Is it possible to use a tablet out of the box without wifi?
I have wired internet and don't really now how to install wifi.
I don't think my router has wifi because it doesn't have an antenna. Neither does my PC.

I wanted to get a linux Android tablet and then found I have to have wifi.
Does that mean I can't use a tablet?

Yes, wi-fi is required for most tablets...I don't think I've ever seen one that has a cat-5 port. You can you get a tablet that connects to the cellular network, but that adds usage to your celluar account.

The absence of an antenna doesn't necessarily mean your router doesn't do wi-fi, although it probably doesn't...you'll need to review the specifications for the make and model.

If it doesn't, purchase either a wireless access point or a router that does have wi-fi. A WAP is an addon, a new router would be a replacement. Either would come with setup instructions.

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A tablet generally does not come with an ethernet port.

Assuming you own smartphone, you can make it a hot spot & share internet with the tablet.
Also, there are ethernet to USB adapters, but I have not used any.

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I've not seen a USB port on a tablet either, but my experience is limited...I've only used one Android tablet...it didn't have one.

Edit: Duh...the power connection is a USB port...I stand corrected. Thanks TenTenths

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Never used one but there's always something like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00RM3KXAU
If the OP has an Android mobile phone thats relatively modern there should also be "Mobile Hotspot" to set the phone up as a WiFi access point.

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I've used a USB2 one with one of the Micro B to Type A socket adaptors

All (modern) Android tablets come with a USB port, it's usually a Micro B or sometimes Type C rather than the "classic" Type A Socket.

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I'd be surprised if your router has no wifi capability. Do you have the manual or instructions with it? I see you're in th UK so unless it's years old it should be capable. For your computer you can get a usb wifi adapter but you won't need that with the tablet. Android seems to be pretty good at connecting 'out of the box'.
Try setting it up with a friend's tablet first or a smart phone.

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Well, it's pretty amazing I can't use a tablet as a second computer without having an internet connection.

Is there a device out there which can be used as a second computer but without an internet connection?

Yes, I spoke with my IP and they mentioned I could enable wifi.
However, I think I'll be getting myself a new router.

1. Is it possible I can use the mobile wifi hotspot in Starbucks or some place to complete the initial activation of the tablet?

2. I have a 4g smartphone. So I can use the tablet to see the 4g smartphone and use the phones internet to complete the initial activation of the tablet?
Is that right?

Is that called tethering? I mean what function do I open up on the smartphone so it can see the tablet?

I was just about to ask if you ever used one!

This micro usb to ethernet adapter would be very useful if you haven't set up wifi.
What function does the tablet need so it can use wired internet?

I see. This will be very useful if I can do that.

My phone has:
USB tethering, portable wifi hotspot, setup wifi hotspot (WPA2 PSK).
Which one do I use?

So that means all tablets can use home wired internet through the adapter if wifi is not enabled on the router.
Is that correct?

So if I get a wifi usb for my home PC,my tablet can use the internet connection on my PC?
Is that right? This would be an alternative to setting up wifi on my router?

Ah yes. That is a genius idea.
Thank you very much!

No.

Some tablets, Samsung is famous for that, have the mini USB port hardware disabled. You can't even use a USB keyboard on it. Check out the device that you have before you start buying accessories for it. Some tablets will allow a USB drive plugged into it, some won't.

Tablets are made to use WiFi. Set up a home router with WiFi. Not real hard.

Not sure what your experience of Samsung tablets is, but I'm posting this on my Samsung Tab S 10.5" using a wired ethernet connection. I remembered where I'd put my usb ethernet adaptor.

Speedtest screenshot is consistent with this being a 100mb adaptor.

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This would mean that you would be using expensive and limited cellular data instead of your much cheaper wired internet. Also this is known to wear smartphone batteries out. This is not a permanent solution.

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