How to Access a DSL Modem

DSL modems send and receive digital information over phone lines.

DSL Internet is a high-speed alternative to dial-up. Since it is activated remotely, there is no need for a technician to visit your house to set up your DSL connection. Skipping the technician's visit saves you money and time. Once you've got your DSL modem, set up your computer to access your DSL modem yourself by following these easy steps.

Things You'll Need

• DSL modem
• Ethernet cable
• Telephone cable

Instructions

1. Turn off your computer and unplug your DSL modem's power supply.

2. Connect a telephone cable to the telephone jack on the back of the modem, then plug the other end of the cable into a telephone outlet. If you have a "DSL-splitter" installed on your house's phone line, plug the modem into the "Internet" jack on the splitter.

3. Plug an Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on the back of your modem.

4. Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into an Ethernet port on your computer. If you are using a router, plug the Ethernet cable into the "Internet" or "LAN" port on the back of the router. Plug another Ethernet cable into a numbered Ethernet port and plug the other end into your computer.

5. Plug in your DSL modem's power supply and turn on your computer. Wait two minutes. Your computer automatically detects the DSL modem connection and can now access your DSL modem.

Tips & Warnings

• See the link in Resources for an in-depth guide to installing and operating a DSL modem.

• If you're using a wireless router, you don't have to connect your computer to the router with an Ethernet cable. Click on the wireless network signal icon on the Windows taskbar in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen, and click on the network created by your wireless router. The default wireless network name is the name of the modem's manufacturer. For example, Linksys routers create networks named "linksys," while D-link routers create networks named "dlink."

• Don't forget to install the DSL filter dongles on phone jacks with phones plugged into them. Plug the dongle into the jack, then plug the phone into the dongle. Most DSL modems come with one or two filter dongles.

References

• Windows: Set Up a DSL or Cable Connection
• Whatis.com: Fast Guide to DSL

Resources

• Smart Computing: How to Install DSL and Cable Modems