How to Connect Multiple Computers to a Cable Modem

Back of a common router with Ethernet ports.

A cable modem allows you to connect to high-speed Internet service from a cable TV provider. With the addition of a router you can connect multiple computers to a single modem. Both wired and wireless routers have ports for computers that lack wireless capabilities to connect directly. Connected computers and devices can access the Internet at the same time through the router, although multiple computers connected may slow down the Internet connection.

Things You'll Need

• Wired or wireless router
• Ethernet cables (1 for router and 1 for each non-wireless computer)

Instructions

1. Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the "Internet Out" or "Ethernet" port on the back of the modem. Connect the other end to the "Ethernet," "Modem" or "Internet In" port on the back of the router.

2. Connect one end of another Ethernet cable into the "Network card" port on the back of the non-wireless computer. Connect the other end into one of the numbered "Internet out" ports on the back of the router. Repeat this step with each additional wired computer.

3. Turn on the wireless (Wi-Fi) on each of the wireless computers if you are using a wireless router. Locate the wireless icon in the lower-right corner of Windows or the upper right on Mac OS X.

4. Click the icon to open a small menu and select either "Turn on Wireless" or "Enable Wireless" from the list of options. Wait for a list of available wireless signals to appear and double-click on the one that matches your wireless router. If you have a secured network, the name of the network appears, otherwise the default name (such as "Linksys") appears.

References

• Microsoft Support: Connecting wired networks
• Lee Indy: Connecting multiple computers to routers