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connecting DSL and network

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by joan.bravo

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Hi, I currently have dial up internet service. I will be getting a model for DSL from ATT. I have a laptop not networked at the moment and a desktop networked with a room that will have the laptop in it. All of these computers are on the first floor but the router to network them is in the basement. (it is not wireless) The phone line splits off from an old fashion box with wires and screws then to each computer. How and where do I attach the modem to have DSL on each computer without having to have all the computers on at the same time. I am not very computer savy. So I need very specific information. thanks in advance.

7 replies

by bfilmfan

Buy a wireless router and plug the DSL modem into this.

Hire someone from Geek Squad to put it in for you. It shouldn't cost more than $200 with hardware costs and installation.

by dawgit

1st you'll get a DSL spliter that will connect to those 2 little coper wires that bring in your phone service. It should be provided by ATT (free). That will have a connection to your phone, and 1 place to prug in a DSL Modem. Those will be 'Western' type, a modular plug. 1 big 1 (8 pins) and 1 smaller 1 (4 or 6 pins) The big 1 will go to your new DSL Modem with a CAT5 cable.
I recomend that here's where you want to get out of your basement (Why in little bit). From the Modem you can then connect a 'Router' that will alow you to connect up to 4 computers to the internet at the same time if you want. This is also a CAT5 cable, or a 'Patch' cable. (Doesn't need to be a 'Cross-over', just a 'Stait' 'Patch' cable) Then plug your computer into the router and have fun.... Ok, There's more...

by dawgit

...the more. I recomend that you put the Modem, and the router close to your Desk-Top computer, Here's why; 1 You will want quick and easy access to them, first when you set them up, and later, if you need to re-set them. (they can be built in the same 'box' as a combo, Modem-Router, but it's much easier to trouble shoot later if something is not right, and easier to upgrade also). In a pinch, when Internet is jamed or not performing well, reach over and un-plug. It's that easy. (Not if you have to run into the basement) You will need to do that ocastionally, (IP not responding, or Hackers).

by dawgit

Hackers and the wire-less part. I don't know your houses artiticture, the way it's built, and the materials used. It will make a difference in a wire-less situation. From one room to another might or might not work, and you won't know untill you try, so keep wired in your mind. Also with wire-less you need to do a little more work to set up security. Unless you 'Want' to be providing 'Free' internet to your neibours, and don't mind everyone else reading your e-mails. Wire-less is NOT secure! (Never!)

by dawgit

Now, for the 'Hackers' and 'Crackers', with DSL you will normally be given a 'perment' IP address. That is 1 that will be yours, like your tele.#, and it shouldn't change (much). That's good but, like a phone # it can be known to the world now (Hackers too). Pluss you will be 'Up' and 'on-line' for a longer time when you have DSL. (trust me, you will) This is why I recomend a seperate Modem and Router. The router you will want has a 'Fire-Wall' built in. This is all configured when you set up the internet connection. It will save your Computers and your nerves, and will be well worth the little extra time and $s. Second, when you do get a hacking attempt, your connection will be 'jammed' but no dammage done to your system. (with a broad-band conection it will take, maybe, 12 seconds, to be hacked) If you have the Modem and Router close to your computer, just un-plug. Wait a few minutes (5 at the most) and then re-connect, back in business. (you might have to re-establish your internet connection, will take only a few seconds) It's really simple, so, Have Fun.!.

by hal 9000

Well as the above is basically correct the first thing that you'll need to do after installing the DSL Modem is to set it up. [b]Do Not Use the Installation CD to run the Setup Program[/b] as these tend to hose the OS more often than not. Connect directly the the DSL Modem with your NB as this will be easier in that position and use either a Cat5 or USB Cable my personal preference would be the CAT5 but it really doesn't matter either way.

Once you are directly connected to the DSL modem you'll need to open a Web Browser and type in the HTTP Address of the Modem ans set it up the instructions should be in a PDF file on the CD that comes with the Modem and the required settings should be provided by the supplier of the DSL Modem. Once it is working you can then connect the Modem to the Router although I do personally prefer to use a DSL Modem Router as they are easier to set up and maintain and you don't have the problems of needing to go through the Router to alter the modem if ever required but it doesn't matter as you can always access the DSL Modem from your NB if required.

Once you have the system working I would suggest that you make sure that you have the latest update for your router to keep some form of security and change the Default Passwords on both the Modem & Router to something personal to you so that they are not open to attack.

Col

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