A high-speed DSL connection needs more than a modem to work.
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DSL is an inexpensive high-speed Internet connection option that allows you to use the Internet without disrupting your phone service. When you purchase DSL service from a provider, the company typically provides a special DSL modem to receive the service. However, there are other items necessary to hook your computer up to DSL Internet service.
Phone Line
To connect your computer to the DSL service provider, you need a regular phone line to run from your phone socket to the modem, which connects to your computer. While a DSL Internet connection doesn't interfere with your phone service, it does run through the same lines. The Internet signal operates at a different frequency than the voice phone line and can be filtered out to give your computer access to the Internet. Without the phone line, you can't tap into the Internet.
Filter
Because both the voice and data information transmits through the same lines, your computer must be capable of separating the two types from each other. The computer has no use for the voice information and the telephone has no use for the data. Plug the microfilter into the phone socket and run the rest of the wires from the filter. One of the outgoing outlets is for the telephone line and the other is for the modem. Without the filter, it's more difficult for a DSL modem to separate the information.
Network Interface Card
The network interface card is a required piece of hardware to run any broadband connection, including DSL. Newer computers often come with a NIC card already installed for quick broadband setup. However, if you own an older computer, it may not have a pre-installed NIC card. If you don't have one installed in your computer, either install one or take it to someone who can install one for you. The card plugs directly into the motherboard of your computer.
Router
While not required to run a DSL connection on your computer, a router can help you run more than one computer with one DSL connection. For instance, if you own a desktop and a laptop, you can install a wireless router to enable you to use your DSL connection on both computers. In this case, the DSL modem would be directly connected to your desktop. The router is also connected to the desktop and can send the Internet signal wirelessly to your laptop to allow you to have Internet access on your laptop as well. Some companies offer routers that have the DSL modem inside to reduce the number of connections you need to make.
Photo Credits
- Chad Baker/Photodisc/Getty Images
