How Do I Connect a New Modem? (2024)

FAQs

How to connect a new modem to an existing network? ›

Plug your modem's power cord into an electrical outlet. Enter your modem's 12-digit MAC number. Once your modem is connected to the coax cable in an active outlet and the power cord plugged into an electrical outlet, you'll be prompted to Check Your Connection.

Unplug your old router. (If your old router is combined with your modem, you will need to go into its settings to disable the Wi-Fi network there.) All your devices should now automatically connect to your new router using the same network name and password. Verify your devices are working properly.

Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the square port on the back of the modem. Plug the other end into the "INTERNET" or "WAN" port on the back of the router. Plug the router into a power source. Wait at least 5 minutes to let the modem and router boot up before connecting it to your Wi-Fi.

Examine all of your cables and make sure nothing is loose or damaged. Also, test your coax outlets to make sure you are getting an Internet signal. Reboot/Restart your router and modem. Sometimes your cable modem and router need a reboot/restart.

Activate your new modem

At this point, most internet providers will require you to activate the new device using the information you collected in step 1. Some may require you to call them, others to visit an online activation page.

Most Internet providers allow you to purchase your own modem and router separately, or a device that contains both—it's up to you. Both options connect you to the Internet. Keep in mind that if you purchase a combined device, if one part breaks (i.e., the router or the modem) you will have to replace the entire system.

Can I Connect My Modem to Any Cable Outlet? The type of cable outlet needed for your modem will depend on the kind of internet service you're using. For example, some modems use your regular phone line for Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), while others require a coaxial cable connection or an Ethernet connection.

The modem is responsible for sending and receiving signals from the ISP, while the router disperses the signal to devices on the network. In a typical home network setup, the modem is connected to the router, which is then connected to each device on the network.

Will devices automatically connect to a new router? ›

Even if you swap out your old router with a new one, your devices won't know the difference as long as the network name is the same. In order for your devices to automatically connect to your new router though, you'll also need to use the same password.

Connect one end of the ethernet cord to the ethernet port on the back of the modem. Connect the other end of the ethernet cord to the ethernet port on your computer or device. Ensure there is power to your computer or device. You should now be able to turn on your computer or device and connect it to your network.

You can install internet by yourself if your home is wired properly for internet service and if your provider has a self-installation option available. Self-installation isn't always an option—some providers require a professional to install your internet service because of wiring issues and other complications.

While ISPs typically discourage the installation of a second modem, it is indeed feasible to set up two modems in your home. If you have a single Internet Service Provider (ISP), you can establish a connection between the two modems using an Ethernet cable.