How to Connect a Device to a Wired Network

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Connect Ethernet

  1. Connect an Ethernet cable between your device and your Router / Gateway.
Ethernet cable plugged into device

Ethernet cable plugged into router

2. Power cycle your Home Network

To Power Cycle Your Modem and Router:

  1. Remove the power cable from both your modem and router.
Modem and router power cycle procedure.
  1. Verify all lights are off on the modem and router.
  2. Wait 10 seconds.
Wait 10 Seconds
  1. Plug in the power to your modem only.
  2. Wait for the Online light to turn on stop flashing on your modem.This can take up to three minutes.
Light flashing
Right
Light on
  1. Plug in the power to your router.
  2. Wait for the Online light to turn on stop flashing on your router.This can take five minutes or more.
Light flashing
Right
Light on

3. Power Cycle

If you haven't already, please try power cycling the device you're working with. To do so, simply turn it off, wait 30 seconds and turn it back on again.

4. Check Cable

Verify that the Ethernet cable is securely plugged into both your device and the router / gateway. If you have another Ethernet cable laying around, try plugging in a different Ethernet cable.

A lot of routers and devices have a LED light where the cable plugs in to indicate there is a connection.

5. Check Other Devices

Test any other device connected to your home network (wired or wireless) and see if you are able to access the internet.

6. What's next?

7. What's next?