Preparing for your new DSL service

• Many providers will have an installer come out for an extra charge.
• Install the service on one computer and get it working before attempting to set up DSL sharing.
• You must be able to re-configure the system for a single computer in order to troubleshoot problems.

So, you have ordered your DSL service and the self-install kit is on its way. What else should you do?

• Read the manual and follow the instructions!
• Ensure that there is a telephone jack near the computer and that your wiring is in good shape. If possible, see that a cable is run directly to the computer room; branches on this line can diminish the quality of the service.
• Install a DSL filter on every device on the line - Fax, caller ID, answering machine, etc.
• If you have two lines in your home you will need a Line 1 / Line 2 splitter, which may be included in the installation kit. 
• Purchase an Ethernet card and install it in the computer.  A new PCI card is highly recommended. We suggest buying only a modern 100 MB PCI card. Saving a few dollars on an older 10 MB card could cause problems, especialy if you can't find current drivers for it.
• If you are going to share your DSL connection you will need an Internet sharing device (router) or software. Please see our Internet Sharing article for more information.

Check your line connections

DSL operates at high frequencies. A minor connection problem anywhere between the phone company's connection point and your DSL modem can cause problems. We speak from sad experience on this one!

If possible, the line to the DSL modem should run directly from the telephone company feed, or as close as practical. The fewer splits and connection points in that line the better. If you don't know how to do the wiring then pay the phone company or a communications specialist to do it. It's worth the cost!

• If you are in a private home, open the demarcation block outside the house. This may be called a Network Interface Device (NID) in telephone company terminology.
• Ensure the screw connections inside are tight and that the wires are not kinked or bent sharply.
• Ensure the wires are well placed under the washers on the screw post, that they are not nicked, and that there is no insulation under the washer.
• Ensure the screws are tight. Don't wrench them down, though, as you may strip the threads in the plastic.
• Remove the test plug and connect a standard telephone. Make a phone call and listen for noise on the line.
• Work the plug on the test phone in and out of the jack a few times to polish the connections.

Install your DSL software

• Wait until the appointed turn-on date before configuring your computer.
• Read the manual and follow the instructions!
• You may need to install your ISP's software, which could be a special browser, in order to configure your DSL account. If so, install this software.
• Set up your user account, per the instructions in the manual.
• Configure your e-mail accounts, per the instructions in the manual.

Re-configure your computer, if needed

• You can use any browser once your account has been set up.
• Run your browser's connection wizard to configure it for a LAN connection.
• You will probably have a "PPPoE client", which is a dial-up type system that makes the DSL connection when it is needed. Search the Internet for a better grade program. The ones that ship with self-install kits are often taxing in the computer.

If you are installing DSL on a dedicated line

• No filters are required since the DSL services is via a dedicated line.
• Your DSL provider may perform the installation.
• If you can find dedicated DSL at a decent price you are indeed fortunate!

Last Page	Top	Next Page