How to Expand DSL

Expand a DSL connection with a router.

When DSL service is provided by your Internet service provider (ISP), the DSL modem is designed to connect directly to a single computer. A DSL modem receives a single public IP address from the ISP for the directly connected computer. By connecting the DSL modem to a router, the DSL service is expandable to provide an Internet connection to multiple computers, which can be directly connected with an Ethernet cable or using wireless technology, depending on the type of router.

Things You'll Need

• Router
• Ethernet cable

Instructions

1. Turn off the DSL modem. Many DSL modems don't have power switches and must be unplugged from the electrical outlet.

2. Plug an Ethernet cable into the DSL modem and to the "Internet" or "WAN" port on the router.

3. Turn the DSL modem on and wait for it to receive a signal from the ISP. This process usually takes two to three minutes.

4. Power on the router. The router initializes itself and connects to the DSL modem.

5. Connect the computers on the local network to the router. Wired computers connect with an Ethernet cable between the computer and the router; wireless computers connect to the router's internal access point.

Tips & Warnings

• Faster DSL connections are capable of supporting more computers simultaneously than slower DSL connections.