How to Connect a Laptop or a Desktop to a Router the Right Way?

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A wired connection to your router typically offers faster speeds and greater dependability than a Wi-Fi (wireless) connection. Basically, it is very simple to tether your PC to a router. You can connect an Ethernet cable/LAN cable from your router to the Ethernet port on the desktop. To know more about the process of setting this up, keep reading until the end.

Understanding Ethernet Cable and Its Types 

Ethernet Cables/LAN cables can be understood as a cord which is used to connect devices on a network so that broadband data can be sent. Basically, these are used in everything from business applications as well as home’s wired internet appliances. 

To be precise, you can link laptops and PCs to routers, modems, printers, internet hubs and other network-capable devices with it. Moreover, with the help of these wires, the devices are connected to one another to transfer broadband data. In addition to this, the ethernet cables are available in different categories. Some of these are listed below 

• Cat – 1 

The TIA/EIA does not accept this and it is used for either ISDN or POTS wiring.

• Cat – 2

Cat 2 is also not acknowledged by the TIA/EIA. For 4 Mbit/s token ring networks, this type of wiring is employed.

• Cat – 3

The specification for this cable is TIA/EIA-568-B. It is used for data networks using up to 16 MHz of frequencies and 10 Mbps Ethernet networks (100Base-T).

• Cat – 4

Cat 4 is not acknowledged by the TIA/EIA and can be applied to networks that operate at up to 20 MHz of frequency.

• Cat – 5

This is not accepted by TIA/EIA and offers performance to enable data at 100 Mbps and more than that.

• Cat – 5e

The Cat5E Cables are recognized by TIA / EIA and are described in TIA / EIA – 568. As the performance increases to 125 Mbps, its frequency specification is a little higher than the Cat-5 cable.

• Cat – 6 

The cable is defined by TIA/EIA-568-B which performs better than Cat5 and Cat5E Cables. Basically, the Cat6 Cables are produced with a tighter winding than others and frequently have an exterior foil or braided shielding.

• Cat – 6a

The “a” in the Cat6A Cables stands for “Augmented” and its standard was updated in the year of 2008. It can maintain greater transmission speeds over longer network cable lengths and can accommodate twice as much bandwidth. However, they are known to be less flexible than Cat 6 cables.

• Cat – 7 

This is a colloquial reference for Class F ISO / IEC 11801 cabling. It has four separate protected pairs inside of a larger shield and is intended for applications which call for transmission for frequencies up to 600 Mbps.

• Cat – 8

The Cat 8 cables offer a significant increase in data rate and bandwidth. These are more expensive than Cat6 Cables or even Cat 7 connections.

How to Connect Your Computer to the Router?

Before you attach your computer to the network if you are configuring the router for the first time, here is the connection that you need to carry out first.

• For Those Who Have a Separate Modem

By using the Ethernet Cables/LAN, you can join your modem to the router. The majority of the routers contain many Ethernet ports, however, there is one designated for connecting directly to the modem that is marked as “Internet” or “WAN” (wide area network). This may not be of the same colour as other Ethernet ports. Moreover, ensure that you connect the modem’s Ethernet cable to the correct Ethernet port on the router. 

• For Those Who Have a Wireless Gateway

You must make sure that the wireless gateway for the internet connection entering the home is securely closed. The internet connection determines the sort of connection. For example, a coaxial cable is used to bring cable internet into the home. Whereas, a filter that fits into any phone jack is needed to utilize DSL.

Connecting the Computer to the Router 

Once the router is linked to the modem, you can link your computer to the router. 

Step 1

You must connect the Ethernet Cables/LAN cable’s male end to the computer’s ethernet port. With the need for a USB adapter, you can continue with the process if your computer does not have an Ethernet port. The two illustrations that belong in this category are 

• USB-C to Ethernet
• USB-A to Ethernet

Step 2 

In this step, you need to connect the cable’s opposite end to the router’s set of Ethernet ports. They are usually identified as “LAN” (local area network), “LAN1,” “LAN2,” etc.

Most of the time, platforms like Windows and macOS need to connect to the local network without requiring a login. You can restart your computer if this does not happen. This will enable your router to provide it with a functioning private IP address. Also, remember that your computer’s Wi-Fi connection and your Ethernet connection do not share the same private IP address.

What are the Transfer Speed Requirements?

It is important to know that the speeds of the Ethernet Cables/LAN cables can vary. The higher-grade cables are required to be paired with faster data transfer requirements. 

Most of the device connections can be made using the Cat5 Ethernet Cables. These cables are known to be capable of 100 Mbps speed and have a defined maximum run length of 100 m. 

Whereas, the Cat7 cables have a maximum transmission rate of 10 gigabits per second at 100 meters which is declared as a significant increase in transmission speed. When purchasing a specific category of cable, it is important to carefully analyze the cost against performance besides the run length and the environment. 

How to Test an Ethernet Cable?

Anyone can test the Ethernet Cables/LAN using the tester on their own. These can test 

LAN (local area network) connections and wires as well. As you may have discovered, you may already know that an ethernet cable is not always a one-size-fits-all solution. 

When choosing the proper category and type of it, the kind of device and environment you are choosing are important factors which must be taken into account. Also when it comes to quality, you can rest easy knowing that we at SF Cables have the best items to deliver and meet your needs.

Get the Best Quality Cables to Connect Your Laptop to the Wi-Fi 

As you follow the above-mentioned tips, you can easily connect your laptop to the wifi. However, make sure that the cables are of the best quality which you can get from a trusted cable store online or offline. 

Make sure that the products you are going to purchase are of high quality including the Ethernet Cables/LAN cables, because only a genuine seller can meet the desired expectations and deliver superior technical products. 

All you have to do is check with your friends and neighbours for references or browse through internet and the social media platforms before ordering the items and getting them delivered to your doorstep. It is better to check the online and offline reviews before finalizing the purchase, because electrical items are quite delicate products, and only a genuine seller can give you the right items.