How to Set a Cable Network in Windows XP and Vista

If you have a cable network that is your Internet Service Provider (ISP), you will need to connect to your cable modem router to go online. This will be done in one of two ways. If your router is wired, you will need to set up a wired connection to it, otherwise, if it is a wireless router, you can connect wirelessly. Setting up the modem and router will be slightly different for each router and cable company, but the process will generally be the same.

Step 1

Connect, if it is a wired router, an Ethernet cable from your computer to the cable modem router.

Step 2

Click on a Windows Vista machine to make a wireless connection: "Start," then "Connect to" and then select your router. Click "Connect." Right-click on a Windows XP machine to make a wireless connection, the "Network Connection" sign and then "View Available Wireless Networks." Click your router to make the connection.

Step 3

Open an Internet browser, once you have connected to your modem. Typically the initial router setup page will open. If it doesn't, you will need to find out the IP address of the router; consult your documentation for further assistance. After you have entered your account details, you will be able to go online.

References

• Microsoft: How to connect to a wireless network in Windows Vista
• Microsoft: To connect to an available wireless network

About the Author

Joshua Laud started writing professionally in 2008. During his three years at University he worked freelance for various music publications including "Clash Magazine" and "total:spec," and online Data Transmission and Music is Art. Laud also specializes in technology writing. He has a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from the University of London.

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