A basic cable modem has connection ports that resemble large telephone jacks.
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Cable modems are the little electronic devices used to convert the cable signal from a coaxial connection into something your PC can interpret as an Internet connection. There are several steps to connecting your cable modem, some of which may differ depending on your service provider and the exact type of modem you are using. For the most part, however, the steps are the same or similar enough that after you connect one modem, you'll be able to connect others as well.
Step 1
Connect one end of the coaxial cable to the coaxial connection on the back of the modem. The connection is the threaded metal stud with the small hole in the center.
Step 2
Connect the other end of the coaxial cable to an active coaxial wall jack.
Step 3
Plug the AC adapter that came with the cable modem into the modem's power jack, then plug the adapter itself into an electrical socket. Wait for the connection to stabilize, which is usually signified by all the lights on the front coming on after blinking on and off for several minutes.
Step 4
Plug the Ethernet cable into the back of the modem and the other end into the Ethernet port on your computer. Your cable modem is now fully connected.
Tips & Warnings
- You also may need to call your cable provider to activate your new modem. Comcast customers, for instance, need to call Comcast and give their modem's unique ID to a customer service representative to activate the modem.
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privacy & security protectedReferences
- Comcast: Installing your Cable Modem
Photo Credits
- Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
