How to Connect a DSL Modem to a Computer

Computer users who switch from dial-up Internet to a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) often find that the modems required for the two services are considerably different. While the dial-up modem may be internal to the computer, the DSL modem is external and must be connected with special networking cables. This article will explain how to make this connection.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with LAN port
• DSL modem
• DSL service
• Category Five (Cat 5) Ethernet cable
• Router (optional)

Instructions

Directly Connect the DSL Modem to a Computer

1. Power off both the computer and the modem. It is good practice to always power off a computer before attaching or removing cables as a precaution against electrical shocks. In this case, powering off the modem and computer also helps to avoid possible network configuration conflicts.

2. Connect the Ethernet cable to the modem. The rear of the DSL modem should feature a wide modular port similar to an enlarged telephone jack (technophiles will recognize this port as an RJ-45 Ethernet port). If the modem features more than one port, use the one labeled "PC" or "LAN." Each end of the Ethernet cable features a plastic modular plug with a small plastic clip. Simply insert the plug into the port and press gently but firmly until it clicks into place.

3. Plug the other end of the cable into the computer. Most modern computers come with an Ethernet port built in, and the port-usually located on the back of the machine-will look identical to the port on the modem. Locate the port, insert the loose end of the Ethernet cable, and push firmly but gently until it clicks into place. If the computer does not have an Ethernet port, Ethernet adapters are readily available at local electronics stores.

4. With the modem and computer connected by the Ethernet cable, turn on both the modem and the computer. Boot the computer and configure Internet access. Allow the computer to fully boot up, then configure the machine's Internet access using the instructions provided by your DSL service provider.

Connect the DSL Modem to a Computer Using a Router

1. Power off the computer, the router and the modem. In this case, powering off all devices will help avoid Internet Protocol (IP) address conflicts.

2. Locate the Ethernet cable to the modem. Again, if the modem features more than one port, use the one labeled "PC" or "LAN."

3. Locate the "WAN" port on the router. The rear of the router will likely feature several RJ-45 Ethernet ports, and it is important to connect the modem to the correct port. Depending on the router manufacturer and model, the port that should be connected to the modem may be labeled "Modem," "WAN" or "Uplink."

4. Connect the Ethernet cable between the modem and router. Each end of the Ethernet cable features a plastic modular plug with a small plastic clip. Insert one end into the identified port on the modem and press it gently but firmly until it clicks into place. Repeat this process with the loose end of the cable by pressing it into the proper port on the router until it clicks into place.

5. Locate the Ethernet port on the computer. Most modern computers feature an Ethernet port, though the location of the port varies from model to model. Look for a port identical to the port on the modem somewhere on the back of the machine, then under any covers on the computer's front. If the computer does not have an Ethernet port, Ethernet adapters are readily available at local computer supply stores.

6. Locate the computer port on the router. Depending on the model of the router, it may have two, four, eight or more ports for connecting computers. The port used for connecting the computer is inconsequential, though most users prefer to connect the first computer to port number one (with additional computers connected to incrementally numbered ports). If the ports are not numbered, use the open port closest to the port used for connecting to the modem.

7. Connect the Ethernet cable between the computer and router. As with the Ethernet cable used in Step 4 above, each end of the Ethernet cable features a plastic modular plug with a small plastic clip. Insert one end into the Ethernet port on the computer and press it gently but firmly until it clicks into place. Repeat this process with the loose end of the cable by pressing it into the proper port on the router until it clicks into place.

8. With the modem, router and computer connected by Ethernet cables, turn on the modem, the router, then the computer. Boot the computer and configure Internet access. Allow the computer to fully boot up, then configure the machine's Internet access (and, if necessary, router settings) using the instructions provided by your DSL service provider and router vendor.

Tips & Warnings

• When possible, use of a router is strongly recommended. The built-in firewall protection of a router usually serves as the first line of defense against hacking attempts.