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Set Up an Internet Connection in Mac OS X

Last Updated: Mon, 18 Mar 2013 > Related Articles

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Summary

Learn to manage TCP/IP and verify, release or renew IP addresses in Mac OS X 10.5 to 10.7 Lion.

Solution

 

Need to set up TCP/IP to access Cox online products and services from your Mac? Want to renew your IP address because you lost your Internet connection? Learn to perform these tasks in Mac Operating System (OS X) 10.5 to 10.7 Lion.

Cox does not support all operating systems. The following information is for reference only. For specific information on using Apple Mac, visit Apple.com/support/mac.

What is TCP/IP?

Transmission Control Protocol or TCP ensures your data is transferred correctly between computers, such as when you send a request to see a web page on the Internet or when you send email to a co-worker on your company's computer network. Internet Protocol or IP is responsible for moving that data between computers. TCP/IP work together to help you communicate effectively and efficiently online, so in order to make that happen you must first set it up on your computer.

What is an IP address?

An Internet Protocol address or IP is the set of numbers that identify your computer to other computers, such as a network printer at your job, or any computer connected to the Internet. IP version 4 (IPv4) is represented by four groups of numbers separated by periods,  such as 123.53.789.10. Since IPv4 addresses are running out, IP version 6 (IPv6) was developed. IPv6 is represented by eight groups of four hexadecimal digits separated by colons.

How do I set up an Internet connection (or TCP/IP)?

1
From the Apple drop-down menu choose System Preferences, or click the System Preferences icon at the bottom of your screen.
2
From the View menu click Network.
3
Unlock the screen if needed then click Ethernet interface.
Note: Ensure the Location drop-down says Automatic.
4
Next to Configure iPv4 choose Using DHCP.
Note: Ensure the cable is plugged in.
5
 Using DHCP from the Configure pop-up menu.
Note: Cox provides the DHCP information automatically.
6
Click Apply.
7
Open and browser and test your connection.

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How do I release and renew my IP address?

1
From the Apple drop-down menu choose System Preferences, or click the System Preferences icon at the bottom of your screen. 
2
Under System Preferences click Network.
3
Click Ethernet. 
4
Click the Advanced button. 
5

Click the Renew DHCP Lease button. This both releases the old address and renews it.

All steps complete.


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