How to Set Up a High-Speed DSL Modem

Copper wires are used to transmit an analog signal to and from your house to correspond via the Internet.  A modem is required to hook up to the Internet by means of a DSL service.  DSL is analog, therefore, the modem decodes the received signal and converts it into digital figures that your computer can understand.  The maximum amount of data a DSL modem can transmit is about 56Kbps.

• Connect a modem to convert the analog signal to a digital signal in order to receive information on the Internet, and the modem has to, in turn, send information back in digital form.  This means that the modem is working to translate both incoming and outgoing data into digital algorithms that your computer can understand. 


• Combine your landline telephone and Internet by installing a DSL splitter.  This is a device that plugs directly into your phone jack that splits the frequency of the copper wires into a high and low frequency setting.  Some DSL modems come with an internal splitter making the splitter unnecessary.


• Plug the standard telephone cord that came with your modem package into the phone jack that is most likely located on a wall in your home.  Connect the larger Ethernet cable into the modem and connect the other end into the Ethernet port on your computer.


• Insert the disc that came with your modem into your computer and allow the program to load.  Install the software from the disc onto your computer following the manufacturer’s instructions.


• Plug the modem power jack into the modem and plug the modem into a power outlet. 


• Follow the instructions to program the modem according to your DSL Internet service providers' instructions and settings.