Internet on tvs: Your Guide to the Fastest and Best Ethernet Cable in 2022

Your Guide to the Fastest and Best Ethernet Cable in 2022

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Internet

Does the type of Ethernet cable you use make a difference? It can. Uncover which one is best for your internet connection.

At a glance, Ethernet cables appears to be little more than bulky phone cords. They are vastly different, however, and the type of Ethernet cable you use can have an impact on your internet connection and speeds.

Ethernet cables come in different categories, each identified as “Cat” followed by a number. The most common Ethernet types are:

Cat 5
Cat 5e
Cat 6
Cat 6a
Cat 7
Cat 7a
Cat 8

Understanding the capabilities of each cable category is important when choosing the right one for your home. Learn more about Ethernet cable categories to identify the best one to set up your internet service.

Ethernet cable category quick comparison

Category	Max Speeds	Bandwidth
Cat 5	100 Mbps	100 MHz
Cat 5e	1,000 Mbps	100 MHz
Cat 6	1,000 Mbps	250 MHz
Cat 6a	10,000 Mbps	500 MHz
Cat 7	10,000 Mbps	600 MHz
Cat 7a	10,000 Mbps	1,000 MHz
Cat 8	40,000 Mbps	2,000 MHz

Cat 5 – outdated and hard to find

Before internet plans with speeds of 100 Mbps and higher were so common, Cat 5 cables were sufficient for nearly every home network. However, as the availability of faster internet continues to rise, Cat 5 cables have become as obsolete as non-HD TVs. Therefore, even if your internet plan doesn’t offer speeds up to 100 Mbps, a Cat 5 cable will likely not be your best option simply because they are hard to find new.

Average price for 12 ft cable: N/A
Go with Cat 5 if: You already own a Cat 5 cable and your internet plan is lower than 100 Mbps.
Upgrade to Cat 5e if: You need a new cable. A new Cat 5e will be much easier to find than a Cat 5 cable and will support faster speeds if you decide to upgrade your internet plan in the future.

Cat 5e – the current standard

Low-cost and capable of supporting gig internet, Cat 5e (Cat 5 “enhanced”) replaced Cat 5 as the Ethernet standard. Cat 5e supports up to 1,000 Mbps and is built to reduce crosstalk — unwanted transfer of signal between the cables — for a more consistent connection. This is the most common type of Ethernet cable because it supports speeds up to 1 Gbps and typically costs less than Cat 6 or Cat 7 cables.

Estimated price for 12-ft. cable: Less than $10
Go with Cat 5e if: You want an affordable cable that will do the job.
Upgrade to a Cat 6 if: You want higher bandwidth and the option of a “shielded” cable, which reduces crosstalk and signal interference.

Cat 6 – higher bandwidth, possibly shielded

Standard Cat 6 cables support the same speeds as Cat 5e but give you more than double the bandwidth. The higher bandwidth helps reduce download and upload times, especially if you are transferring files from one computer to another via a Cat 6 cable.

Another potential benefit of Cat 6 cables is shielding. This is a thin protective barrier around the wires inside the Ethernet cable which further protects them from crosstalk and interference. Not all Cat 6 cables come with this feature, however, so look for “STP” or “shielded twisted pair” when shopping for Cat 6 cables.

Estimated price for 12-ft. cable: $10-$15
Go with a Cat 6 if: Your internet plan speeds are 1,000 Mbps or less and you want higher bandwidth for faster downloads and uploads.
Upgrade to Cat 6a if: You have an internet plan with speeds above 1,000 Mbps or anticipate getting a faster plan in the future.

Cat 6a – 10x the speeds, double the bandwidth

Cat 6a (Cat 6 “augmented”) gives you a big jump in both speeds and bandwidth over the Cat 5e and Cat 6, supporting up to 10,000 Mbps and 500 MHz. Plus, all Cat 6a and higher cables feature a shielding designed to eliminate crosstalk almost entirely

Though probably more than the average user needs, Cat 6a cables will deliver a fast, reliable connection. It’s also safe to say this cable will support your high-speed internet connection for years to come, even as faster cable and fiber-optic internet speeds become available.

Estimated price for 12-ft. cable: $15-$20
Go with Cat 6a if: Your internet plan speeds are higher than 1,000 Mbps. You want a cable that likely won’t be outdated in two to three years.
Upgrade to Cat 7 if: You want a cable that supports slightly higher bandwidth and will cost you around the same price as a Cat 6a cable.

Cat 7 – a little higher bandwidth than Cat 6a

Cat 7 cables are the latest generation of Ethernet cords available but have little to offer compared to Cat 6a aside from slightly higher bandwidth. Both support speeds up to 10,000 Mbps, but the Cat 7 supports 600 MHz of bandwidth compared to the 500 MHz of Cat 6a. The higher bandwidth frequency does allow for faster data transfers, so if you plan on downloading or uploading large files, the extra bandwidth the Cat 7 gives you may be worth it.

Estimated price for 12-ft. cable: $15-$25
Go with Cat 7 if: Your internet plan speeds are higher than 1,000 Mbps and want a cable that supports high bandwidth.
Upgrade to Cat 7a if: You want a cable that supports the highest bandwidth available.

Cat 7a – even more bandwidth

Cat 8, the next generation of Ethernet cables, is on the horizon but for the time being, Cat 7a (Cat 7 “augmented”) is the highest-performing Ethernet cord available. Like the Cat 6a and Cat 7 cables, the Cat 7a supports speeds up to 10,000 Mbps, but the max bandwidth is much higher at 1,000 MHz. Again, this cable is probably much more than the average user needs, but it’s ideal for those who want the best cable now and a great one for future internet services.

Estimated price for 12-ft. cable: $25-$35
Why choose Cat 7a: You want the top-of-the-line connection and don’t mind paying a little more for it.

Tips for choosing the right Ethernet cable

Along with identifying the right Ethernet cable type for your internet service, there are a few other factors you may want to think about when shopping for the right one for your needs.

Consider the length – Ethernet cables come in many lengths, ranging from three to 300 feet or more. Think about the proximity of your router and the devices you want to connect in order to get a cord with sufficient length. Keep in mind that running the cord along baseboards or through the walls will take up more length.
Choose pure copper cables – Ethernet cord manufacturers use either pure copper or copper-clad aluminum. Pure copper will give you a better connection, so look for “pure copper wire” or “TIA 568-C22” on the packaging. The copper-clad aluminum, identified as “CCA,” might be a little cheaper, but it won’t give you the same quality connection.
Ask what your installer is giving you – Often, your internet installer will come with an Ethernet cord to hook your modem up to your router. Ask what kind of cable the installer is using, and request one of better quality if it’s not the best one for your connection.

For more tips about maximizing your internet connection, check out our Resource Center. And to shop high-speed internet plans in your area, click the button below.

Written by:

David Anders

Senior Writer, Broadband Content

David joined the Allconnect team in 2017, specializing in broadband and TV content. His work has been referenced by a variety of sources, including ArcGIS, DIRECTV and more. As a Senior Writer, David is motivate… Read more

Edited by:

Trey Paul

Editor, Broadband Content

Read bio

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Beginner’s Guide for Streaming TV

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Live TV

To set up your TV for streaming, you’ll need a reliable internet connection, a device to stream on and, most importantly, something good to watch.

Whether it’s the latest season of Stranger Things or an out-of-control cable bill, there are plenty of reasons to add some streaming to your TV diet. Nowadays, streaming services can give you everything cable can – live TV, on-demand content and even DVR capabilities – for a cheaper monthly bill.

In fact, it’s getting harder and harder to watch TV without streaming. 2018 marked the first year that there were more scripted original TV shows on streaming services than broadcast and basic cable, and a recent Deloitte study found that more U.S. consumers now subscribe to a streaming service than a traditional pay-TV subscription.

Video streaming services are the most popular subscription-based streaming services, with 78% of all U.S. households subscribing to at least one or more streaming platforms. This is a 52% increase from 2015.

If you haven’t already hopped on the streaming bandwagon, the options can feel a little overwhelming. (By some counts, there are more than 200 streaming services to choose from in the U.S.) In some cases, you may even be asking, what is streaming? Here’s what you need to know.

Everything you need to start streaming

While streaming TV can seem like a complicated endeavor, you probably already have everything you need right in your home. Even if you don’t, you shouldn’t need to spend more than $50 to get set up.

Fast internet

A happy streaming experience starts with your internet connection. In our guide to internet speeds, we recommend a few different minimums for various types of streaming:

To stream videos in standard definition (SD), at least 3 Mbps is recommended.
To stream videos in high definition (HD), at least 5 Mbps is recommended.
To stream videos in HDR or 4K, at least 25 Mbps is recommended.

Not sure what type of streaming you’ll be doing? There’s a good chance it’s HD.

Standard-definition resolution is a dinosaur at this point. SD quality video is 480p video and uses about 0.7 GB of data per hour. The last time a TV show was broadcast in SD was 2014, and most TVs started being manufactured in HD instead of SD around 2009 when the FCC mandated that all TV signals be transmitted digitally.

Today, SD TVs are no longer produced, and Netflix is the only major streaming service to even offer an SD plan — mostly as a way to promote its lower starting price.

4K TVs exist at the opposite end of the spectrum. They produce the best picture money can buy, and as such, they put a lot more stress on your internet connection. This quality of video uses the most data at 7.2 GB per hour, but does provide the best quality available.

Most TVs still fall into the HD category between SD and Ultra HD, or 4K. It uses between 0.9 GB and 3 GB of data per hour You should aim for at least 5 Mbps of download speeds, but that number will need to go up even higher if more than one device is connected at a time. Use our speedtest below to see what you’re currently getting.

Your speed test results:

Download Speeds

888 Mbps

Upload Speeds

88 Mbps

Need more for the price?

Try these helpful hacks to improve your internet speed. Or if you just want more bang for your buck, check out providers near you with more speed for the price. Either way, we’ll help you find what you need.

View providers near me

Rather chat? Give us a call: (844) 451-2720

Pro Tip: For best results, use an Ethernet cord to connect your router or modem directly to your device before you run the test.

Streaming device, smart TV or gaming console

Once you have a fast enough internet connection, you’ll need a way to access streaming on your TV. There are three common ways to do this:

Streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV cost around $40, plug into your TV’s HDMI port and give you access to every streaming service imaginable. The breadth of streaming apps available is the main draw; while your smart TV might not have HBO Now built-in, for example, every major streaming device does. They also provide an easy-to-navigate interface and the ability to search for titles across every streaming service.
Smart TVs are the most popular way for Americans to access streaming services, with 31% using this method. If you’ve bought a TV in the past 10 years, chances are it’s considered “smart” — that is, it connects to the internet and has streaming apps built-in. Unfortunately, it might not have every app you want and there’s often no way to add new ones.
Gaming consoles are another popular method of streaming, but it’s really a secondary use. If you don’t already have one, it’s not worth spending the $300+ just to stream video.

Do I need a streaming device with a smart TV?

There are two major advantages to using a streaming device over the built-in options on your smart TV: You’ll get access to more streaming services and a more user-friendly interface and search system.

Most smart TVs come with a handful of pre-installed streaming apps, and you might not be able to add anything beyond that. If you want to watch Mulan, but Disney+ isn’t on your TV, you’d be out of luck.

Streaming devices also provide a better ecosystem for all of your streaming apps. They make it easier to navigate back and forth between services and allow you to search for titles across every app available on the device. This saves you a lot of time searching through individual apps and the money you might have spent to rent a movie that’s already included in one of your subscriptions.

How to stream without an HDMI port

You can still stream with the right equipment if you have an older SD TV without HDMI ports. Roku is the only streaming device manufacturer that makes a device (the Roku Express+) that works with the red, yellow and white composite jacks found on older TVs.

You can also purchase an HDMI to RCA adapter to convert your TV. This lets you use any streaming device you want, but there have been complaints about this not working very well with streaming services. We recommend going with the Roku if you have an older TV.

How to start streaming

1. Plug in your streaming device

If you use a smart TV, you can skip down to step two. Almost all streaming devices plug into your TV’s HDMI port — and usually a power outlet as well. The first thing you’ll need to do is plug the device in, switch your TV over to the HDMI input you’re using and start following the instructions that appear on the screen.

2. Connect to the internet

Once you’ve plugged in your streaming device, you’ll need to sign in to your home’s Wi-Fi network. Some devices — like Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K and Google’s Chromecast Ultra — can connect directly to your internet modem using an Ethernet cable. This generally provides a more reliable connection, so you’ll experience less buffering on your streams.

3. Sign in to streaming apps

Popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu will come pre-downloaded onto your smart TV or streaming device, but if you want to watch a more niche service like Shudder or The Criterion Channel, you’ll probably have to download it yourself.

Find the right streaming service

When it comes to streaming TV, there are two main types of services available: live and on-demand. Live streaming is like a cable replacement. It airs the same channels, has the same commercials and you pay a premium compared to other services. On-demand streaming like Hulu and Netflix don’t have any live content — you can watch their shows and movies whenever you want.

On-demand streaming

These are the most popular category of streaming services by far. They generally cost around $10/mo., come with a seven-day free trial and give you access to thousands of TV shows and movies. Here are some of the most popular combinations:

Streaming bundle	Price
Disney Plus + Hulu + ESPN+ bundle	$12.99/mo.
Netflix Standard + Hulu (with ads)	$23.48/mo.
Netflix Standard + Disney+	$23.48/mo.
Netflix Standard + Prime Video + Hulu (with ads)	$32.47/mo.
Netflix Standard + Prime Video + Max	$34.47/mo.

Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 06/26/23.

Live TV streaming

Cable replacements are services that stream live TV through your internet connection. They cost around $50/mo., and are usually a cheaper alternative to cable. Another perk is that contracts are month-to-month, so you can cancel anytime if you’re unhappy with your service. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are two of the most popular live TV streaming services. Read more about them in our YouTube TV vs. Hulu + Live TV review.

Free streaming services

While streaming services are usually positioned as a cheaper alternative to traditional TV, expenses can still get high fast. Fortunately, there are dozens of free streaming services available that have some surprisingly good selections. You’ll have to sit through some ads, but it’s still far less than you’d get on cable.

Some free streaming services include:

Pluto TV – Includes live TV channels
Tubi TV – Includes original content
Peacock – Includes live TV and original content
Roku Channel –
Freevee – Includes live TV and original content
Crackle – Includes original content
Roku Channel – Includes live TV and original content
Sling Freestream – Includes original content

Popular streaming services

Netflix – Netflix has four plans, Basic with ads, Basic, Standard and Premium and prices range from $6. 99 – $19.99/mo. Netflix has an extensive library of original content with hits like Stranger Things, The Crown, Bridgerton, Black Mirror and Glass Onion.

Max – Max (previously HBO Max) is HBO’s streaming service and is one of the most popular choices available. Max has three plan options: With ads, Ad-free and Ultimate Ad-free with pricing ranging from $9.99 – $19.99/mo. Max has a massive library with over 35,000 hours of content. Max’s original content shines with TV shows like Game of Thrones, Euphoria and The Last of Us.

Hulu – Hulu has an ad-supported plan for $7.99/mo., and an add-free plan for $14.99/mo. You can also bundle Hulu, Live TV, Disney+ and ESPN+ for $69.99 – $82.99/mo. Amidst other services with strong content libraries, Hulu differentiates itself with its Live TV option. It has widespread channel coverage and great DVR capabilities. On the on-demand side, it has a robust lineup of original content and popular TV shows and movies like The Handmaid’s Tale, The Great and Only Murders in the Building.

Disney+ – Disney+ is Disney’s streaming hub with content from Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic. It has two plans: With ads for $7.99/mo. and ad-free for $10.99/mo. You can also subscribe to Disney bundles. The Duo basic bundle ($9.99/mo.) includes Hulu and Disney+ with ads; the Trio basic bundle ($12.99/mo.) includes Hulu, Disney and ESPN+ with ads and the Trio Premium bundle ($19.99/mo.) includes Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+ with no ads.

Streaming platforms offer more flexibility than cable TV since you can watch it on any of your devices. Enjoy these apps on your smartphone or tablet and even on the go by downloading content to watch when you’re offline.

Family and kid-friendly streaming

If you’re looking for kid-friendly features, then there are options like parental controls, content filtering and individual kid profiles available with various streaming platforms. Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+ and Max have parental control features, kid-friendly profiles and content libraries.

Solutions to common streaming issues

Common streaming problems:

Buffering – Buffering can be caused by a slow internet connection, network congestion or device limitations. It can be solved by pausing and resuming playback, clearing the cache or cookies or switching to a lower video quality.

Poor video quality – Insufficient bandwidth, streaming app settings or device capabilities and connectivity issues can cause poor video quality. You can solve this by checking internet speed, adjusting the video quality settings in the streaming app or connecting to a more stable Wi-Fi network.

Connection/network issues – Connectivity issues involve your Wi-Fi signal dropping, network interference or router configuration issues. Restarting your router, moving closer to the Wi-Fi source or using a wired connection for more stable streaming can solve connectivity issues.

Compatibility and device support – Compatibility issues between streaming apps and devices, especially when using older or less popular devices, can be solved with updating firmware or operating systems, checking app compatibility lists or using alternative streaming devices.

App crashes and freezing – When streaming apps crash, freeze, or become unresponsive during playback, close and reopen the app, update the app to the latest version or clear the app’s cache and data.

Some streaming issues may be specific to certain devices or operating systems, such as smart TVs, gaming consoles or mobile devices. You can contact customer support, visit customer support websites or forums and explore online communities for troubleshooting advice and tips.

Now that you know how to stream, dig in deeper on all things streaming by checking out our Resource Center and following us on Facebook and Twitter.

FAQs

What is streaming?

Streaming is a way for you to watch your favorite TV shows or movies over an internet connection instead of through a cable or satellite connection. Streaming also allows you to watch your video content on different devices on the go, like your phone, tablet or laptop.

Does streaming cost money?

Yes, subscribing with a streaming service will cost you a monthly or yearly fee. Most streaming services have similar starting price points below $10/mo.

What is the difference between on-demand streaming and live streaming?

The main difference between on-demand content and live streaming is that on-demand content is available for you to watch whenever you want. It’s already filmed and edited, so you can’t “miss it.” Live streaming is just what it sounds like – live. The video content is streaming in real time so unlike on-demand, you have to watch it at the time that it’s streaming.

How can I get streaming on my TV?

To get streaming on your TV you first need to subscribe to a streaming service in order to access video content. Once you’re subscribed, you can download the streaming app on your TV and will be able to access all the TV shows and movies offered with your subscription.

Written by:

Joe Supan

Principal Writer, Broadband Content

Joe Supan is a principal writer for Allconnect and CNET. He has helped build the proprietary metrics used on Allconnect’s review pages, utilizing thousands of data points to help readers navigate these complex… Read more

Edited by:

Trey Paul

Editor, Broadband Content

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How to connect the TV to the Internet?

Not so long ago, I connected a 16-bit game console to my TV (instead of a conventional antenna), did not know what the Internet was at all, and could not even think that in 10 years the Internet would need to be connected to the TV itself. In addition, not necessarily by cable, because now most TVs already have built-in Wi-Fi. Yes, technology is developing very quickly. Now a TV with Smart TV can even replace a computer to some extent.

I noticed that many users, after buying a modern TV, immediately ask themselves the question of connecting to the Internet. True, not everyone succeeds. Why, I will tell in this article. We will also consider the main ways by which you can connect the Internet to the TV. I will give an answer to a very popular question: “what to do if there is no Smart TV on the TV.” But you want it to be able to watch YouTube, videos over the Internet, install some applications, use a browser, etc. And we will also try to find out what opportunities the Smart TV function provides after the TV gets access to the Internet .

If I’m not mistaken, then the first TV with Smart TV and, accordingly, with the ability to connect to the worldwide network appeared in 2013. It was LG, still with the old system. Now LG has its own OS on all TVs, it’s called webOS. A few years ago I bought a Philips TV. It already has Android TV installed, has built-in Wi-Fi and LAN input. Samsung TVs have their own kind of Smart TV system. I didn’t have this TV. I am not a strong expert on Smart TVs, but it seems like LG TVs with their webOS are now the best on the market. In terms of convenience, speed, functionality, etc. But this is not accurate 🙂 Yes, and today is not about that.

Which TV can be connected to the Internet?

The Internet can only be connected to a TV with Smart TV . Everything is clear and logical here. If you have a TV without Smart TV, then it does not need the Internet at all. Since there are no applications that can be used to watch videos, open websites, etc.

There are TV models without Smart TV, but with LAN input. Under the network cable. And it seems like you can connect the Internet to the TV via a cable from the router, but why, if it does not have smart functions. On such models, the LAN port is actually used to connect to the router. But not for accessing the Internet, but for viewing photos, videos and listening to music from devices on the local network using DLNA technology.

You can read more about this in the article: why a LAN connector on a TV (LG, Samsung, Sony).

Is there support for Smart TV?

If you yourself chose and bought a TV, then you should know whether it has Smart TV or not. If you don’t know, you can look at the box, it usually contains all the main characteristics.

If the box is not written, or it is not there, then pay attention to the remote control. There should be a button to call the Smart TV menu. It’s usually signed that way. On Philips TVs, for example, this button has a house icon. On Samsung – a button with a multi-colored rhombus.

If you still have not been able to find out whether you have a Smart TV or not, then look at its characteristics on the official website, or in an online store (preferably popular). Just write in the search bar Yandex, or Google the model of your TV. For example: LG 32LN575U.

We open the official site, or some other popular resource.

Look at the characteristics:

In this way, you can check absolutely any TV: Samsung, Sony, LG, Philips, Panasonic, etc. If you have a TV with Smart TV, then you can definitely connect it to the Internet. You only need to choose the connection method: Wi-Fi, or LAN.

What to do if there is no Smart TV?

Very often I meet questions related to connecting TVs to the Internet that do not have Smart TV. Is it possible to somehow use the Internet on such models? No you can not. I already wrote why above.

But there is a solution – Smart TV set-top box. This is a small device that connects to a TV via an HDMI cable and simply displays a picture on it. The device itself runs on Android. Simply put, your TV turns into such a large tablet. As a rule, manufacturers of Smart TV boxes develop a convenient control interface and optimize Android for the big screen.

There are a lot of such consoles on sale now. Small and big, powerful and not very powerful, with or without 4k support. Their prices are not high. The most popular is Xiaomi Mi Box 3 (with 4K support). Really cool device. Perhaps it is better to buy a TV with a larger diagonal for the same money, but without Smart TV and separately buy a set-top box than to buy a TV with the Smart function. Yes, it may not be so convenient to use, but most likely this set-top box will work more stable and faster than the built-in Smart TV. At least Android TV on my Philips is very slow, buggy and freezes.

There are also MAG 410, Dune HD Neo 4K, OzoneHD and others. The choice is very large. We buy a set-top box, connect it to the TV, and connect the Internet to the Smart set-top box itself via Wi-Fi, or using a network cable. Since it’s Android, there shouldn’t be any problems.

If the TV is with Smart TV, then we connect the Internet directly via Wi-Fi or cable

Connecting to the Internet via cable is more or less clear. We need a regular network cable (twisted pair), which you can buy, or make your own according to my instructions: how to crimp twisted pair into RJ-45.

Next, we connect one end of the cable to the router, or modem, and the other end to the LAN port (Network) on the TV.

If your router is configured and distributes the Internet to other devices, then the Internet should work automatically on the TV. You can open the “Network” section in the settings, or something like that and check the connection status. If it does not automatically work, then you must select a wired connection (wired network) in the settings. It already depends on the manufacturer of the TV and the Smart TV system installed in it.

I have already written several instructions on this topic:

How to connect LG TV to internet via cable (LAN)?
How to connect your Philips TV to the Internet via a network cable (LAN), through a router
Connecting a Samsung Smart TV to the Internet via network cable

Everything is shown there in great detail.

What if there is no router / modem, but only a cable from the provider? If your ISP uses the Dynamic IP (DHCP) or Static IP connection type, you can connect the Internet cable directly to the TV. Everything should work. If the connection is via “Static IP”, then in the connection properties on the TV, you must manually enter the addresses provided by the Internet provider.

If the connection is with a login and password (PPPoE, L2TP, PPTP), then you can only connect to the Internet through a router. This connection on the TV will not work.

Wi-Fi connection

Nothing complicated either. There are just TVs without Wi-Fi. When there is no built-in module, but you can connect an external USB adapter. Not ordinary, as to a stationary computer, but branded. From the same manufacturer as the TV.

You can immediately go to the settings and try to connect the TV via Wi-Fi. There you only need to select your wireless network from the list and enter the password. Pictured below is a Philips TV with Android TV.

If you do not find the wireless network settings there, or an error appears like “Check the network cable or Wi-Fi dongle to connect to the network”, then this means that your TV does not have a built-in Wi-Fi receiver. You need to either connect the Internet via a cable, or look for and buy a branded USB adapter. Which is suitable specifically for your model. There is another option that I wrote about here: how to connect a TV without Wi-Fi to the Internet via Wi-Fi.

It’s better, of course, to find the specifications of your TV on the manufacturer’s official website and see if it has Wi-Fi, or if it supports external adapters (and which ones). You can follow the instructions at the beginning of the article (where we looked at the presence of the Smart TV function).

Related instructions:

How to connect LG Smart TV to the Internet via Wi-Fi through a router?
How to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi Philips TV on Android TV? (Son TVs are also suitable).

On new LG TVs with webOS, you can connect to Wi-Fi in the settings, in the “Network” section.

On other TVs, including Samsung, the settings look about the same. Everything there is in Russian, or in Ukrainian – it’s not difficult to figure it out.

Pins

Connecting your TV to the Internet is no more difficult than connecting the same smartphone or tablet. As with other devices, various problems and errors often appear. For example, the TV does not see the desired wireless network, an error occurs when connecting, disconnects from the network, or does not want to connect automatically after turning on. If you encounter something like this, then write in the comments.

What to do on the TV after connecting to the Internet? You can watch videos or other content through applications preinstalled by the manufacturer. Install other applications and games from the application store (each Smart TV system has its own), or open websites through the browser built into the TV. On Android TV, it is called “Internet”.

with and without Smart TV

TV has long ceased to be just a device for watching TV. Now with its help we can watch YouTube, movies (both in paid and free applications), watch information in the browser, listen to online radio, etc. All of the above require access to the World Wide Web and almost everyone already has a connection to the network. The main question is how to connect the TV to the Internet. As part of this guide, we analyze all the relevant methods for TVs with and without Smart.

Contents

Can I connect the Internet to my TV?
How to connect Smart TV to the Internet?
- Method 1: using a cable
- Method 2: using a Wi-Fi router
- Method 3: using a smartphone or computer
How to connect the Internet to a TV without Smart?
- Method 1: via TV box
- Method 2: via PLC adapter
- Method 3: via Wi-Fi adapter (USB or HDMI)
How to set up internet on Samsung, LG, Kivi TV?
What should I do if I get a “connected without internet” error on my TV?

Is it possible to connect the Internet to the TV?

Let’s start with, is it possible to connect the Internet to the TV? In general, yes, but there are a lot of features depending on the type of device used.

How can I connect a TV to watch videos over the Internet:

Co Smart TV. Smart TVs with any operating systems are very easy to connect to the Internet. To do this, we can use a home Wi-Fi network, a cable, or even a mobile device, a computer.
Without Smart TV. By default, such TVs do not have the ability to connect to the Internet, this is simply not required, because the TV will not be able to process the signal properly. They do not support surfing applications, YouTube and other services. And yet it is possible to make the TV work via Wi-Fi, only for this you will have to use auxiliary devices. A TV set-top box, PLC or Wi-Fi adapter come to the rescue.

Tip! We recommend connecting the TV via Wi-Fi, as this is the most convenient and functional way. The router itself is inexpensive, the setup takes a few minutes, the speed and quality of the Internet remain at the proper level. The use of a wire, although it reduces the delay in the transmission of traffic, is associated with inconvenience in the form of the complexity of laying the cable.

How to connect Smart TV to the Internet?

If your TV has a Smart platform, the connection process is very simple. Such devices already have all the necessary functionality.

Method 1: via cable

The main advantages of the method are the absence of any delays in traffic transmission and the ability not to care about signal quality. Before you connect the Internet cable to the TV, you will need to prepare a twisted pair cable of sufficient length and check for a LAN connector on the TV. Some other providers do not support a direct connection to the device, requiring the use of routers or modems. When connecting the Internet, the masters should have warned.

How to connect a Smart TV to the Internet with a cable:

Connect the plug on one side of the twisted pair (it doesn’t matter which one) to a media converter, modem or router. A click indicates the successful fixation of the cable in the connector.
We try to fit the wire into the interior as organically as possible, leading it to the TV.
Find the corresponding RG45 input on the TV case and insert the plug into it.
Turn on the TV and go to its settings using the appropriate Settings button.
We are looking for the “Network” or “Internet” tab, select “Wired connection”. The settings should automatically pull up. We try to avoid manually entering IP, DNS, etc.

Method 2: using a Wi-Fi router

configuring network settings. Just make sure that the TV is within the coverage area of the router. We will take a detailed look at how to connect a TV to the Internet via Wi-Fi for several popular TV manufacturers.

How to connect a TV to the Internet through a router on the example of Samsung:

Open the TV menu with the Home button on the remote control and go to the “Settings” section.
Select the category “General”, and then – “Network”.
Click on the “Open Network Settings” button.
Select the “Wireless” type and wait for the search for available Wi-Fi networks.
After the name of the home network appears, select it.
Enter the password and click “OK”.

Connect LG TV to the Internet via Wi-Fi:

Open the TV settings and select “Advanced settings”.
Go to the “Network” tab and click on “Connect to a Wi-Fi network”.
From the generated list (it takes time), select the home network and enter the password for it.

On TVs from other manufacturers, the principle is similar, although the names of the sections may differ.

Method 3: using a smartphone or computer

A couple of methods are combined here. The first one is connecting via smartphone. The peculiarity of the solution is that the user on the smartphone connects to the 4G Internet or Wi-Fi and only broadcasts the picture to the TV. At the same time, the quality suffers, but the speed of content search increases, as does the number of possibilities: you can run videos in the browser, broadcast games, etc. To do this, we need a TV that supports Miracast technology or similar. This is the only way to connect your TV to the Internet through your phone, since you most likely won’t be able to use it as a modem.

How to watch video from the Internet on TV via smartphone:

Open the TV settings and in the “Network” section, look for “Miracast”. Also, connecting as a wireless monitor can be made as a separate application on the home screen.
We take a smartphone and expand the notification curtain to display all the icons. Here we select “Wireless Monitor”.
We wait a bit until the phone detects the TV and enter the password from the TV screen into the application on the smartphone.

Another option is to connect the TV to the computer via HDMI and set up the PC to use the TV as a second screen.

Instructions:

Connect TV to PC via HDMI cable.
On the computer, press Win + I, go to the “System” section on the “Display” tab.
Drag the movie window to the area of the second monitor (TV) and enjoy the image.

How to connect the Internet to a TV without Smart?

Before connecting a regular TV to the Internet, it is worth noting that this is not possible by default. Either an additional device will be required, or you can use the method of broadcasting a picture from a computer (previous method).

Method 1: using a set-top box

The easiest and most efficient method of connecting the Internet to a TV without Smart TV. A special prefix does exactly what Smart TV does. It performs content processing, and the TV only needs to display the picture. Now there are many good TV Boxes.

There are a couple of ways to connect an Internet set-top box to a TV: HDMI or tulips. In addition to connecting devices, you need to set the appropriate parameters on the TV Box. Setting up the Internet differs little from the instructions described above. You will also have to open the settings, find an available network and enter a password for it, but all this is done on the set-top box, not the TV.

Method 2: via the PLC adapter

The PLC adapter allows you to use the electrical network at home as an Internet signal conductor. The method eliminates the need for laying new cables. The adapter plugs into an outlet (not a surge protector or extension cord, always directly) and distributes the signal.

The principle of connecting the Internet to TV through a PLC adapter:

Connect one Ethernet cable to the router, connect the PLC adapter to it and plug it into a power outlet.
The second cable is connected with one plug to the receiver, and the second one – to the PLC adapter.
We connect the TV receiver and TV tuner.

Method 3: using a Wi-Fi adapter (USB or HDMI)

It is important to choose an adapter specifically for a specific TV model, it must fit. It connects very simply – to one of the available USB or HDMI connectors. It allows you to replace the built-in wireless module, which is not on the TV, that is, further connection is identical to the case with Smart TV.

How to set up Internet on Samsung, LG, Kivi TV?

Despite the abundance of TV sets, the Internet connection in most of them looks like this. An approximate algorithm on TV Sony, LG, Samsung, Kivi, etc. is as follows.

In the settings in the “Network” or “Internet” section, there are 2 connection options:

Wired. After selecting it, you will need to specify the IP address, subnet mask, DNS and other basic parameters. They are often detected automatically, but this depends on the characteristics of the TV and the provider.
Wireless or Wi-Fi. If you select this option, you will need to wait until the search for a Wi-Fi network is completed and enter the password for it.

What should I do if I get a “connected without internet” error on my TV?

It happens that everything was done according to the instructions, but the message “connected without the Internet” is displayed on the TV. We immediately recommend that you make sure that the Internet is available on other devices.