DSL modem question

[racerx5410]

So I am about to build a new core i5 system for my parents and I had a question about their broadband modem. Currently they have verizon DSL and to get onto the internet they need to click on a shortcut on the desktop to manually start the internet connection from the desktop. I believe it's a PPOE connection.

My question is this..for this build I'm using windows 7 Pro, will the internet be automatically configured upon startup using win 7 or will I need to upgrade their DSL modem to get around manually starting the internet connection? Thanks in advance!

 

[vailr]

Most DSL modems support logging on via a web browser, when connected directly to a PC.
You'd then be able to input the DSL account name & password for enabling "instant web connection", whenever the PC is booted. However, you may want to consider adding a cheap wired router, for the added firewall protection it would provide. The DSL account name & password could then be included in the router's setup, instead of the DSL modem.
The operating system would then have no need to initiate the DSL connection itself. Whether using Windows 7, OSX, Linux, or whatever OS.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I would contact Verizon and see about getting an updated DSL modem. That one must be extremely old if you have to manually connect to it. Most modern Verizon DSL modems store the UN/PW in the modem, and automatically connect.

 

[rudder]

Better off buying a router and using the DSL modem as a bridge. The router can maintain the connection and provide additional security.

Edit: or as virtuallarry says, contact verizon. I have bellsouth and the offer dsl/routers (wired and wireless) to make the DSL "always on." I suggested getting your own because some providers may charge extra if they think you are sharing the conenction with other PC. AT&T charges $10/month for home networking which can be avoided by getting your own router.

 

[racerx5410]

Unfortunately the dsl modem they got is extremely old since they've had DSL for awhile now. Here's hoping they offer a free upgrade.

 

[bruceb]

They will upgrade it. Just tell them the connection is not reliable. I have Verizon DSL as well, with the Westel 327W Modem / Router. The login was set up thru the modem config page and it does remember it. None of our computers need to do anything to connect to internet other than boot up. Same if we need to power down the Modem for an occassional
(maybe once a year) reboot.

 

[SonicIce]

Windows XP and later have built-in PPPoE so you don't need to buy anything. I'm not sure what the network setup menus looks like for Win 7 but there should be a wizard to set it up like there is in XP. You should be able to connect like you always could before.

If you want an "always on" connection you can buy a cheap router where you input your user/pass into the router and you can keep the old modem. Or get a modem/router combo thing maybe from the ISP.

 

[AlgaeEater]

If you are unable to get updated hardware, you can do it the old fashioned "ghetto" way. Just use the network connection wizard built into Windows 7 by default and then change the properties of the connection later - not - to prompt you to enter your login information and to have the connection always on.

Basically when Windows starts and the first program that loads that requests an internet connection (most often time an antivirus program and their auto-updater for instance), you'll see the PPOE login screen automatically pop up, log you in, and then you're connected.

It's been a while, but I believe Windows XP had the same thing possible too. As long as a program on startup requests to access the internet (or online), you basically never had to enter any login information or use a sign in screen.

 

[racerx5410]

Verizon upgraded the hardware for free because we're such loyal customers, lol. They're sending a westell 6100. Overall it turned out ok..thanks for the help guys!

 

[AlgaeEater]

Glad to hear things worked out for you. Make sure to save that modem for a rainy day - it always helps to have a modem around you can use as a backup troubleshooter should your connection get iffy.