gilliang
join:2008-07-17
London, ON
|  Question from someone new to DSL
Hi guys 
So I'm planning on getting high speed DSL from Teksavvy along with their home phone plan.
I have some questions about how the DSL connects though. Where I'm living there will be 5 of us with laptops and we all want to be able to move throughout the home.
Is there anyway to get the router to work without having to plug it into an ethernet port in a computer since we don't want any computers to be stationary?
Otherwise we have an old computer here at my house right now that doesn't work well at all but it still turns out and I believe has an ethernet port...would that work okay to connect the modem to?
Secondly, there is a way to make a DSL connect wireless, right?
How does that work?
Something to do with a router I'm assuming?
Any help is appreciated greatly. Thanks so much everyone. |
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Ikarasu
join:2004-01-09
Port Coquitlam, BC
 ·ITalkBB
 ·TekSavvy Solutions..
| A wireless router is what your looking for. You don't need a computer to be connected through Ethernet for it.
DSL modem hooks up to your phone jack, Ethernet wire hooks up to the wireless router/DSL modem, then wireless devices can connect anywhere (Depending on distance).
If you have a DSL modem, you can just buy a wireless router, any should work, but the "Linksys WRT54G" is highly recommended. If you don't have a modem, one of the best with wireless built in is the Thomson St516. |
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gilliang
join:2008-07-17
London, ON
1 edit | Thank you very much for the information. I really appreciate it:)
Just wondering how the built in wireless router works? |
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recneps
join:2006-06-24
Whitby, ON
| You have two options.
1) DSL modem with router+wireless built in - E.g 2wire 2700HG-B
2) DSL modem (no router, etc built in/ - eg st516) + external router (Like Linksys WRT54GL - this router can do a special function useful if you will be downloading torrents)
Both perform the same option, and you can use a modem like in #1 in "bridge mode" and still use the secondary router to do the routing and wireless (again, if you'll be using torrents.)
Cheapest and easiest option is #1
"best" option is #2, using any modem of your choice. |
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vintagewino
join:2003-07-22
Grimsby, ON
·TekSavvy Solutions..
·magicjack.com
·Look Communications
| reply to gilliang
Wireless? Why not? I assume you currently have a ST516 router/modem, or the equivalent thereof. Once you have made certain your internet connection is good, check around and pick up a wireless router. Lots of personal preferences here, so go through and judge what you may like, and what might be easily obtainable in your price range.
Here's what works for me; your mileage may vary:
ST516 modem/router in 1 package, configured to bridge mode, output tied into the WAN output of the wireless router.
The wireless router set for PPPoE (you will have to put in yourlogin@yourISP.com and yourpassword). This will enable the router to open the connection to the modem/internet & log in. You can also set up DHCP (automatic logging).
Now, you get into the wireless portion of the new router, set up some sort of wireless security protocol, and security key. WRITE THAT DOWN! All the '*' look the same to me. Give that key to all your users; they install it in their respective machines. You're basically off & running. Please make certain that your wireless system is secure. You don't want to give away free bandwidth to your neighbour, especially if you're capped.
One thing to remember: whatever your sync speed is, it's divided amongst the users. So if everyone's downloading something big, it will bog down.
For example, as I'm writing this, my better half is on her laptop (wireless), me on mine (wireless), my work laptop is wired into a jack, printing 3 documents to the wireless print server, a wired tower is just sitting there, and a wireless laptop is updating it's Linux OS.
Suggestion: modem/bridge as close to demarc point as possible, wireless router somewhere centrally located so that all units can get a good signal.
Have fun, and happy networking. |
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gilliang
join:2008-07-17
London, ON
| Okay thanks.
If it's a router/modem together I'm assuming you can't put the modem close to the demarc point and put the router near the center of the home if they're two completely different points. Which is more important?
Also, it's like a student living complex so I'm thinking the demarc point might be outside somewhere so I'm guessing closest to the door would be best for the modem? |
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recneps
join:2006-06-24
Whitby, ON
| said by gilliang  :Okay thanks. If it's a router/modem together I'm assuming you can't put the modem close to the demarc point and put the router near the center of the home if they're two completely different points. Which is more important? Also, it's like a student living complex so I'm thinking the demarc point might be outside somewhere so I'm guessing closest to the door would be best for the modem? The combo router/modems have to be close to the phone jack, yes.
Demarc is where Bell connects to your building. You don't HAVE to connect there, that's just the possible best signal location. Since you were quoted less than 5meg, you'd want to hook up as close as possible (as soon as the phone line enters the building) to get the most out of the line.
Depending on how large the building is, it shouldnt matter where the wireless device is, as long as its not in a basement or there are concrete walls.
They often come on default power settings of 3-4, you can crank it up to 10 if its not sufficient. |
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vintagewino
join:2003-07-22
Grimsby, ON
·TekSavvy Solutions..
·magicjack.com
·Look Communications
| reply to gilliang
If it's a combo wireless modem/router (antenna + RJ-11 phone jack + maybe several RJ45 ethernet jacks), then it's a single unit & can't be separated.
I assume your group is renting, so the landlord may take a dim view of you poking holes in his building anywhere.
Assuming a wireless router/modem, for now, best to try to keep the line-to-unit as short as possible, whilst keeping the unit elevated (higher than a desktop) and away from known metal so that all can have as strong a signal as possible. Since every place is unique, some experimenting is in order, and likely a few compromises from the ideal.
Inviting the landlord for a few beers may also possibly pay dividends, if signals are less than ideal.  |
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