How to Connect Laptop to Cable Modem

Tech How To

To connect to the internet with a laptop and a cable modem, you either need a hardwire connection to the modem with an ethernet cable, or a wireless connection to a router. Generally in my experience, cable modems only have one outgoing ethernet jack, and this is where you must connect the laptop. However, this is inconvenient and defeats the purpose of a portable computer.

The solution is to buy a router which you connect to the cable modem. The router acts as an intermediary, and many will broadcast a wireless signal. If your laptop is wireless capable, you’re now golden and no longer need to directly connect into the cable modem. If your laptop is older, you can buy a USB or other wireless adapter that will allow you to connect wirelessly to your router.