How to Hook Up Your Modem to Your CAT5 Hardwired Home

Use a broadband modem to connect to high speed Internet services.

To use DSL or other high speed Internet services, your home needs CAT5 wiring. The only exception is for Internet connections that utilize a mobile broadband device. To get CAT5 wiring, contact an Internet Service Provider and subscribe to broadband Internet services. Wait for your ISP to ship your broadband modem and other required hardware. Do not connect the modem to your CAT5 hardwired home until your Service Ready Date. If you are unsure of your SRD, inquire with your ISP.

Things You'll Need

• Splitters
• CAT5 Ethernet cable
• AC Adapter
• Software CD

Instructions

1. Disconnect all devices that are connected to telephone jacks in your home, such as telephones, answering machines, fax machines and alarm systems. Locate the filters that came with your broadband modem.

2. Plug a filter into each telephone jack that has a device removed. Do not plug a filter into the telephone jack for which you intend to connect the DSL modem. If you don't have enough filters, contact your Internet service provider to request more or purchase more from a local electronics retailer.

3. Plug all of the the devices that were disconnected in Step 1, into the port located on the filter.

4. Locate the CAT5 Ethernet cable (RJ45) for your broadband modem. This cable resembles a telephone cord, except it is thicker, and the ends are slightly wider.

5. Connect one end of the CAT5 cable into the Ethernet port of your broadband modem. This port should appear on the side or rear of your modem. Connect the other end of your CAT5 cable into the Ethernet port of your computer.

6. Connect the remaining DSL cable (RJ11) into the modem port labeled “DSL.” Connect the other end of the RJ11 cable into a nearby telephone jack.

7. Connect the AC Adapter into your broadband modem's Power port. Power on your broadband modem and computer.

8. Install any software that is provided by your Internet Service provider (if applicable). To install software, simply insert the CD ROM that came with your modem, into the CD ROM drive of your computer.

9. Open your Internet browser to begin surfing the Internet.

References

• Albedo: DSL Setup Guide
• Smart Computing: How To Install DSL & Cable Modems