Set up a broadband (DSL or cable) connection

To set up a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or cable connection, you first need an account with an Internet service provider (ISP). For DSL, the ISP is usually a phone company; for cable, it's usually a cable TV provider.

You will also need a modem, a router, or a device that combines the two. Some ISPs will provide you with these devices; if your ISP doesn't, you'll need to buy them. When you have your modem, router, or combination device, either follow the instructions provided by your ISP, or follow the corresponding steps below.

Hide all

If you have one device (a combined modem and router)

A combined modem and router plugged in

1. Plug the device into an electrical outlet.
2. 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: Don't 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 , and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type network, click Network and Sharing Center, click Set up a new connection or network, and then double-click Connect to the Internet.
6. Follow the steps in the wizard.

If you have two devices (a separate modem and router)

A modem and router plugged in

1. Plug the modem into an electrical outlet.
2. Plug one end of a phone cord or cable into the modem, and plug the other end into the wall jack. (DSL users: Don't 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 , and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type network, click Network and Sharing Center, click Set up a new connection or network, and then double-click Connect to the Internet.
8. Follow the steps in the wizard.

Posted in: Internet