How to Connect a Cable to a Computer

Connecting a patch cable from your computer to a network is necessary for many applications.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Network card Switch or RJ-45 jack

1. Determine the type of path cable you need. It will almost always be a straight-through cable. Only use a cross-over cable if your instructions require it.

2. Turn off the computer. Plug one end of the patch cable into the port on the computer's network card.

3. Plug the other end of the cable into your network switch or the RJ-45 jack.

4. Turn on computer. Check that you get a link light (usually a solid green light) on the network card.

Tips & Warnings

• After the computer is finished booting, test the connection by trying to access a device shared on the network or the Internet.