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). Both do the same job — they carry data between your computer and your modem, which is the device that talks to your internet service provider. The choice between them comes down to what hardware you have, where your computer sits, and how much speed you need.

A wired connection is faster and more stable because the cable creates a direct path from your computer to the modem. A wireless connection is more convenient because you do not need a cable running across your room, but it can be slower and more prone to interference from walls, other devices, and distance. Most people use Wi-Fi for phones and laptops, and wired for devices that stay in one place and need steady speed — like a desktop computer or a gaming console.

Key Takeaways

  • A wired connection uses an ethernet cable plugged into your computer's ethernet port and your modem; a wireless connection uses Wi-Fi and requires a password.
  • Your modem must be powered on and connected to your internet service provider's network before your computer can reach the internet through either method.
  • On Windows, wired connections usually work automatically; on Mac, they also work automatically, but Wi-Fi requires you to select your network and enter the password.
  • If your computer does not connect, restart your modem first, then restart your computer, then check whether the cable is plugged in or the Wi-Fi network name is visible.

Setting up a wired connection with an ethernet cable

A wired connection requires an ethernet cable — a thin cord with plastic connectors on both ends that look like oversized phone jacks. One end plugs into the ethernet port on your computer (usually on the back or side), and the other end plugs into one of the ethernet ports on your modem. The modem is the box your internet service provider gave you or that you rented from them; it usually has several ports labeled with numbers or the word "ethernet."

Once both ends are plugged in, your computer should recognize the connection within a few seconds. On Windows, open the Settings app, go to Network & Internet, and look for Ethernet — it should show "Connected." On Mac, click the Apple menu, go to System Settings, then Network, and look for Ethernet — it should show "Connected." If it does not, unplug the cable from both ends, wait ten seconds, and plug it back in. If that does not work, restart your modem by unplugging it for thirty seconds, then plugging it back in.

Connecting to Wi-Fi on Windows

To connect wirelessly on Windows, look for the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom right corner of your screen — it looks like curved lines or a fan shape. Click it to see a list of available networks. Find your network name (called an SSID) — this is usually printed on a sticker on your modem or router, or your internet service provider sent it to you in a welcome email. Click the network name, then click "Connect."

Windows will ask you to enter the network password, also called the Wi-Fi password or passphrase. This is different from your internet service provider password — it is the password to your home network. It is usually printed on the same sticker as the network name. Type it carefully (it is case-sensitive, meaning capital letters matter), then click "Next." Your computer should connect within a few seconds. You will see "Connected, secured" next to your network name when it works.

Connecting to Wi-Fi on Mac

On Mac, click the Wi-Fi icon in the top right corner of your screen — it looks like curved lines. A dropdown menu will show all available networks. Find your network name and click it. Mac will prompt you to enter your Wi-Fi password. Type it exactly as it appears on your modem's sticker (uppercase and lowercase letters both matter), then click "Join."

Your Mac will connect within a few seconds. The Wi-Fi icon will fill in completely when you are connected. If you see a question mark inside the Wi-Fi icon, the password was wrong — click the Wi-Fi icon again, select your network, and try the password once more. If you still cannot connect, restart your modem by unplugging it for thirty seconds.

What to do if your modem is not working

Your modem is the device that connects to your internet service provider's network. If your modem is not working, your computer cannot reach the internet even if it is connected to the modem. Most modems have lights on the front that show their status. Look for a light labeled "Internet," "Online," "WAN," or "Upstream" — it should be solid green or blue. If it is red, orange, blinking, or off, your modem is not connected to your internet service provider.

First, unplug your modem from the power outlet, wait thirty seconds, and plug it back in. This is called a power cycle and fixes most connection problems. Wait two to three minutes for the modem to fully restart — you will see the lights flash and then settle. If the internet light is still not solid green or blue, check that the cable from the wall (called the coaxial cable, phone line, or fiber optic cable, depending on your service type) is plugged firmly into the port labeled "In," "Internet," or "WAN" on the modem. If it is loose, push it in until you hear a click.

Troubleshooting when your computer will not connect

If your computer sees the network but will not connect, or if it connects and then drops off, start with these steps in order. First, restart your modem by unplugging it for thirty seconds. Second, restart your computer. Third, try connecting again. These two restarts fix about seventy percent of connection problems.

If that does not work, check the physical connection. For wired: unplug the ethernet cable from both the computer and the modem, wait five seconds, and plug it back in firmly. For wireless: make sure your Wi-Fi is turned on (on some laptops, there is a physical switch or a keyboard shortcut, often Fn plus a key with a Wi-Fi symbol). Then try entering your password again — if you are not sure of the password, you can find it on your modem's sticker or in your internet service provider's account online.

If your computer connects but the internet is very slow, move closer to your modem or router if you are using Wi-Fi. Walls, metal objects, and other wireless devices (like microwaves) can weaken the signal. If you are using a wired connection and it is slow, the cable might be damaged — try a different ethernet cable if you have one.

Understanding your network name and password

Your network name (SSID) is the name that appears in your list of available Wi-Fi networks. Your network password is what you type to connect to that network. These are created by your modem or router and are different from your internet service provider account password — the one you use to log into your bill or manage your account online.

Both the network name and password are usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your modem. If you have lost the sticker or cannot read it, you can find them by logging into your modem's settings page. Open a web browser, type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar, and press Enter. You will be asked to log in — the default username is often "admin" and the default password is often "admin" or "password," though this varies by modem brand. Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Wi-Fi," "Wireless," or "Network Settings" to find your network name and password. If you want to change them to something easier to remember, you can do that here too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need both a modem and a router?

A modem connects you to your internet service provider. A router creates your Wi-Fi network. Many internet service providers now provide a device that does both jobs in one box — it is called a modem-router combo or gateway. If you have one device, you only need that one. If you have two separate devices, the modem plugs into the wall cable, and the router plugs into the modem with an ethernet cable.

What if I do not know my Wi-Fi password?

Look for a sticker on your modem with the network name and password printed on it. If the sticker is missing or unreadable, restart your modem and look for a default network name and password in the manual or on your internet service provider's website. You can also log into your modem's settings page (usually 192.168.1.1) with the default username and password to view or change your Wi-Fi password.

Can I use both wired and wireless at the same time?

Yes. You can plug an ethernet cable into your computer and also have Wi-Fi turned on — your computer will use whichever connection is faster or more stable. However, if you want to use only one, you can turn off Wi-Fi in your settings or unplug the ethernet cable. Most computers automatically prefer a wired connection if both are available.

Why does my Wi-Fi keep disconnecting?

Wi-Fi can drop because you are too far from the modem, there is interference from walls or other devices, or your modem needs to restart. Move closer to the modem, restart it by unplugging for thirty seconds, and check that no other devices are using a lot of bandwidth (like someone streaming video). If the problem continues, your router may be failing and may need to be replaced.

Is wired or wireless faster?

Wired is usually faster and more stable because the cable creates a direct connection with no interference. Wireless speed depends on how far you are from the modem, what walls are between you, and what other devices are using the network. For everyday tasks like email and web browsing, both are fast enough. For gaming, video calls, or large downloads, wired is more reliable.