will talk about how to connect the Internet through a cable on a computer. Immediately it is worth considering some nuances, as well as the appearance of possible problems, errors or failures of the created connection, which will be considered separately.
How to connect the Internet through a cable on a computer: what is needed for this?
The main and indispensable condition, without which it would be simply impossible to carry out the plan, is the presence on your computer or laptop of the installed network adapter, for which all the necessary drivers must be installed (sometimes they may need to be updated to the latest versions).
Of course, any of the latest Windows operating systems installs such drivers on their own (either during its initial installation, or upon detection of a new connected device), but if you have an original disk with a set of such control software, it is better to install “native” device drivers from this set.
Only in this case, the network card will be fully operational. We will consider issues related to updating drivers a little later, but, looking a little ahead, it should be said that it is not recommended to update using the system tools (it will be clear why).
The second point is connected with the cable used, which will be connected directly to the corresponding port on the network card. These cables have RJ-45 connectors. Finally, the user must sign an agreement with the provider company, which not only provides access to the Internet, but also gives a preliminary list of all the basic settings and addresses that you will need to register yourself if the support service specialist does not.
In general, by and large, if you understand how to connect the Internet to a computer through a cable from a router or modem, there is nothing particularly complicated here. If desired, any user who has at least the slightest idea of the basics of working with Windows-based systems can perform such operations independently. And the whole process will take just a few minutes. Why was it mentioned in this case that you can use the cable from the router? Yes, just because it is completely identical to the standard power cords that are available in any specialized store.
How to get access to preliminary network settings in different systems?
So, the equipment seems to have been decided. Now let's look at some basic settings and how to access them in different versions of Windows. If we talk about how to connect the Internet to the computer via a cable from a router in Windows XP, in this system access to network parameters can be obtained directly from the start menu, in which there is a corresponding item in a separate category. In later versions, it is also there, but it is not in the main list, but in the utility program section. In Windows 10, the easiest way to use RMB is on the start button, where the desired section will be shown in the list. In general, for all systems without exception, you can use the universal tool in the form of a “Control Panel”, in which you need to go to the section on managing networks and sharing, after which you will need to refer to the link to change the properties of the network adapter.
In this case, we are interested in the one for which Ethernet or “Local Area Connection” is indicated in the description.
The difference between dynamic and static IP addresses
Let us leave aside the questions regarding how to connect the Internet via cable to a computer, aside, but look at one important nuance. Typically, providers offer to use two types of addresses to create a connection: static and dynamic. The difference between them is not as great as it might seem at first glance. A static address is assigned to each individual computer and does not change during access to the Internet, that is, it is permanent. The dynamic address changes during each session (its new value is set).
Some mistakenly believe that this is akin to how a VPN works. Nothing like this! VPN clients or proxy servers simply change the external addresses so that the user machine cannot be identified by territorial reference, and have nothing to do with internal addresses. The change of address is made with the selection of the currently unused IP from the available addresses of the provider itself, which in no way affects the change in the regional location. But which one to choose if the provider really offers to use either one or the other? It is believed that the best quality of communication is provided exclusively when setting a static address, so choose this option, although the dynamic addresses look a bit simpler in the configuration.
How to connect the Internet to a computer through a cable in Windows 7 and other systems: standard method for setting up a connection
To establish an Internet connection, first of all, through RMB on the selected network adapter, call up the properties item, and then go to the IPv4 protocol settings. Fields for addresses must be filled in according to the list provided by the provider.
However, if for some reason you don’t have it, or you have lost it, write a combination of, say, 192.168.1.3 in the IP field for the static address, the subnet mask almost always has the value 255.255.255.0, and enter 192.168 in the gateway field. 1.1. For dynamic IP, if provided, you can set to receive all addresses in automatic mode.
Below you should fill in the address fields of the primary and alternative DNS servers. They will have to be checked with the provider. If this turns out to be impossible, that's okay. Install automatic receipt or use free combinations, for example, from Google, presented above, which work no worse. Then just save the changes, just in case, reboot and check the Internet access.
Note: especially when setting up, pay attention to the point of disabling proxies for local addresses, if the provider does not provide this type of server, otherwise there may be problems with the connection.
Setting up a high-speed connection
Now briefly about how to connect the Internet through a cable on a computer if you plan to configure a high-speed PPPoE connection. In this case, in the network management section, you first need to create a new connection, and then specify its type.
This will be either PPPoE for direct communication with the provider without using network devices, or dial-up in the case of using modems, for example, 3G / 4G standards. After that, you need to enter a user name with a password and set a new name for the created connection. Upon completion of all procedures, you just need to click the connect button.
What to look for when using a router?
As for the routers, we will not dwell on them, since this material does not consider wireless connection.
However, it is worth noting that many modern models can be used as modems, so first, in the device’s web interface, after logging in through any web browser, the router must be switched to modem mode.
Internet setup issues when using the services of the operator "Rostelecom"
Finally, as an example, consider how to set up the Internet on a computer via a Rostelecom cable, step by step.
In principle, the setting of IPv4 protocol parameters is not particularly different from everything described, and may look like the image above, but taking into account the input of addresses that are present in the service agreement and the activation of IPv6 protocol. There should not be any difficulties.
Now briefly about how to configure the Internet on a computer via the Rostelecom cable in Windows 7 or any other system if you use a router and PPPoE connection. Go to the router’s web interface (192.168.1.1), use admin / admin as the username and password, specify PPPoE in the connection type, enter the username and password from the agreement (not to be confused with access authorization to the router settings), and most importantly, to VPI / VCI parameters set your region. At the end of the operations, save the changes and reboot the modem / router.
Possible problems and solutions
As for possible communication errors, it is impossible to foresee everything. But as a first step, use the following techniques:
- Verify that the IP address and gateway are correct.
- replace the default values for DNS with combinations from Google;
- disable proxy usage;
- update network card drivers (it is best to use automated programs like Driver Booster);
- temporarily disable the antivirus and firewall;
- delete the existing connection and recreate it.
If all else fails, call the Windows Troubleshooter and use the troubleshooting tips. If this does not help, contact your Internet service provider directly.