You made a decision and went out and purchased broadband Internet. Now, your ISP either sent you home with a box of Internet access equipment, or they delivered it to you. You find a bunch of wires and a broadband modem in the package. Don't worry if you find yourself wondering how all of this translates into you surfing on the Internet later. Set all of the equipment up yourself and then run the Ethernet cable to your computer or router to get broadband access.
Step 1
Place your broadband modem near either a phone line or a cable jack, depending on its type. If you've forgotten your type, you can check your ISP subscription, or you can examine the modem. If the modem has a phone port, then it is a DSL modem. If it has a cable jack, then it is a cable modem.
Step 2
Plug the telephone wire into the telephone jack and then into the DSL modem, or insert the coaxial cable into a cable jack and then into the cable modem. Plug the power adapter for the modem into the unit and a power outlet at this time as well. Turn the modem on if it has a power button.
Step 3
Plug your Ethernet cable into the DSL or cable modem.
Step 4
Plug your Ethernet cable into the port labelled "WAN" or "Internet" on your router, if you are using one. Depending on the modem, this port is usually a different color to help you find it.
Step 5
Plug the Ethernet cable leading from your modem into the Ethernet port on your computer. If you are using a router, plug a new Ethernet cable into one of its "LAN" ports and then plug that cable into the Ethernet port on your computer.
Tips & Warnings
- If you are having trouble, contact your ISP's tech support line for additional assistance.
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Photo Credits
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