Before the customer attempts to hook up the DSL Internet service, he must first call the phone company to activate DSL service on the line. In order to activate DSL service, the customer must also have basic phone service with the company.
Self-Install Kit
Once the customer activates the DSL service over the phone, a self-install kit is shipped via mail or picked up from the phone company's customer support office. This self-install kit includes a DSL modem, special filters, software and Ethernet cords.
Filters
A DSL filter is a small connector that filters out signal interference. When a DSL connection is established, there are additional signals that are being transmitted on the line, which can make it difficult to talk to someone on the phone. So before the DSL service is installed, the customer is required to go around to all of the phone outlets in the home or business and unplug the lines. The filter is inserted into the phone outlet, then the cord that runs directly from the phone is inserted into the other side of the filter. Now, the DSL user will be able to use the Internet and have clear phone conversations at the same time.
Establish Connections
Next, the user has to establish a connection between the DSL equipment and the computer. First, the software that has been provided in the self-install kit must be installed. When installation is complete, you will be prompted to connect the DSL modem to the computer using an Ethernet cord (a USB connector can be used in some cases). Then, a line running from one of your phone outlets is connected to the back of the modem as well. If you use a phone on that same outlet, a two-outlet adapter can be plugged directly into the wall so that one side can be used for the phone (with filter), and the other side can be used for the DSL modem. Finally, the modem must also be plugged into a power outlet.
If the user wants to use a router to create a wireless connection, he needs an additional Ethernet cord that runs from the router to the DSL modem and then from the router to the computer.
Log In
In order to connect to the Internet, the user must then log into the DSL service using the user name and password that was given to him either over the phone or in the self-install kit. In many cases, the user name is the customer's email or account number. Once successfully logged in, the customer can then proceed to use the Internet.
