What’s required?
First of all, DSL is a service that can be configured on your existing phone line in the form of a data channel at higher signal frequencies than your normal voice traffic. So, to allow you to use the data channel, you will need a DSL filter. This looks like a splitter than plugs into your phone socket on one end and presents two phone type (RJ11) connections on the other end.
The next item required is a DSL modem. These can come in various guises but the most common will be a modem that allows either USB or Ethernet (RJ45), or both, connection to your PC. Ethernet is more desirable than USB as it makes it easier to share the connection through a device such as a hub or a switch.
With some of the more popular suppliers, the modem comes pre-configured with your settings and all it requires is a username and password, while others can auto-detect the basic settings from your DSL line and again, only requires a username and password. But before you tackle the settings, you need to plug your telephone extension chord (RJ11) into the DSL port of your DSL filter, and then into the DSL port on your DSL modem, much the way you would have plugged in a plain old analogue modem. Then plug in the power for the modem.
Modem to PC
The next step is to connect to your PC. USB is fairly straight forward; simply plug it into an available port. The USB advantage is that it may require no external power beyond the USB port, but it means it can be more difficult to share the connection. In the case of an Ethernet connection (RJ45), plug the network cable from the Ethernet port of the modem, into the network card, or network port on your PC.
Understanding IP addresses
You now have the basic connection done. Turn on the PC, and load the set up page for the modem. In the case of a preconfigured modem, you are essentially done at this point as the PC will pick up the necessary settings and make the connection. In a full manual set up, the modem will have a default IP address set, listed in the documentation. By going into your Windows Network properties under Control Panel, you can find your Local Area Connection properties. Set an IP for your machine in the same range and subnet as the modem. For example, if the modem is set to 192.168.0.254, then set your machine to 192168.0.1. The modem will likely have a Class C subnet mask, such as 255.255.255.0, by default your PC will now have the same. Load a browser and put the IP of the modem in the address bar and hit Go. The settings page for the modem will load and ask for the default username and password. Enter these and hit
Connect to the Net
There are a few options at this stage. First of all, the connection settings to connect to your provider will be set. They will include your provider’s DNS (Domain Name System) servers, your fixed IP address, your username and password and the protocol details. The details would include the protocol type such as PPPoE (Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet), VPI (Virtual Path Indicator), VCI (Virtual Channel Identifier) and authentication method such as CHAP (Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol). Don’t worry too much about these heavy sounding names, if you need to enter them, simply match like for like as they are set permanently for your account and service.
With these details entered, you should be able to initiate a connection to the Internet. But, now you have to set up the other side, namely your PC. Having negotiated its way onto the Net, the modem now needs to know how to route the traffic to your machine. Most DSL modems come with a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server built-in. This gives out the basic information and IP address needed for a connection to the modem as required, rather than having to pre-configure them. It can be very handy if you are unsure of the basic set up which would include an IP address, a subnet mask, a default gateway and a DNS server.
The settings are now all in place for an Internet connection and a connection from your PC to the modem.
Share your broadband connection
If you have an Ethernet hub or switch with a few ports on it, you can potentially share the Internet connection between a few PCs. In the case of hub or switch, it is very easy, simply repeat the PC configuration steps on any machine that you plug into the hub, this will allow the modem to receive and process web requests. In the case of a USB-based DSL connection, your Internet connection will appear like a dial-up connection. To share this, you will need an Ethernet card in your PC and in the one that will share the connection. If you don’t have a hub to connect the two PCs, a crossover cable may be required, but fret not, they are widely available. On the PC to which the modem is connected, open your Network Connections window and select Create a New Connection and follow the wizard for Internet Connection Sharing.
Keep safe
Now that you have your machines connected to a high speed, always-on Internet service, take a moment to consider security. At the very least, a firewall is necessary. Many modems have one integrated, if not, consider a personal firewall on your PC. Anti-Virus software will also be required, choose on that updates often and includes an e-mail scanner. Finally, spyware is a major annoyance currently, so consider something to at least counter, if not actively scan for these threats. For the cheapskates, a totally free security suite consists of Zonealarm, Anti-Virus Guard and Adaware. For the less pecuniarilly challenged, there are lots of offerings by various vendors for a one-stop security suite, such as MacAfee, Symantec and Sophos.
Now, sit back, light your pipe and admire you handy work. You’ve just self installed your broadband connection, bolstering your confidence enough to tackle that Ikea puzzle lurking in the garage. Well, maybe after a quick surf!
Next month – We look at setting up a basic wireless network for the home.
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