How to hook up a desktop computer to the internet is a frequently asked question all over the world. There are several methods to connect a desktop computer to the internet.
These are
- DSL service( Digital Subscriber Line)
- CATV( Cable Internet Line)
- Fiber Optic Service.
- Other Options(Satellite, Tethering, Mobile Broadband, Dial-Up)
Before knowing how to connect your pc to the internet, you have to decide what type of internet service is suitable for you. Then based on that knowledge, you can take the next step.
Now without further ado, let’s dive right in.
DSL service( Digital Subscriber Line)
Between the three standard broadband options, DSL is the slowest of all.
The download speed of DSL service can range between one-megabyte-per-second to seven-megabyte-per-second. This type of download speed is good for regular tasks like web browsing or checking emails. There are a few DSL providers who are offering speeds from 12 to 45 Mbps.
How does it work?
DSL is Dial-Up on steroids. It is faster than a dial-up connection but slower than cable connections. The key difference between dial-up and DSL is the frequencies they use. DSL runs using different frequencies and can operate while you are using your telephone.
There are two types of DSL
- Symmetrical: This type of DSL has the same speed for both downloading and uploading.
- Asymmetrical: This type of DSL has a lower uploading speed and higher downloading speed.
There are both upsides and downsides of using DSL service.
Pros:
- Widely available: As it uses existing phone lines, it is widely available.
- Affordable: It costs less compared to wired connections.
Cons:
- Slower speed: Wired connections are usually faster than DSL
- Distance sensitive: The speed of a DSL connection can increase or decrease depending on how far away you are from the central office.
CATV( Cable Internet Line)
A cable connection is faster than a DSL but slower than an optical fiber connection when it comes to speed.
CATV operates using cable wires instead of telephone wires. The use of cable wires results in faster download and upload speeds.
Cable Internet Service is more reliable compared to DSL. Download speed for CATV can be from 100 Mbps to 300 Mbps. People do not usually need this much download speed even when using multiple devices. CATV service providers also offer slower speeds ranging from 12 to 25 Mbps. You can choose what type of package you want to take, depending on your needs.
Like DSL service, Cable connection also has its pros and cons.
Pros:
- Faster Speed: Cable connection can be faster than both DSL and Fiber connection depending on your package.
- Reliability: CATV is more reliable than DSL service
Cons:
- Expensive: Cable connection is more expensive than DSL and other options.
- Lack of availability: You might not have a cable service provider in your area. In some cases, there is only one provider in a particular area.
Fiber Optic Service:
Fiber Optic Service is usually the fastest option in terms of speed.
Download speed for Optical Fiber can be around 25 Mbps to 75 Mbps. This download speed is similar to that of a cable connection. But the main between these two options is uploading speed.
The downloading speed for cable connection can be 25 Mbps but, the uploading speed can be less than one Mbps. Similarly, the DSL connection’s downloading speed can be around 12 Mbps, but the uploading speed can be less than 0.5 Mbps.
You might be wondering why upload speed is important.
Why does Upload speed matter?
Most internet users do not generally care about upload speed. But both download speed and upload speed is crucial for business users. Because not only do they supply data to others but also consume it. Here are some cases where upload speed can matter.
- Data backup.
- Web hosting.
- Cloud applications.
- VoIP services.
- Outgoing mail attachments.
- P2P file sharing.
- Video conferencing.
- Uploading Files.
- Live streaming.
Fiber Optic service is not as common as DSL or cable internet service. Because it can not operate using existing cable wires or telephone lines. If you want to use Optical fiber, you will need to set up a new connection for a specific area.
These are the pros and cons of an Optical Fiber service.
Pros
- Faster download and upload speed: Optical fiber delivers both speedier download speed and faster upload speed.
Cons
- Even less common than CATV: Optical fiber service is scarce and is available in a select few areas.
Other Options
There are some alternatives if you want to connect your desktop to the internet.
Satellite
Use satellite internet access only if that is your only option. Because this can be both slower and more expensive when compared to other available options. It can perform better than a dial-up connection and does not require the usage of a phone line. This feature can be useful if you want to use both your phone and the internet simultaneously.
Pros
- It is faster than a dial-up connection and does not require something like a phone line to operate.
Cons
- Satellite internet is slower than most options and also costs more when compared to others.
TETHERING
You can use the cellular data connection on your smartphone for connecting to the internet. You can use both USB or hotspot to use this feature. But you should use this method only for light usages. Follow these steps for the setup of USB tethering on windows.
Setting up USB tethering for Windows
- Use a USB cable to connect your mobile to a PC.
- Open up settings and look for tethering or personal hotspot.
- Toggle USB tethering or personal hotspot.
- See your network setting to ensure internet connection.
Pros
- Suitable for light usages like sending mail or web browsing.
Cons
- Data usage is limited, depending on your cell phone plan.
MOBILE BROADBAND
Many telecommunication companies like Verizon and AT&T offers mobile broadband services. You can use a hotspot or modem to connect to the internet.
These works like mobile internet plans. You need to buy a certain amount of data and then use it. A 2 GB plan can cost you around $40. So, it is not the most affordable option if you compare it to others like cable connection or DSL. But it offers mobility and on the go usability.
Pros
- Can be used on the go
Cons
- Very costly compare to others.
DIAL-UP
Dial-up is the oldest of all methods. Dial-up uses your phone line to connect to the internet. But unlike DSL, the frequencies it uses are the same as phones. That means you can not use the internet and your phone at the same time.
Dial-up is the slowest of all the services out there. It is also very painful to use because you have to establish a new connection every single time.
But the only good side is that it is very cheap. A monthly subscription of dial-up service can cost you about $6.99.
Pros
- Very cheap and affordable.
Cons
- It is the slowest out of all the services out there.
If you have read all these, now you surely have a general idea about the services. Now you can select the best possible option for you and know all about how to hook up a desktop computer to the internet.
Hook up a desktop computer to the internet
The steps you have to follow to hook up a desktop computer to the internet can be different based on what type of service you are taking.
There are two main types of connection.
- DSL service( Digital Subscriber Line)
- Cable Service
You have to follow the same step for both a CATV and Fiber Optic Service. So, we have mentioned only one method here.
Cable Connection Setup
- Connect the cable modem into your PC and ensure that your PC is close to a wall cable socket.
- Connect the cable modem and the wall cable socket.
- Connect the power cable of the cable modem.
- The modem will turn on after you have connected the power cable.
- Please wait for it to boot. ( All the lights on the modem will turn on once. All the lights will stop blinking except one )
- Contact your ISP( Internet service provider) and tell them to register your serial number MAC address if your router is new.
- Test if your internet connection is working properly.
DSL ( Digital Subscriber Line) connection setup
- Connect the DSL modem into your PC and ensure that your PC is close to a wall cable socket.
- Connect the DSL modem and the wall cable socket.
- Connect the power cable of the DSL modem.
- The DSL modem will turn on after you have connected the power cable.
- Please wait for it to boot. ( All the lights on the modem will turn on once. All the lights will stop blinking except one )
- Contact your DSL ISP( Internet service provider) and know your username and password.
- Open a browser and log in to the IP address of the modem.
- Look for PPPoE and enter your username and password.
- Save the settings.
- Test if your internet connection is working properly.