Bridged DSL Tutorial

DSL (digital subscriber line) Internet connections differ from other high-speed broadband connections in that they require a username and password authentication before users are allowed to access the Internet service. The username and password are usually given by your DSL provider and assigned to your DSL account. There are two basic ways that a DSL connection can log in to a DSL network: PPPoE connections save the DSL username and password internally on the DSL modem itself and the modem logs into the network any time you try to access the Internet. Bridged connections save the log in information on another device like a computer or a wireless router; that device is what logs into the DSL network and the modem acts only as a bridge for the connection to take place. You can set your home DSL service into bridging mode using a few basic steps.

Instructions

1. Locate the Ethernet cable coming out of the DSL modem to see what it is plugged into. If the Ethernet cable attaches to a router or any other piece of networking equipment, disconnect it and plug it directly into one of your computer's Ethernet ports. If the DSL modem is already directly connected to your computer, you can disregard this step.

2. Access the modem's configuration page by opening an Internet browser and typing the modem's local acess IP into the address bar and pressing "Enter." The local access IP will differ depending on what make and model of modem you use. If you do not have any of the modem's documentation, you can contact the technical support department of your DSL provider and have them inform you.

3. Set the modem into "Bridged" mode. Again, this varies greatly depending on the modem in question, but there should be a heading on the configuration page labeled "Connection" or "Connection Type." You will want to choose "Bridged" or "Bridging" mode and be sure to save the changes before exiting the modem's configuration page.

4. Determine which device in your home network will log in to the DSL network with your DSL username and password. As noted, any router you use at home can be used in this capacity, or you can simply have the computer log in with your DSL username and password.

5. Repeat steps 1 through 3 with your router or other networking device. Again, access its configuration page by typing in the local access IP. You will need to save your DSL username and password on the configuration page. Once again, this process varies tremendously among different brands and models of router, so contact the router manufacturer with any questions as to how to do so.

6. Reassemble your home network and check your access now that it has been set in bridging format. If you are able to browse multiple Web pages with no errors, your DSL network has been successfully configured in bridged mode.