The Two Ways to Connect: Wired and Wireless

You connect a computer to the internet through either an ethernet cable (wired) or Wi-Fi (wireless). A wired connection plugs directly into your router with a cable and is faster and more stable. A wireless connection uses radio signals from your router and works from anywhere in range, but can be slower and drop out if you move too far away or if obstacles block the signal.

Most home internet comes through a modem — the device your internet service provider installs — which connects to a router. The router broadcasts the signal to your devices. If you have only a modem, you cannot connect wirelessly; you need a router to do that. Some internet providers give you a combined modem-router unit, which works the same way.

Your choice between wired and wireless depends on where your computer sits and what you use it for. Gaming, video calls, and large file downloads work better on a wired connection. Laptops and tablets work better on Wi-Fi because you can move them around.

Key Takeaways

  • A wired connection uses an ethernet cable plugged into your router and is faster and more stable than Wi-Fi.
  • A wireless connection uses Wi-Fi and works from anywhere in range, but may be slower and can drop out depending on distance and obstacles.
  • You need a router to connect wirelessly; a modem alone cannot broadcast Wi-Fi.
  • To connect wirelessly, find your network name and password in your router's settings or on a sticker attached to the device.

Connecting with an Ethernet Cable

Plug one end of an ethernet cable into the ethernet port on the back of your router and the other end into the ethernet port on your computer. The port looks like a phone jack but slightly wider. Your computer should recognize the connection within a few seconds and begin working.

If the connection does not start automatically, open your network settings. On Windows, right-click the network icon in the bottom right corner of your screen and select "Open Network & Internet settings." On Mac, click the Apple menu, select "System Settings," then click "Network." Look for your wired connection listed there. If it shows "Connected," your internet is working. If it shows "Not Connected" or an error, unplug the cable, wait ten seconds, and plug it back in.

A wired connection is ready to use when ready after you plug it in. You do not need to enter a password or do any setup beyond the physical cable connection.

Connecting to Wi-Fi on Windows

Click the network icon in the bottom right corner of your screen — it looks like a radio tower or connected dots. A list of available networks will appear. Find your network name (called the SSID) in that list. If you do not recognize any of the names, check the sticker on your router; the network name is printed there.

Click your network name and select "Connect." A box will ask for your Wi-Fi password. Type the password exactly as it appears on the router sticker or in your router's settings. Passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. Click "Next" or "Connect."

Windows will show a spinning circle while it connects. This usually takes five to fifteen seconds. Once it finishes, the network icon will change to show a connected signal, and you can open a web browser to test your connection. If the password is wrong, Windows will say "Can't connect to this network" and ask you to try again.

Connecting to Wi-Fi on Mac

Click the Wi-Fi icon in the top right corner of your screen — it looks like a radio tower. A dropdown menu will show all available networks. Find your network name on the list and click it.

A box will ask for your password. Type it exactly as it appears on your router sticker or in your router settings, paying attention to uppercase and lowercase letters. Click "Join."

Mac will connect within a few seconds. The Wi-Fi icon will change to show signal bars once you are connected. Open a web browser to confirm your internet is working. If you entered the password wrong, Mac will ask you to try again.

Finding Your Network Name and Password

Your network name and password are usually printed on a sticker attached to your router. Look on the bottom, back, or side of the device. The sticker typically shows "Network Name" or "SSID" and "Password" or "Wi-Fi Password." Write these down or take a photo so you have them when you need to connect a new device.

If the sticker is missing or worn away, you can find this information in your router's settings. Open a web browser on a computer that is already connected to the internet and type your router's IP address into the address bar. This address is usually printed on the router itself or in the manual that came with it. Common addresses are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You will be asked to log in with a username and password — these are different from your Wi-Fi password and are also on the sticker or in the manual.

If you have forgotten your Wi-Fi password and cannot find it anywhere, you can reset your router to its factory settings by holding down the reset button on the back for ten to fifteen seconds. This will erase all your settings and return the network name and password to what they were when the router was new. Check the manual or the manufacturer's website to find out what the default password is.

Troubleshooting a Connection That Will Not Work

If your computer cannot find your network name, the router may not be turned on or may be too far away. Check that the power cable is plugged in and the lights on the front of the router are on. Move your computer closer to the router and try again. Walls, metal, and water block Wi-Fi signals, so moving to a clearer line of sight often helps.

If your computer finds the network but will not connect, you probably entered the password wrong. Try again, making sure you type it exactly as shown on the sticker, including capital letters and special characters. If you are still stuck, restart your router by unplugging it, waiting thirty seconds, and plugging it back in. Restart your computer as well. Try connecting again after both devices have fully restarted.

If you are connected but have no internet, your router may not be connected to your modem. Check that an ethernet cable runs from the modem to the router. If it does and you still have no internet, unplug both devices, wait one minute, plug the modem in first, wait for its lights to stabilize, then plug in the router. This usually takes two to three minutes total. If you still have no internet after this, contact your internet service provider — the problem may be on their end.

When to Use Wired Instead of Wireless

Use an ethernet cable if your computer is stationary and you need the fastest, most reliable connection. Wired connections are better for online gaming because they have lower latency (the delay between your action and the server's response), which matters in competitive games. They are also better for downloading large files, uploading videos, or streaming video calls, because the connection is more stable and faster than Wi-Fi.

If your computer is in a room far from your router and the Wi-Fi signal is weak, running an ethernet cable is often easier than moving the router or buying a Wi-Fi extender. Ethernet cables can run along walls and under carpets and work over distances of up to 300 feet, though performance drops slightly at very long distances.

The trade-off is that you lose the ability to move your computer. If you use a laptop and move between rooms, Wi-Fi is the only practical choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Wi-Fi keep disconnecting?

Wi-Fi drops out when your computer moves too far from the router, when obstacles like walls or metal block the signal, or when the router is overheating. Move closer to the router, restart it by unplugging it for thirty seconds, and make sure nothing is blocking the signal. If disconnections happen in one room but not others, the router may be too far away or the signal may be blocked. Moving the router to a more central location often helps.

Is ethernet faster than Wi-Fi?

Yes, ethernet is typically faster and more stable. A wired connection can reach speeds of 1 gigabit per second or higher, while Wi-Fi usually maxes out at 300 to 1200 megabits per second depending on your router and how far you are from it. For everyday browsing, email, and video streaming, both are fast enough. For gaming, large downloads, or video calls, ethernet is noticeably better.

Can I use both ethernet and Wi-Fi at the same time?

Your computer can be connected to both, but it will use only one at a time. Windows and Mac automatically choose the wired connection if it is plugged in, because it is faster. If you unplug the ethernet cable, your computer will switch to Wi-Fi without you having to do anything.

What if I do not have a router?

You cannot connect wirelessly without a router. You can only use an ethernet cable plugged directly into your modem. If you want Wi-Fi, you need to buy a router and connect it to your modem with an ethernet cable. Routers are inexpensive and widely available at electronics retailers.

How do I know if my internet is working?

Open a web browser and go to any website, such as google.com. If the page loads, your internet is working. If the page does not load and you see an error message, your connection may not be working. Check that your computer is connected to the network and that your router is turned on and connected to your modem.