Whether you're connecting your DSL modem directly to a PC or to a router,
there's only a couple of things you need to know. Both Windows and most current routers have a network setup wizard that will
do most of the configuration for you. To access the network configuration wizard on a PC you'll click on Start, then Control
Panel, then select Network and Internet Settings. If you're using a router you'll need to log in to it to access the
setup wizard by typing it's IP address into your web browser like this:
http://192.168.1.1 This is just an example. Don't use this address. You'll find the correct address for your router along with it's
default username and password in the documentation that comes with it.
When prompted for connection type you need to select PPPoE (Point to
Point Protocol over Ethernet) for DSL.
You will then need to enter the username and password your provider
has given you. Note: This is not the same username and password that you used to log in to your router. It's
asking for your actual account information here.
Next you should enable the Stay Alive Timer or Auto-Reconnect feature,
this keeps your connection "on", so your PC or router doesn't need to re-log you in each time you want to use the internet.
You also need to enable the DHCP server feature. With DHCP enabled
your PC will draw an IP address from your provider or your router's WAN port will draw an IP address from
your provider for itself, then hand out it's own range of private IP address's to your home PC(s). Be sure to save your settings
before exiting from the router.
That's it. If your using a router you need to shut down your computer, then
turn off the router. You must restart things in this order for proper connection. I can't stress this enough.
The order is important because your router needs to have drawn an address from your povider and be prepared to issue
an address to your PC in order for the PC to be able to configure it's network adapter properly on boot. First turn on the router and
let it run through it's startup procedure. Your manual will tell you what the led lights should look like when
it's up and has drawn an address. Next restart your PC. Run your PC's connection wizard as above and select LAN as a connection
type. Make sure DHCP is enabled and that's it. If you've set everything up correctly it will draw an address from the router
and you're in buisness.
Remember:
On direct connect to a PC the PC's connection type is PPPoE.
To connect to a router and then a PC(s), connection types are:
router - PPPoE
PC(s) - LAN
Cable
Pretty much the same, except the cable modem has a coax (RG6) input instead of
a modular (RJ11) like the DSL modem.
No filters for your phone in this procedure.
In the setup wizard the only difference will be connection type and account information.
For Cable internet service the connection type should be set to LAN and you will not be prompted for account
information.
If you're using a router you will select LAN for both your PC and your router
connection settings. Also, you must also follow the shutdown restart procedure above.
Piece of cake!
Next time we'll talk about your wireless setup and I'll also give you some tips about
home wiring and the importance of wiring standards.
