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Hardware

 
     
What equipment do I need on my computer to use DSL?
What type of computer do I need for my DSL line?
Which operating systems can I use with my DSL line?
How do I set up my computer to use DSL?
Can I purchase my own DSL modem?
Can I use my DSL and regular modem simultaneously?
I have a network and want DSL access. What do I need to get?
   
     
     
What equipment do I need on my computer to use DSL?   Top
To use DSL on your computer, you need a 10 Mb or 10/100 Mb Ethernet NIC (Network Interface Card). Install this card in your computer and install the drivers that come with it. You will also need a twisted-pair Ethernet cable RJ-45 (crossover), which should be supplied by the DSL technician at the time of installation. The cable can be obtained with your Ethernet card at any computer store. Note: To access the Internet with your DSL connection, you must also obtain a web browser if you do not already have one. (i.e. Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.)  
     
What type of computer do I need for my DSL line?   Top
You may use any type of computer that is able to support an Ethernet card, which includes most recent models. Note that some newer computers, such as Macintosh, come with a built-in Ethernet card, in which case you do not need to install one. Check the specs on your computer or look for an RJ-45 jack (like a phone jack) in the back of your computer to determine whether an Ethernet card is already present.  
     
Which operating systems can I use with my DSL line?   Top
You may use any type of operating system (OS) with your DSL line, including any version of Windows, Mac, Linux, etc. This widespread compatibility is possible because the last connection between your computer and your DSL equipment (CPE) is established through Ethernet, a type of networking that has been adopted by virtually all industry players.  
     
How do I set up my computer to use DSL?   Top

To ready your computer for DSL service, you need to configure your computer with the correct IP information and you need an Ethernet card and cable, both of which can be purchased at any area computer equipment store.

IP configuration: Windows 95 or higher
Locate the "Network Neighborhood" icon on your desktop, and click on this icon with your right mouse button. Choose 'Properties' from the icon menu, and make sure the 'Configuration' tab is showing in the Network window that appears. From the list of network components in the window, locate the TCP/IP entry that corresponds to the Ethernet network card installed in your computer. Double click on the TCP/IP entry and ensure that 'Specify an IP address' is checked on the 'IP Address' tab. Enter the IP address and the Subnet Mask that were provided to you by http://www.dsl-modem-internet-access.com in your order confirmation email. Your IP infor- mation is also located on your http://www.dsl-modem-internet-access.com member page log-in, which may be accessed with your Username and Password at http://www.dsl-modem-internet-access.com

Ethernet card and cable:
Install the Ethernet card of your choice (10 Mb or 10/100 Mb; your computer equipment salesperson can help you choose)according to the instructions that come with the card, and install the drivers that accompany the card as well. Plug an Ethernet cable into the card on one side (this cable should be provided by your DSL technician at the time of installation). When you have received your DSL modem, plug the other end of the Ethernet cable in your DSL modem. At this point the green light on the network card should be lit, indicating you are ready for DSL surfing!

  
     
Can I purchase my own DSL modem?   Top
Yes, but the cost is prohibitively expensive for the home user. It is wiser to use the modem provided when you receive your service from us.  
     
Can I use my DSL and regular modem simultaneously?   Top
In theory yes, Because your voice bandwidth is not used by the DSL modem, you may use a regular analog modem as well. In practice it is not known for sure how well this will work. Remember, there is a splitter that filters out the DSL bandwidth. It has been reported that the DSL side can leak over into the voice bandwidth. This may affect connection speed with your analog modem.  
     
I have a network and want DSL access. What do I need to get?   Top
Once you have your network up and running, DSL connectivity is quite easy. Your DSL modem will have an output to a LAN (or a single computer with a NIC). Just plug it in and you are connected. However, you may need to change IP addresses within your network so every node will be able to access the line simultaneously. Another way is to plug your DSL modem into a router. This will handle all of the incoming and outgoing traffic for your network. In-fact, some DSL modems have routers built in and are especially hand when LAN connectivity is required.

 

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