How To Install A Cable Modem

There was a time when installing an Internet connection required multiple phone calls to your ISP, or a trip out to your home by a trained installation technician. While there are exceptions that can cause difficulties in installation, the general rule is that it is simple and easy even for the least experienced of us.

Cable Internet is now fast and simple to install, but you will need the following items:

• Ethernet card or USB port installed in your computer
• Ethernet or USB cable modem
• Ethernet cable or USB cable
• A coaxial cable of adequate length

This tutorial outlines the step by step process of installing a cable modem. While there may be small differences in installation from modem to modem, for the most part this process should fit any hardware or service.

Be Safe

It is important that you shut down your computer and unplug it. This will protect both you and your system from any unforeseen power surges or mishaps. If you use a surge protector to plug in several items connected to your system, simply unplug that. Remember that it is important to make sure your computer is off first as you could damage your system by unplugging it while it is still running.

Connect the Cable Modem

Now connect the cable coax to the cable modem. This is a thick cable with round, often brass connectors on either end that have metal pins surrounded by grooved RF connectors. This is the type of cable that is connected to your TV if you have cable television, and will also act as your high frequency transmission line for cable Internet access.

Connect one end to the cable modem, and the other to the cable jack in your wall by gently screwing the connector into it. If there is no available jack, you will need to contact your cable provider and have them send out a technician. Most houses and apartments already have these jacks installed.

Ethernet Cable Modem Connection

If you are setting up a USB modem skip to the next section.

Plug your Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port of your Ethernet card that is installed into your computer. This is also called a Category 5 (Cat 5) cable and looks similar to a phone cable, but much larger. Once the Ethernet cable is connected to your computer, connect the other end to the cable modem. There is only one kind of jack that will accept this cable on the back of the modem, so it should be easy to plug in. If you are using a router or wireless gateway, there will be four or more of the Ethernet jacks on the back of your modem. It doesn't matter which one you choose.

USB Cable Modem Connection

If you use an ethernet connection, skip to the next section.

The USB modem operates in the same way an Ethernet modem does, however it connects to your computer differently. Your computer has several small slots either in the back or in the front of the computer case. These slots look like small vertical grooves and are called USB ports. Your USB modem should have come with a USB cable, and this cable fits into these slots. Pick one as there should be several, and plug the modem in. There is only one way to plug this cable in, so with a little trial and error you should be able to get it set up.

It doesn't require much force to plug in a USB cable, and they are delicate so be careful. Now plug the USB cable into the back of the cable modem. There is only one jack that will accept the USB cable so this will be easy.

Power Up the Modem

Plug your cable modem's power transformer into a 110 VAC (standard United States household) power outlet. If you are using a surge protector, which is always recommended, then plug the transformer into the power strip that your computer is plugged into. Once that is complete, plug the other end of the transformer into the cable modem. Again there is only one jack that will accept the power cable so it should be easy to find.

Plug the surge protector back in, and check your cable modem for any activity. You should see several lights blinking, or a solid light representing power. If you don't see any lights, check the back of the modem for a power switch. If there is one, turn it to the on position. If you still don't see any lights then there is either no power getting to the modem, or the modem is defective in some way. Check and make sure the surge protector is plugged in, and it is also turned on.

The cable modem should now have several, usually four, blinking lights representing your connection to the modem, your modem's connection to your Internet service, any data transferring through the modem, and the power light. Once you have your modem on and working you must give it time to "synch up" with your service. This usually takes the form of lights coming on and off, or blinking out of sequence. This process can take anywhere from 30 seconds to 5 minutes. Once the lights are all solid you modem is connected to your cable Internet provider, and is ready to go.

Power Up the Computer

Your last step is to power up your computer and install any software your cable Internet provider has provided. This of course will be different for every provider, and some do not require any software at all. For example, Comcast requires no additional software to surf the web, and once the modem is connected no downloads should be necessary.

Enjoy surfing with your new cable Internet connection!

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