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How To Connect Laptop To Router Without Ethernet Cable? (Step By Step)

How to connect laptop to router without Ethernet cable? If your laptop lacks the feature of Ethernet port and you wanted to connect the internet so, you can use Wi-Fi to connect the laptop to router network.
By Laptops Crunch Team | Updated On May 27, 2023
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How To Connect Laptop To Router Without Ethernet Cable?

Among the specifications of modern laptops, smooth and sleek designs are trending. Present-day laptops do not have Ethernet ports to avoid extra ports and height. So, most laptops now do not have an Ethernet port. One of its main reasons can be Wi-Fi; people use Wi-Fi and internet data to avoid the hustle.

If you are also a Wi-Fi user, you may not consider the need for an Ethernet port. But if the Wi-Fi connection drops or is unavailable, what will you do? Also, your laptop does not have an Ethernet port. What will be your possible solution? If you have witnessed the scenario, then you are not alone. Many people are worried about the Ethernet cable replacement or solution.

This article will answer all your queries regarding how to connect laptop to router without Ethernet cable and the suitable cable used to connect laptop to router. So, let’s dig into the quick fix to connect laptop to router wireless.

How to connect laptop to router without Ethernet cable? (In-depth step-wise guide)

Ethernet has a quick and more stable connection than Wi-Fi or any other internet stream. But modern laptops do not have the Ethernet connectivity port to make laptops portable. Wi-Fi is a practical wireless alternative.

Several security requirements and sudden poor signals of Wi-Fi during an interview, meeting, presentation, or assignment are among the worst experiences. You are helpless in such situations and do not know how to respond at that moment. You will think about the Ethernet, but even a laptop does not have a specific connection.

I have summarized some easy and basic steps to connect laptop to router network without Ethernet cable in no time.

Step 1: check the internet connection

The primary step should be checking internet connectivity. Perform any activity, like opening a browser to test the internet. Your laptop has no internet signals if you cannot load any website.

In this case, you will need a cable to connect laptop to router.

Step 2: shut off firewall protection

Ensure the firewall is turned off on your laptop. The prime objective is that turned-off firewall protection will allow new connections. A deactivated firewall will permit our system to make new connections.

Without it, you would be unable to make new connections, so ensure it is properly turned off.

Step 3: choose a suitable channel

Some routers have 11 channels, and each channel deviates to different regions of the specific country. So, it will depend upon your Wi-Fi to choose channels. Choose a suitable channel that will help you in the proceedings.

You can take the guide from the manual for important instructions on selecting a channel. If one device operates on channel four and the other uses channel six, both devices can connect without trouble as both are set to 4. So, if both devices are operating on the same channel, it is possible to connect them.

Step 4: focus on the window setting

Optimize window settings to confirm your laptop window’s driver is up to date and has no problems related to the performance.

Procedure:

  • Open the control panel and select the internet network setting.
  • A local area connection option will appear on the laptop screen, right click on it and select properties.
  • From the options of properties, choose TCP/IPv4.
  • Deselect Use Default Gateway from both public and private networks.

Step 5: start a new connection

After connecting the devices, a step often referred to as setting up a client is crucial. A connection between the router and laptop will initiate through this step.

Procedure:

  • Open the internet browser and enter 192.168.1.1 in the browser window.
  • Press enter once it emerges on the screen.
  • Ensure to use HTTP:// to avoid complications.

After step 5, an internet connection between the laptop and the wireless router should be established.

Step 6: allocate an IP address

A unique IP address is required to connect with the laptop router. Configure a specific IP address to your so that no other laptop can connect with your IP address. So, the IP address should be unique and different since you are connecting with the help of Wi-Fi.

Step 7: provide network key

The network key is essential for the connection. Without a correct network key, you will not be able to connect with the router. So, make sure to remember your network key or write it somewhere so that you can enter it.

You should enter the network key in the relevant box. The network key is mainly written at the router, so you can copy and paste it. If your router does not have any key written on it, you can consult with an authority that can provide that key. In short, without a network key connection of the laptop with the router is almost impossible.

Step 8: structure the adapter

Configuration of Wi-Fi connection is simple yet essential. The wireless adapter and router should be connected with the wireless criteria. It can either be 802.11 ac or 802.11 a/b/g/n.

You should be aware of the SSID of your router. SSID is basically the network name associated with your router. If you are unaware of the process of checking the SSID, you can seek help from your internet service provider. They will guide you all about the SSID from purpose to the settings according to your laptop model.

Step 9: check the drivers

By this step, the Ethernet cable is plugged into the laptop. Your laptop will spontaneously detect and update the operating system drivers.

Step 10: update the Ethernet driver

If the Ethernet cable is connected to the laptop router but is still not detectable, you have to install an Ethernet driver. The Ethernet driver is different for windows and android. It depends upon the operating system you are using.

Drivers make the connection so much easier. They allow connecting to a wireless network with another device, even smartphones.

After this last step, you are ready to connect the laptop to the router without an Ethernet cable.

How can you add an Ethernet port to your laptop?

You can easily add an Ethernet port to your laptop with an Ethernet adapter.

  • First, plug the adapter into the suitable port of the laptop.
  • Then, connect the Ethernet cable at the end of the laptop Ethernet adapter.
  • The other end of the Ethernet cable should be connected to the router.
  • Internet will start working after the proper connection.
  • Make sure all the connections are correct and secure. If the internet does not respond, just restart your laptop for proper functioning.

Conclusion

Connecting the laptop to the router with an Ethernet cable is easier and quicker. But most modern laptops do not have an Ethernet port; in that case, you will need a wireless connection. Also, we often do not have our network cable with us all the time. In that case, the connection between the laptop and router without any physical aid is fast and accessible. All you need is your portable laptop and an internet-connected device; it can be your smartphone.  

I have explained how to connect laptop to router without Ethernet cable. I hope it will benefit you to connect laptop wirelessly. If you still have any queries, my comment section is always available to answer you.

FAQs:

You can use different Ethernet cables to connect your laptop to the router. The two most common types are listed down below:

  • Category 7 (Cat7) is the latest and fastest Ethernet network cable. It has a speed of 10Gbps, along with the features of noise resistance and longevity.
  • Category 5 (Cat5) is another Ethernet cable with a speed of 100Mbps. The advanced version of Cat5 is Cat5e; with a speed up to 1Gbps. Business people mostly use this type of Ethernet cable.

Connecting a router without an Ethernet cable is easy and time saving. The detailed steps are mentioned above.

Go through with me in simple steps so that you can develop a connection in your laptop:

  1. Plug in the modem.
  2. Download and install the router software.
  3. Connect to the wireless network.
  4. Activate factory defaults.
  5. Done basic settings.
  6. Enter a network name, SSID.
  7. Change and fix security settings.
  8. Select network settings.
  9. Restart the system to activate the changes.

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