How to Buy a Router to Use With DSL

DSL utilizes unused bandwidth of existing phone lines to provide access to the Internet. Unlike a dial-up connection, DSL keeps the phone free while users surf the web, allowing them to simultaneously remain online and talk on the phone. To connect your computer (or network) with a DSL Internet service you need a modem or a router. A DSL modem can connect to a single computer only. A DSL router, however, can provide DSL access to multiple computers on a network.

Routers that use the phone line are commonly referred to as ADSL routers, whereas routers that use CAT5 cables are called standard broadband routers—typically used in small networks. These routers cannot be used with Cable Internet connections. Here’s how you can buy a router to use with DSL:

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Buy the DSL router from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Most ISPs provide a basic DSL router with their DSL connection plans. Sometimes, ISPs also lease DSL routers for an extra monthly charge. The biggest benefit of buying or leasing the broadband router from your ISP is that you do not have to worry about compatibility with your Internet connection.

2. Alternatively, compare the features and pricing of DSL routers online as well as in local stores. However, in such cases you will have to ensure that the DSL router is compatible with your Internet connection (ADSL or standard broadband connection). The steps below help to assess compatibility:

3. Ensure that the DSL router has enough ports to provide DSL access to all computers. If you have a small network of around ten computers or less, you can buy a high-end router that gives you enough ports for the computers as well as the DSL Internet connection. Alternatively, you can use a basic router with two ports. In this case, you will have to connect your computers to a switch with at least ten ports and then connect the switch with the router.

4. Determine the type of DSL connection—wired or wireless. Wireless DSL routers can be used to access wireless DSL. Make sure that the wireless router you purchase is compatible with the wireless DSL service of your ISP and your wireless network of computers.

5. Buy a DSL router that provides additional features, if required. For instance, a DSL router can also act as a switch (as mentioned above). Other DSL routers have built-in firewalls and support port forwarding ability required to host a web server.

6. Pay attention to the power requirement especially if you are looking for a DSL router that can handle more workload.

7. User-friendly ergonomic shapes are easier to work with. Try turning all knobs and buttons to ensure that they can be operated efficiently.

8. Research the market for the variety of DSL routers available, their features, top selling routers and customer feedback.

Tips & Warnings

• Ensure data security in wireless routers by purchasing a Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)-compatible router. Wired routers also have additional security tools such as firewalls.
• Save the receipt and fill out the warranty card soon after purchasing the router.
• 3Com, Cisco Systems, D-Link systems, Linksys and Alcatel are some popular manufacturers of broadband routers.
• ISPs offer DSL plans that include the router free. However, these are long-term plans and require minimum commitment.
• Avoid routers without a warranty. Usually most routers have a year’s warranty at least.

Who Can Help:

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