How to Configure ADSL Internet to Share With Client Workstations

A router allows multiple computers to connect to the same DSL connection.

Asynchronous digital subscriber line, or ADSL, is an Internet connection service provided by many land-line telephone companies. Many DSL service connections are intended for use in a household environment. For this reason, many DSL modems only have one network output connection port.



Despite this, a DSL modem is capable of supporting connections with multiple computers. To configure the ADSL Internet connection to work with multiple client workstations, a networking device called a DSL router is needed.

Things You'll Need

• Active DSL connection
• DSL modem
• Two Category-5 (Cat5) network cables
• DSL router
• Computer with installed wired network adapter and Microsoft Windows operating system
• One or more computers with installed wireless network adapter and Microsoft Windows operating system

Instructions

1. Set up the DSL modem according to the instructions provided by the DSL Internet service provider (normally the telephone company), which includes connecting one of the Cat5 network cables from the computer with the wired network adapter to the DSL modem. Plug the DSL router into the power outlet.

2. Unplug the Cat5 cable from the computer, and plug the cable into the yellow "Internet" port on your router. Connect the second Cat5 cable from Port 2 on the router to the computer with the wired network adapter.

3. Insert the DSL router setup CD into the wired network computer's CD-ROM drive, and run the setup wizard. (This is normally done by double-clicking the file "Setup.exe" on the CD drive.) Go through the setup wizard (keep clicking "Next") until the DSL router asks for an administrator password. Select a password, and write it down.

   Select the wireless security protocol (WEP or WPA) when the setup program asks for it, and write down the WEP or WPA key code. Change the SSID (wireless networking identification) name when prompted, and write this down as well.

   Continue through the setup wizard until the installation is complete, and click "Finish."

4. Turn on the computer with the wireless network adapter, right-click "My Network Places," and select "Properties." Right-click "Wireless Network Connection" and select "View Available Wireless Networks." Select the network with the SSID that corresponds to your DSL router, and click "Connect." Enter your WEP or WPA key, and click "OK."

5. Test the Internet connection on both computers by opening a web browser window (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox) and search for a commonly used website.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for any additional computers you wish to connect to the network.

References

• Velocity Guide: Wireless DSL Router Installation