Connecting to the Internet via cable, DSL, or local area network (LAN) in Mac OS X v10.6 or later

Learn how to connect to the Internet via a cable modem, digital subscriber line (DSL), or an Ethernet local area network (LAN) by setting up Network preferences for the "Built-in Ethernet" port.

Notes

• If your Internet service provider (ISP) requires PPPoE, please see OS X: Connecting to the Internet With PPPoE in 10.6 or later first.
• If you have an AirPort base station, follow the steps below before placing it on your network, then see the AirPort section at the end of this article.

For assistance with connecting in Mac OS X v10.5 or earlier, please see this article.

Connecting via cable modem, DSL, or LAN

1. Get this information from your ISP or network administrator:
   
   • Domain Name Server (DNS) addresses.
   • Whether you should choose DHCP or manual IP address configuration, which will be done in step 7 below.
   
   For manual configuration only:
   
   • IP address
   • Router address
   • Subnet mask
   
   Tip: If using DHCP, your ISP or local network usually provides DNS addresses automatically.
    
2. From the Apple () menu, choose System Preferences.
3. From the View menu, choose Network.
4. Unlock the screen (if needed), then select the Ethernet interface. 
5. Click the Advanced button. 
6. Click the TCP/IP tab, if necessary.
7. Choose either Manually or Using DHCP from the Configure pop-up menu, as you were instructed by your ISP in step 1.
8. Type the other information you gathered in step 1 into the matching fields. Note: Unless your ISP instructs you otherwise, you can ignore the DHCP Client ID field and the Search Domains field.
9. Click Apply Now.
10. Open a web browser or other TCP/IP application to test your connection to the Internet.
    
    Additional steps for AirPort

1. After the computer successfully connects to the Internet, physically connect the base station to the network.
2. Disconnect the DSL or cable modem's power cord for a few seconds, then plug it back in.
3. Use the AirPort Utility (located in /Applications/Utilities/) to copy the computer's settings to the base station.