How to Setup a Wireless DSL Router

Like cable modems, DSL modems have Ethernet ports.

When setting up a wireless network, you can opt to get Internet either through a cable or telephone company. The latter type of Internet connection is known as a digital subscriber line, or DSL. Within DSL, you can use wireless DSL routers. These devices combine the functionality of a traditional modem and router so you can connect to the Internet wirelessly through your phone line. The process of setting up a network with a wireless DSL router is similar to the process of setting up a network with cable.

Things You'll Need

• Phone line
• Computer with wireless adapter

Instructions

1. Plug your DSL router's power cord into any power socket.

2. Plug one end of a phone line into the phone port on the back of the wireless DSL router. Plug the other end of the phone line into your phone jack in the wall.

3. Contact your DSL provider for the security key you'll need to login to the network. Often this is set up as your phone number. You can change this security key later if you desire by opening any browser, typing the IP address--usually found on the router or on the packaging--of the router in the URL bar and finding the wireless security tabs. You also can change the name of your network in these settings.

4. Click the "Start" menu on your computer system tray. Click "Control Panel," "Network and Internet," "Network and Sharing Center," "Set Up a Connection or Network" and "Connect to the Internet." In older versions of Windows, you may use the "Network Connection Wizard" in the "Control Panel."

5. Click on the system tray icon for wireless Internet. This looks like a computer with sound waves coming off of it. Select your network and click "Connect." Type in the security key given to you by your DSL provider and click "OK."

Tips & Warnings

• DSL providers sometimes install port replicators on your wall phone jack. These essentially are splitters for the port so you can connect multiple phone cords to the same jack. One port usually is "filtered" for traditional phone use, meaning that the DSL data signal is removed from the phone line so you don't have interference on calls. The other is "unfiltered" for use with the wireless DSL router. Make sure to ask which port is which if they install a replicator that is not labeled.

References

• Microsoft: 4 Steps to Setting Up Your Home Wireless Network
• Online Computer Tips: Setting Up a Cable/DSL Router With Wireless - Networking Computer Tips