Do you want to know how to ditch the Ethernet cable and connect your PC direct to Wi-Fi? This article has all the answers you need. This article provides you with detailed step-by-step instructions to help you connect your PC to Wi-Fi without stress.
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What is an Ethernet Cable?
You can go online by connecting your devices to your service provider’s network via an ethernet cable, which is a specific kind of network connection. That is, it transmits information between your computer and your network switch and router, as well as between your computer and any other devices connected to your network.
Connectors are ubiquitous, and the vast majority of PCs include at least one ethernet connection. You may even find them in modern “Smart” TVs since they need an internet connection to function. There is a little lever on either end of an ethernet cable’s connection that locks it firmly into the socket, making it easy to identify. An RJ45 cable is a common name for this kind of network connection.
There is a wide variety of Ethernet cable types, lengths, and features available. Types span from Category 5 to 5e, 6, 7, and 8, with only specialists interested in their specific properties. Basically, Category 5 is the bare minimum, and Category 8 is the apex—carrying data at lightning speeds, having additional resistance to electrical interference.
What You Need Before You Can Get Connected to Wi-Fi Without Ethernet Cable
1. Get a wireless router
To begin, get a wireless router. Routers are many and can cost you quite an amount depending on the sophistication.
2. Get a Wi-Fi adapter
Secondly, your PC will need a Wi-Fi adapter. Adapters are of three kinds. They are USB, PCI, and in-built.
- In-built Wi-Fi Adapter
Most PCs come with in-built adapters. If this is the case with yours, you may not need to get any other one. However, I have noticed that in-built adapters aren’t always of high quality. Thus, you may still get one of the others as an alternative.
- PCI
PCI is a form of card you insert into your PC. They are better off working with desktops because of the ease of dismantling and adding them. But it might take some expertise to open your PC to add a PCI card. However, this card provides a faster way to connect to the internet.
- USB
USBs are very common today. It is loved by many because of its ease of use. The USB shows great versatility because you can connect it to other devices with wireless adapters. If your PC has a USB port, you just need to connect it to the USB through the port. With this, there is no need to start dismantling your PC.
Instructions for fixing your wireless connection
Once you have gotten your wireless adapter, you are now set to fix your wireless connection. You can now follow the instructions below.
1. Adapter installation
Your adapter should come with instructions that you should follow. They shouldn’t give you much trouble. However, if you find it difficult, ask someone around who may know what to do or ask YouTube for help.
2. And the connection begins
After sorting out the adapter installation, your PC should instantly recognize its software and install it. If that isn’t the case, such an adapter should come with a playable disc or web URL to facilitate the installation.
Know the name and password of your network from your wireless router to help the connection. Once all these are in place, you can start enjoying the wireless data connection.
How to Know if Your PC Already Has a Wireless Adapter
Step 1: Go to your Device Manager section on your PC. You can use the search box at the bottom left of your screen to search for it.
Step 2: Go to Network Adapters and expand it. You will see a list of available network devices in the expanded field.
Step 3: Search for a Wi-Fi adapter. If your PC has an existing Wi-Fi adapter, it will be shown to you.
How to Know if Your Mac Already Has a Wireless Adapter
Step 1: Locate the wireless icon. It is your shortcut to verifying your wireless adapter.
Step 2: The System Information screen holds the answer you need. Click the options key without releasing it, and then click on the apple icon on the menu bar. The System Information will appear. Click on it as well.
Step 3: Go through your network settings and search for Wi-Fi. You will find the details concerning any existing wireless adapter.
How To Connect Your PC To Wi-Fi Without Ethernet Cable (for Windows)
Step 1: Go to the Windows icon on the bottom left side of your PC screen.
Step 2: Search for Settings.
Step 3: Go through to find the “Network and Internet” option and click.
Step 4: Go to Wi-Fi under Network and Internet.
Step 5: Wi-Fi will show a toggle-like button depicting on/off. Click to make it active.
Your Wi-Fi is now active. All you need to do now is ensure your network is available. Use the id details to establish a connection.
How To Connect Your PC To Wi-Fi Without Ethernet Cable (for Mac)
Step 1: The first step is to select the Wi-Fi from your Mac device’s menu bar.
Step 2: Once you have done this, the next thing to do is to select the ‘Wi-Fi: On’ option.
Step 3: Once you’ve done with step 2, you can then choose the Wi-Fi network to connect to. Enter the Wi-Fi’s name and password to get connected.
FAQs
Q: What are the advantages of using a Wi-Fi connection?
Using a wireless connection on your PC or other smart devices ensures comfort and flexibility as you can move from one place to another. This is impossible if you are using an Ethernet cable connection which will restrict your mobility due to the connected cables.
Q: Which is a faster hotspot and USB tethering?
When it comes to internet speed, tethering has the upper hand.
Yes, it is possible. Most Android devices can do this via USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.
Conclusion
Wireless connections are prevalent nowadays and preferred to Ethernet cable connections. This is because Wi-Fi allows you to move about without harming your connection.
On the other hand, an Ethernet connection relies on the cables to give your PC the needed connection, but it hinders your movement, which means you will be camped in one place since you can’t move about with cables.
However, Ethernet is known for the strength of its connection. Also, wireless connections keep getting better and better. Thus, it makes sense to choose Wi-Fi over Ethernet. The instructions above will help you through the process of establishing a Wi-Fi connection.
