How to Change Cable Modems

A properly working cable modem keeps you connected.

Cable modems connect your computer to the Internet via a series of coaxial cables. This is similar to the way cable television is piped into your home when you sign up for cable TV service. If your current cable modem is not working properly or at all, you always have the option of swapping it out for a new unit. You just have to make sure your new unit gets hooked up properly so that you can continue to use the Internet.

Instructions

1. Unplug the Ethernet cable from the back of your existing cable modem. Do not unplug the cable from the back of your computer---just from the back of the modem itself.

2. Unscrew the coaxial cable from the back of your existing cable modem. Do not unscrew this coaxial cable from the wall outlet it is also connected to---just unscrew it from the back of the modem.

3. Unplug the AC adapter that is powering your existing cable modem from both the modem itself and the wall outlet.

4. Remove your existing cable modem from your computer area. Be sure to set it aside and properly wrap up its AC adapter so that neither device gets damaged.

5. Plug the Ethernet cable that is still connected to your computer into one of the Ethernet inputs on the back of your new cable modem.

6. Screw the coaxial cable that is connected to the cable jack in your wall onto the coaxial input on the new cable modem.

7. Plug the AC adapter that came with your new cable modem into both the wall outlet and the power jack on the modem itself. Your new cable modem will be appropriately set up and will automatically begin using your Internet service to provide your computer with network connectivity.

References

• Cable Modems.org