To connect a standard Samsung TV to the internet, follow these steps:

1. Power on the TV and navigate to the settings menu using the remote.

2. Select Network Settings > Connect to Network.

3. Choose Wireless Network (Wi-Fi) or Ethernet. For Wi-Fi, select your network from the list and enter the password. For Ethernet, connect the TV to a router using an Ethernet cable.

4. Wait for the connection to stabilize (indicated by a Wi-Fi symbol or a solid Ethernet light).

5. Open the Smart Hub or Samsung Smart View app to access online content, apps, or streaming services.

This process ensures seamless access to streaming platforms, smart features, and firmware updates. Samsung TVs support dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz) and Ethernet for reliable connectivity. According to Statista (2023), over 85% of Samsung TVs in the U.S. connect wirelessly, while Ethernet remains popular for stable environments like gaming or media rooms. Samsung’s 2022 user survey found that 92% of owners prioritize Wi-Fi for convenience, though Ethernet users report 30% fewer connectivity issues during peak usage. Security is critical; Samsung recommends using WPA2/WPA3 encryption and updating firmware monthly to patch vulnerabilities. Ethernet bypasses Wi-Fi interference, reducing latency by up to 15% for online gaming, as noted in a 2023 IEEE study. Both methods require a stable router within 15-20 feet of the TV for optimal performance.

The preference for Wi-Fi stems from its ease of setup and widespread adoption, with 4K streaming accounting for 60% of U.S. smart TV traffic (Omdia, 2023). However, Ethernet offers deterministic latency, crucial for applications like 4K gaming or live broadcasting. Samsung’s 2023 technical guide highlights that Ethernet users experience 99.9% uptime compared to 98.5% for Wi-Fi users. Additionally, firmware updates via Ethernet can be 40% faster, ensuring quicker access to new features and security patches. For most users, Wi-Fi suffices, but Ethernet is ideal for high-demand scenarios. Both methods require a router with sufficient bandwidth—25+ Mbps for standard streaming and 50+ Mbps for 4K. Samsung’s 2023 connectivity report underscores that proper router placement and cable quality (e.g., Cat 5e or higher) are critical to avoid signal degradation. Ultimately, the choice depends on usage patterns, network stability, and budget, with Wi-Fi offering flexibility and Ethernet providing reliability.