Ethernet cables are still the best way to connect to the internet. There is less interruption and a much stronger connection. Unfortunately, In the latest designs, there is no ethernet port on laptops anymore; because in order to get slimmer and to be lighter, they had to lose a few features here and there, and with the new and super-fast WiFi technologies, the dedicated ethernet port seems to be going out of fashion for the manufacturers.
On the other hand, a WiFi connection is still not the best solution or alternative to an ethernet cable because of the worse connectivity and more interruptions compared to an ethernet cable. Ethernet port is not only more stable but also safer in most cases, and with Ethernet, you don’t have to worry about signal strength. A wifi connection has a signal strength that can go down depending on where your laptop is which is not the case for an ethernet cable.
It is most likely that your new slim laptop does not come with an ethernet port so you could be looking for ways you can still connect your ethernet port to your laptop for better connectivity and a strong network. Here is a video that can help you do that just in case you are too bored to read the whole article.
How can I connect my ethernet cable to my laptop without having an ethernet port?
Here is the ideal solution to try if your laptop doesn’t have an ethernet port and you want to establish an ethernet connection.
Using an ethernet port
Using an adapter to connect an ethernet cable to your laptop, which doesn’t have a dedicated port for that matter, is the best possible solution. Considering the price of the ethernet cable adapters, it is also inexpensive and safe.
For this method to work, your laptop must have a USB-A or USB-C port, of which you can easily find at least one on the latest laptops, where the ethernet ports are missing. The USB-A is the common USB type available on every PC, and on the latest laptops, you’ll find USB 3.0, which will certainly make the connection even better. And since USB-C is also the new hype, with all the latest laptops, we are sure that you will easily find both.
Use your ethernet adapter in a proper way
Luckily, these adapters provide an ethernet connection even if your laptop doesn’t have its own integrated ethernet codec or card. These adapters come ready to provide a full service, and a decent one will have the capability to provide an excellent ethernet speed.
The very first thing is to identify which USB type would be the best to get an adapter for. Both USB-A and USB-C have different speed capabilities, and adapters for both will thus have different prices too. So, make sure of one thing: pick the one with the higher speed capabilities. USB-C is super-fast in that case, but it also has certain compatibility issues with different USB Type-C cables, and the USB Type-C adapters are likely to be more expensive than the conventional USB-A adapters.
Next up, if the adapter is plugged in but not working, which it should in most cases. But, say if it isn’t, then the next thing to do is to download and install the required drivers to make it all work. Once you have installed the drivers, just plug the adapter into the USB port, and voila! You are good to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will this work the same as an ethernet port would do?
Since your method will be a bit different than how it is normally done there can be slight differences but not something notable.
Q: What if your current laptop’s ethernet port is damaged or maybe it is not working properly? Will this method work for you in that case?
Yes, this method would work as long as your laptop has USB-A or USB-C ports. You can always follow our guide.
What to do if your laptop does not come with an ethernet port?
If your laptop does not have an Ethernet port, you can use a USB to Ethernet adapter to connect to the internet. A USB to Ethernet adapter is a small device that plugs into your laptop’s USB port and allows you to connect to the internet using an Ethernet cable.
Is it possible to connect an Ethernet cable to a USB port?
No, you cannot connect an Ethernet cable to a USB port. A USB to Ethernet adapter is required to connect to the internet using an Ethernet cable.
What is a USB to Ethernet adapter?
A USB to Ethernet adapter is a small device that plugs into your laptop’s USB port and allows you to connect to the internet using an Ethernet cable.
How to use a USB to Ethernet adapter?
To use a USB to Ethernet adapter, plug the adapter into your laptop’s USB port and then connect an Ethernet cable from the adapter to your modem or router. Once the adapter is plugged in and the Ethernet cable is connected, your laptop can connect to the internet.