How to connect a modem to a laptop - step-by-step instructions

Buying new equipment or going out of town leads to questions about how to connect a modem to a laptop to access the Internet. The task is not difficult to complete if you strictly follow the instructions.

Created modem+laptop combination

How to find out if there is a built-in modem

The check is carried out in two directions. In the first, they look for virtual evidence of the adapter:

• You need to go to Start and go to the Windows Control Panel.
• In a new window, find “hardware and sound.”
• In the list of parameters, click on “Device Manager”.
• Next to the “modem” block, activate the “+” sign to open the equipment catalog.

In the second case, its physical presence is determined:

• on the back of the laptop you need to find the input port - it looks like a telephone jack;
• determine the presence of ports on a wireless Internet card - they are always marked and identified by an antenna icon with waves diverging to the sides.

Important! On the surface of a PC with a hidden, rather than external, wireless card, there should be a small switch labeled “Wi-Fi.”

Embedded hardware icon

Connecting to the computer

Before setting up the modem, you need to connect it to the PC. What you will need for this:

• Splitter. This is a special separator that comes in the form of a small box. There are three connectors on its body. Internet and telephone connections are on the same cable. To ensure that the two types of communication operate at different frequencies and do not interfere with each other, it is necessary to use a splitter.
• Internet cable. It must be connected to a computer and a modem. Alternatively, you can work via Wi-Fi if the device supports wireless network technologies.

Next, the connection procedure will consist of performing the following actions:

• Let's take a splitter.
• We install a telephone line cable into the connector marked “Line”. It can be connected to the operator Rostelecom, Domolink or another company.
• If you have a landline phone at home, connect it to the connector called “Phone”. Use outlets if you need to connect multiple devices.
• We install a telephony cable into the connector marked “Modem” and run it to the modem. Another “ADSL” port is intended for the Internet cable. These are two different connectors and should not be confused.
• We connect the device to the computer in any way. If you choose Wi-Fi, on the PC we look for the desired network and enter the access key.
• To connect via an Ethernet cable, install one end of it into the “LAN” connector, and connect the other end to the connector of the network card.
• We check whether the LED indicators on the device light up. Until the connection is established, the Internet indicator will not light up.

How to choose the right 3G or 4G LTE modem for a laptop

When choosing equipment, you need to pay attention to the speed indicators it supports. This approach narrows the search range and allows you not to be distracted by unnecessary models. The equipment is conditionally divided into two categories, with a maximum speed limit:

• up to 3.6 Mbit/s;
• up to 7.2 Mbit/sec.

In addition to the router speed indicators, the user should focus on the following parameters:

• on the price - there are both budget and expensive models;
• package - for advanced users;
• appearance of equipment and software for fine debugging.

For beginners, it is easier to use the simplest equipment that does not require third-party intervention or knowledge to debug it.

Important! Telecom operators ZTE, Megafon, Motiv, Rostelecom, MTS, Beeline most often sell equipment from other companies with their own flash drive firmware.

Types of devices from service providers

Model range and description of devices

To avoid problems with Internet access, you need to properly connect the Beeline USB modem.
Beeline company offers the following types of modems:

1. Huawei E3370 White/Black . The device is in a black or white plastic case and has no unnecessary parts. It is equipped with a slot for a memory card. The device provides an Internet connection at speeds of up to 50 Mbit per second. The modem works with most communication standards, including LTE. Switching between networks is carried out automatically, so the Internet does not disappear when changing location. The equipment is supplied together with a tariff that includes 200 GB for 2 weeks.
2. Huawei E3533 White/Black . The elongated modem is available in both black and white and does not support the 4G format. There is no memory card slot. The device software is compatible with most operating systems, including outdated ones. Data transfer is carried out at speeds of up to 21.6 Mbit per second. A web interface is used to control the modem. The model is suitable for use in areas where there are no LTE towers. The device is sold without a SIM card; you will have to buy it separately.
3. ZTE MF667 Black/White . Compatible with most operating systems. The highest Internet connection speed is 21.6 Mbit per second. There are no network change indicators on the case or a slot for a memory card; 4G is not supported. There is no connector for an external antenna. The SIM card is not included in the package; it must be purchased separately.
4. ZTE MF823D White/Black . The modern model is designed for fans of online games. Connection speed reaches 150 Mbit per second. 4G standard is supported. The body is made of non-slip plastic. When switching networks, the indicators on the case light up. There is no autonomous power supply. The package includes a tariff plan with 200 GB of Internet for 14 days.
5. ZTE MF823 Black/White . The characteristics are similar to the previous model. The reception speed is lower - 100 Mbit. The devices also differ in design. There is a connector for an external antenna.
6. Quanta 1K6E White/Black . The equipment works with different communication standards. There is a network indicator on the case, the USB connector is retracted into the case, which makes the device more compact. There is a convenient web interface for setting up the equipment. The device is powered via a USB port, there is no battery. The modem comes complete with a tariff of 200 GB of Internet for 2 weeks.
7. ZTE MF831 Black . The model supports 3G and 4G. Detachable external antenna. The device is manufactured by Beeline itself. Data transfer speed reaches 150 Mbit per second. The device is compatible with most operating systems. There are network indicators on the case. Flash cards up to 32 GB are supported.

How to connect a modem to a laptop

Connection methods depend on the operating system used on the PC. Internet connection via modem follows standard algorithms.

Windows 7, 8, 10

Correct operation of the equipment depends on correctly following the step-by-step instructions:

1. After connecting the device, you must wait until automatic recognition occurs and the drivers begin to be installed. If you have a disk with software, it is better to use it.
2. The modem is detected in the OS through the tray icon, and the drivers are detected using the “device manager” and the “modems” block.
3. Debugging the connection with the supplier with the transition to the “Internet and network”.
4. There you select the “creating a new network or connection” subsection.
5. After clicking on the “next” shortcut, the current equipment is selected and the basic access parameters received from the provider are entered.
6. The system will automatically connect and complete the network input.

Important! The algorithm ends with the creation of a communication shortcut on the desktop. In the “sharing and network control center”, select the block for changing adapter parameters, there you need to right-click on the working connection and select the “create shortcut” column. If you install it, it will become easier to connect to communications.

Joining process

Windows XP

Recommendations for connecting a modem are no different from working with more modern versions of operating systems. The algorithm of actions is simple:

1. After the modem is placed in the port and the software has been installed, you need to go to the network connection settings. There, click on the “create new” shortcut.
2. The system will launch the “New Connection Wizard” function, and the user in the dialog box should select the “Connect to the Internet” and “Manual installation” column.
3. A check mark is placed next to the “regular modem” item, and the current equipment is selected in the registry.
4. The request specifies the name, dial-up number, and enters the user name and password given by the telecom operator.
5. The setup is completed by adding a shortcut to the desktop that helps you connect your PC to the Internet with one click.

After completing the procedure, the user will have to click on the Internet icon, in the window that opens on the display, select the “properties” subsection and click on the “configure” section. It specifies the maximum network speed mode and activates the “hardware flow control” functionality. After confirming the changes made, the settings are saved.

Internet setup

Setting up an ADSL modem

There are various models of modems, among which ADSL devices occupy a separate category. They are used to connect to the Internet through a telephone line. Devices of this type can function as a bridge or router. Some models are equipped with Wi-Fi function. The device can provide asynchronous data transfer. To configure your ADSL modem, you will need information provided by your service provider.

The modem settings in this case will require manual data entry: DNS and IP addresses, user name and access key. Everything will depend on the type of connection. The parameters are entered manually. Many providers, for example, Rostelecom, provide subscribers with a special installation disk along with their equipment. Thanks to the software, all parameters are set automatically. Using the disk, you can quickly connect the modem and make the correct settings. You can connect and configure devices yourself.

Algorithm for connecting a modem to a laptop

The equipment is connected to a working USB port, then the system will automatically install software for the correct functioning of the equipment.

If successful, a window will open on the display in which you will be prompted to install other utilities. After selecting the language and specifying the installation path for the files, you must wait for the procedure to complete.

Important! If you follow these steps exactly, Internet access will appear automatically; you won’t have to configure anything additional.

Windows 10

In Windows 10, you can distribute the Internet using a special hotspot function. But it is only available after updating to the latest version of the operating system.

Click on the start menu and then click on the gear icon. In the settings, go to the “Network and Internet” section. Now go to the “Mobile hotspot” section. To turn on distribution, you just need to move the top slider to the “On” state. You can also change the network name and key below. Also, don’t forget to select your Internet connection in the “Internet Connection Sharing” line. Otherwise, there will simply be no Internet.

If problems arise when connecting the modem to the laptop

Problems with the Internet can be resolved with the help of an employee from the technical support service or by independently searching for the source of the problem. In the latter option, the user must:

• enter the “network connections” block;
• create a new one indicating the “Internet connection” item;
• select manual installation mode;
• identify your modem in the proposed list;
• indicate authorization data for login - they are specified in the agreement with the provider;
• check the boxes next to the items that mention “collection of registration data” - to reduce the frequency of failures;
• create shortcuts on the desktop for the convenience of turning on and off the network.

Important! Correct execution will result in the Internet icon appearing in the tray.

Selecting equipment from the list

Windows 7

1. Click on the connection in the lower right corner and select “Network and Sharing Center”;

1. Select the item indicated in the picture above;

1. Click “Add”;

1. Select the “Computer-to-computer” mode;

1. There is no need to change anything here, just move on;

1. And so, at the very beginning, we enter the name of the network to which we will connect from other devices. Then select the security type as “WPA2-Personal” and enter the Wi-Fi password below;
2. Be sure to click on the bottom checkbox and move on;

1. Now, in order for the Internet to run across our network, you need to click on the bottom button;
2. When you connect from another laptop or computer, when selecting the network type, select “Public Network”;

If you have any difficulties, then try to distribute the Internet using the command line - I will write about this below.

Updating modem drivers

If there is a sudden disconnection of a previously successfully functioning connection or a sharp drop in speed, unusual jumps, it is necessary to update the software on the laptop. The procedure is carried out as standard:

• through the “control panel” you need to go to the “device manager”;
• in the adapters tab, find your modem and remove the drivers;
• reboot the PC and reconnect the equipment;
• wait for the utilities to install.

If the process does not proceed automatically, then the drivers are updated manually through the “device manager” functionality.

Important! The entire driver package can be updated using the second approach, through the official page of the hardware manufacturer. In the utilities section you can download the latest version of the software.

Software update

Nuances of software updates

The latest version of the software is downloaded manually from the official website beeline.ru. The update is performed step by step:

1. On the main page you will find the “Help and Support” tab. Go to the settings section.
2. Open the technical support page. Here you can find user manuals, contracts, and software components.
3. Select the device model. Download the installation file. Unzip it after downloading.
4. In the web interface menu, find the updates section. Download and run the file. The installation is automatic. After its completion, a corresponding notification appears on the screen.

Connecting the modem to the laptop and getting started

Using the adapter, the user gains access to the Internet on any portable device, regardless of location. Optimal stable operation of the device depends on timely updating of programs and applications. Experts recommend not to connect the equipment in a hurry, but to first carefully read the instructions.

How can you connect the Internet to a laptop via a modem:

• before attaching the adapter, you need to turn on the computer and wait until the operating system boots, this is the only way it can accurately recognize the connected device;
• the next step is to remove the protective cap that covers the input for the USB modem from accidental contamination or foreign small objects that could cause it to fail;
• then the equipment is connected to the port, the system begins to identify the equipment and install it for further work;
• the process ends with a notification that the device is ready appearing on the display and an automatic start dialog box;
• in the latter, the “AutoRun” section is selected and activated;
• the user selects the installation language, specifies the path and waits for the update of programs and applications to complete.

Important! In the future, you need to set up the connection with the provider according to the above instructions.

Installation on a tablet

Not everyone knows that a modem device can be used on a tablet computer. The connection procedure is quite complicated and may not always be successful. First, you should check whether the equipment is compatible with this mode of operation. Most modern tablets only come with a micro USB connector, so you won't be able to directly connect these two gadgets. A special adapter cable can solve this problem. If everything is done correctly, the 4G or 3G indicator should light up on the device’s display. After this, write down the characteristics of the access point. Set the email address - “internet.mts.ru”, telephone number - *99#, as well as the name and code - mts. Now you can use mobile Internet on your device.

Unfortunately, sometimes the tablet sees the modem as unknown equipment or mistakes it for another module. To fix this problem follow the instructions:

1. Connect the router to your desktop computer or laptop.
2. Download the special program “Hyper Terminal” and run it.
3. Select your modem from the list of equipment.

4. Enter the command in the utility "ate1".
5. Make changes to the gadget's software structure and specify “AT^U2DIAG=0” in the appropriate field.

6. After this, the device will not be considered as a removable CD-ROM drive.
7. Re-create the APN access point in the tablet.

8. Now feel free to consume network traffic.

Connecting using a router

If your modem “can’t” distribute Wi-Fi, then in order to share the Internet with other devices you will have to use a router as an access point. Any model with a USB connector will do.

How to connect a Megafon modem to a router using the Keenetic 4G 3 as an example:

• We turn on the router to the network.
• We insert a “whistle” into its USB connector.
• Go to the router settings. To do this, enter the combination 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the search bar of the browser.
• In the “Internet” section, go to the “3G/4G Modem” tab.
• Move the slider under the inscription “Internet (Auto)” to the “Enable” position.
• The “Connection priority” should be “Primary”.
• In “Work Schedule” - at your discretion.
• The “Internet Availability Check” (Ping Check) should be set to “Automatic”.

In routers of other brands, the functionality may differ, but the general principle of working with such devices is approximately the same.

Setting up a modem via browser

When using USB Internet with a router, if you cannot install a standard program, you can apply control through a special page in the browser. You can get into the modem settings in Megafon in the same way as in the router settings, only the combination of numbers is different. For Huawei it will be 172.16.0.1, and for others we look for the number like this:

1. Go to the router settings.
2. Open the “System Monitor” tab (the “Basic” section).
3. In the “Internet” block, click on “More details about the connection”.
4. We look for “Gateway” in the list and copy the numbers that are opposite this word.
5. Create a new tab in the browser, paste the copied numbers into the search bar and press Enter.

As you can see, setting up your router will not be difficult for you; once you do this, using the Internet will be simple and enjoyable