Connect Your Computer Through Your IP Phone
Most business desk phones have two Ethernet ports (one for the network and one for your computer) so a single wall jack powers both. Here's how to set it up cleanly.
Step-by-step
- 1
Find the two ports
On the back of the phone you'll see two network ports, usually labeled 'LAN' or 'Internet' (often a network or globe icon) and 'PC' (a computer or monitor icon).
- 2
Connect the phone to the wall
Plug the Ethernet cable from your wall jack or switch into the phone's LAN/Internet port. With Power over Ethernet (PoE), this also powers the phone.
- 3
Connect your computer to the phone
Run a second Ethernet cable from the phone's PC port to your computer's network port. Your computer now shares the same connection through the phone.
- 4
Confirm both are online
The phone should register as normal, and your computer should get internet within a few seconds. If not, reseat both cables and try again.
Helpful tips
- Ideal when a desk has only one network jack, with no extra wall port or switch needed.
- Use quality Cat5e or Cat6 cables so your computer still gets full Gigabit speeds.
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