How to Set up a Wired Computer Network

You can use a wired computer network to connect a single computer to the Internet or multiple computers in the same area to the Internet using a wall-plugged network extender. A wired network can be preferable to a wireless network due to its increased stability.

Enabling Internet on One Computer

Begin by shutting down your computer. Once the computer is completely shut down, connect the network cable, available from your Internet provider, to your network adapter. The network adapter plug should match color of your network cable if you own a desktop. A desktop's network adapter is normally behind the desktop portion of your computer, not the screen. On a laptop it is generally to the left or right of your keyboard, nearby the USB ports. Network cables are generally blue in color and look like a slightly larger phone plug at its ends. Connect the other end of your network cable to your modem. When you restart your computer it should automatically recognize you are connected to the Internet.

Enabling Internet on Multiple Computers

Begin by shutting down your computer. Next, plug your wall-plugged network extender into an outlet on the wall. Connect one end of the network cable (again, generally blue in color and available from your Internet provider) into the wall-plugged network extender. The plug is generally on the bottom of the extender, so the cable should be facing upwards. Connect the other end of the network cable into your computer. On a desktop the plug for a network cable is generally on the desktop portion of the computer, not the screen, and matches the color of the network cable. On a laptop the network cable can often by plugged in on either the left or right side, nearby the USB ports.

Finish the process by plugging the second wall-plugged network extender into an outlet in the same room that holds the modem. Take one end of the network cable and place it in the bottom of the wall-plugged network extender. The other end should be placed in the appropriate slot in your modem, router or switch.

When you turn on your computer again the Internet should be automatically recognized. If this is not the case, check the connection of both ends of each cable to either the computer, modem, or wall-plug network extender. Make sure both your modem and computer are turned on.

Other Options for Computer Networks

Another way to provide Internet to one or multiple computers is to use a wireless network array. A wireless network can be prone to more issues and often do poorly if overloaded. However, a wireless network allows greater accessibility and is generally the best option for those with laptops. A wireless router, and help setting up a wireless network, is available at a variety of retailers. A wireless router will work with any type of Internet connection except for dial-up, which use a phone connection. Be sure to check with your Internet provider before setting up a wireless network to see if the option is available to you.