- AT&T offers many of its customers a modem with a 10/100 megabit per second (Mbps) Ethernet connection. This modem is free after you complete a rebate offer. Also, with Elite service, you may receive a wireless router with a modem built-in for free. These modems are more than adequate to take full advantage of DSL speeds.
- If you plan to buy your own modem, you should get something that's superior to what AT&T offers for free. You must also consider your local area network (LAN) when making the decision. If you don't have a LAN yet, decide whether you plan to create one in the future. Depending on your needs, you may want to get a modem that also functions as a wireless router or that integrates well with your existing router. A gigabit modem and router combination may be helpful in creating your home network. Many modems and routers on the market also have security features that AT&T's free modems may lack.
- Most DSL connections are asymmetric (ADSL). This means that the upload speeds are slower than the download speeds. You must get an ADSL modem to use this service. If you mistakenly purchase a symmetrical DSL (SDSL) modem, your DSL connection won't work. Contact AT&T to determine which type of connection you have.
- Your DSL modem connects to AT&T DSL service through ordinary telephone lines. It connects to your computer via an Ethernet cable. DSL uses frequencies that are higher than those of regular telephone fax and voice transmissions. To prevent interference with your telephone communications, you must install a filter on each phone line you use, including the one that connects to your modem. Once connected, the DSL connection will be on all the time. When you set up a LAN, you must disconnect the modem from your computer and connect it to your router. Then, connect the router directly to your computer.
- By providing your own modem to work with AT&T service, you will gain more control over your computer's configuration. This is helpful if you prefer a certain type or brand of hardware over another. Having a combination modem and router device simplifies local area network setup. It can eliminate some problems with both setup and maintenance of your LAN, since there's no need to connect your modem to your router. Combined modem and router devices also have security features that stand-alone modems don't, such as a built-in firewall. However, accepting AT&T's free modem or router may have the same benefits and will save you money as well.
Comments
luv2blog said
on 12/9/2008 Very good article! Exactly what I needed. Thanks!!