GNOME Documentation Project
gnome-doc-list@gnome.org
Michael Hill
mdhillca@gmail.com 2015
To set up most wired network connections, all you need to do is plug in a network cable.
Daniel Șerbănescu
daniel [at] serbanescu [dot] dk 2016, 2019

# Connect to a wired (Ethernet) network

To set up most wired network connections, all you need to do is plug in a network cable. The wired network icon (settings) is displayed on the top bar with three dots while the connection is being established. The dots disappear when you are connected.

Diagram of an Ethernet cable

If this does not happen, you should first of all make sure that your network cable is plugged in. One end of the cable should be plugged into the rectangular Ethernet (network) port on your computer, and the other end should be plugged into a switch, router, network wall socket or similar (depending on the network setup you have). The Ethernet port is often on the side of a laptop, or near the top of the back of a desktop computer. Sometimes, a light beside the Ethernet port will indicate that it is plugged in and active.

You cannot plug one computer directly into another one with a network cable (at least, not without some extra setting-up). To connect two computers, you should plug them both into a network hub, router or switch.

If you are still not connected, your network may not support automatic setup (DHCP). In this case you will have to configure it manually.