How to Set Up DSL with a Wireless Router
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
DSL or Dedicated Service Line is a type of broadband Internet connection which allows for the faster access to Internet-based resources and can cater to a number of users with very little significant decrease in the bandwidth speed. To be able to share this type of Internet connection, wireless routers are normally placed in the network environment to serve as network gateways and to accurately determine the best path possible that a data packet can take to reach the requesting network client. This device is also responsible for restricting the entry of viruses and similar harmful codes by providing an additional layer of security using NAT or Network Address Translation features. Some newer routers come with a built-in firewall security system aside from its basic function of routing broadband Internet access to authorized network clients.
Materials Needed:- DSL modem
- computer
- Web browser
- broadband Internet connection
- wireless router
- CAT-5 or CAT-6 Ethernet cables
- wireless NIC
- telephone cord
- installation CD
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Step 1
Check if all necessary components are present before beginning any installation procedure. It is very time consuming to find out in the middle of the installation process that a cable of a driver is missing. This step applies to all components for both the DSL modem and the wireless router. Contact the retailer or the manufacturer if necessary.
Step 2
Connect one end of the telephone cable to the modular box and the other end to the ADSL port of the DSL modem. Make sure that it is inserted securely.
Step 3
Take a CAT-5 or CAT-6 Ethernet cable and plug one end to the Ethernet port of the DSL modem and the other end to the WLAN or Uplink port of the wireless router.
Step 4
Get another Ethernet cable and connect one end to the network interface card of the computer. Plug the other end to any available port at the back panel of the wireless router. Normally, there are four ports that can be used for wired network connection.
Step 5
Plug all devices into an electrical socket but do not power them on yet. Make sure to follow this order in powering on the devices. Begin with the DSL modem and wait for it to acquire a signal from the ISP.
Step 6
Once a signal is acquired (a corresponding indicator should light up on the DSL modem), power on the wireless router. Similarly, the indicator light which detects the connection to the DSL modem should light up.
Step 7
After about five seconds, turn on the computer. The NIC of the computer should detect the wired connection to the wireless router. An indicator light corresponding to the port used by the computer should light up on the front panel of the wireless router.
Step 8
Take the documentation of the wireless router and follow the steps on how to configure the device. This would normally require the opening of a Web browser to bring up the configuration settings. Follow the instructions on how to secure the wireless network.
Step 9
After configuring the wireless router, shut down the computer and unplug the connection between the computer and the wireless router.
Step 10
Get a computer or laptop with a wireless NIC installed. Power it on. The wireless network should be detected.
Step 11
Log in to the network and browse the Internet to check if everything is functioning properly.