DSL Tutorials

Advancement in technology allows many people the option to work from home. This increases productivity due to the extra hours they can spend working rather than commuting. Gone are the days of long waiting time to make connections to a telephone modem, as well as the days of the need for a second line just for the Internet and dropped connections. One example is a DSL (Digital Subscriber Line). After the ISP’s (Internet Service Provider) initial installation, one may need to do a bit of troubleshooting to get it going when problems arise.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• DSL router
• Internet Service Provider (ISP)
• CAT-5 cable
• Wireless card (WiFi)
• Laptop or desktop computer

1. Connect your DSL router to the telephone line. If you have only one telephone line in the room, you can use a splitter that has a connection for the DSL and for the telephone. The beauty of having a DSL connection as opposed to doing dial-up connection is that you do not have to miss a call to connect to the Internet, nor do you need to purchase another line.

2. Connect your computer to the DSL router. If you are using a wired network, you can use a CAT-5 network or LAN (Local Area Network) cable to connect your computer to the router. To do this, you insert one end of the CAT-5 cable to the Ethernet card of the workstation or PC (Personal Computer) and then connect the other end to one of the available ports or connections on the router. If you have a wireless card, skip to step 3.

3. Turn on your DSL router. A sign that the DSL router is working is when all the LED lights on the router are in green color and none are in yellow, orange or red. The Internet service provider would originally set up the DSL router. The installation technician would configure the IP (Internet Protocol) address, the account information, user name and password. Keep this information in a safe place so that when problems arise you can use the information to give to your Internet provider when they are troubleshooting possible issues with your DSL.

4. Turn on your computer after connecting the cable or after you powered on the DSL router.

5. Find your connections. If you have a wireless connection, your computer's wireless card will automatically search for the available network connections, which should pick up your DSL router signal with 100% signal since it is just next to your computer. If you roam around the house, your signal may throttle between 80-100% depending on how far your location is from the DSL router.

6. A sign that your Ethernet card is working or has sufficient network connection is the LED light on your Ethernet hub or slot. See if the light is blinking green, which means it is up; if it is solid orange or red, then you have connection problems.

7. Test your Internet connection by opening a web browser such as Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator or Firefox. If you are able to connect to the websites, then your connection to the network is successful. If you cannot reach any website, and if you keep getting an error "Page cannot be displayed," then your connection is still not working.

8. Check if your computer's network cable is loose if you are using a wired network. Reset the cable at the Ethernet hub of your computer. If you are using wireless, check that your WiFi card is sitting inside the slot properly.

9. Restart your computer. See if you can establish a network connection. You should see your network connection icon if you have a good signal. Sometimes the icon is not visible, so on your computer you need to go to your "Control Panel," and then double-click on "Network Connections.” If you look at the "Properties,” it should show "Connected."

10. Test again by going to the Internet sites by opening your web browsers as stated in step 7.

11. Troubleshoot connection problems on your DSL router by unplugging the router's power cord and then plugging it back in. You should see the LED light indicator. Check which indicator is solid orange or red. If it shows red or orange on the light with the label "DSL service,” this means you may be having DSL problems either inside or outside of your home.

12. Check if the main cable is loose from the back of the DSL router. Then, check the cable connection to the phone socket or the splitter. If it is loose, just push it though. You should hear a click if it is set. Then, try connecting to your Internet again by performing step 7.

13. Call technical support. If it still does not work, it is time to call your DSL service provider or your ISP. From there, they can either troubleshoot on the phone with you or send a technician to where you live.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your DSL router in a cool, dry place.
• Do not place your drink next to your computer or DSL router to avoid damaging them during a spill.

Who Can Help:

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Resources

• How DSL Works