How to Connect a Cable Modem Through a DSL Cable Vs. a USB Cable

Either connection will get you onto the Internet.

When you are installing a cable modem, you might be confused as to how to install it. In many cases, you have the option of either a USB connection or a DSL cable connection. There is no intrinsic difference in most cases between the two, and you only connect with one of the two, never with both. Even a novice computer user can complete this process.

Instructions

1. 

   A USB cable.

   Insert one end of the USB cable into the port on the rear of the modem. Plug the other end into an available USB port on your computer. In most cases, using a port on the back of your computer works better. USB ports on the front of computers are normally used for connections that are temporary, such as iPod syncing. Once the modem is plugged into the computer, insert the included CD into your optical drive and allow the program to automatically install any necessary drivers. This may not be necessary, and varies depending on both the modem manufacturer and the cable Internet provider.

2. 

   A DSL cable.

   To install with the DSL cable, insert one end of the cable into the modem and the other into the Ethernet or DSL port at the back of your computer. If necessary, insert the included CD into your optical drive and allow the computer to automatically install any necessary drivers or configuration parameters. In most cases, the computer will detect the DSL connection immediately and no CD is necessary.

3. Restart your computer. If you have used a CD for installing drivers or other configuration issues, you will need to restart your computer to ensure a smooth integration of the installation. You can normally skip this step if you did not need to use a CD for installation.

References

• Smart Computing: Installing Cable and DSL Modem