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Newbie question about ADSL

A

Adrian Tung

Golden Member
I'm thinking of getting a DSL connection from my local ISP. According to what I have read from their product info page, I'll need to connect their DSL modem to my network card or USB port.

I think USB is out of the question for me, so I'll go with the network card. Does this mean that I'll need 2 cards on my machine - one for my internal LAN and one for the DSL modem?

Also, how does one "dial-up" to the net using the DSL modem? I'm asking this because I'll be charged a fixed amount for 60 hours per month, plus additional charge per minute if I exceed this amount. So how does the ISP keep track of my uptime unless I somehow dial-up or login to the net?

Any other things that I should know of about DSL before taking the plunge?


Thanks in advance,
🙂atwl
 
Yeah, you'll need two network cards. I think you can also share the incoming connection with the Internet sharing. You can also set up a small linux box with two network cards that does the routing, or you can buy a 4 port router.

I'm really not to sure on the dial-up using DSL, since I'm using a cable modem. From what it sounds like, you'll have some program that connects to the internet, and they monitor that.

See what speeds you'll get with the DSL connection. 60 hours doesn't seem like a lot either, and I like having a constant on connection without having to 'dial-up'. Have you looked into cable modems?
 
Running the DSL router (modem) provided by your ISP into the uplink port of a switch or cable/DSL gateway router and just sharing the bandwidth like that will eliminate the need for having two NICs installed in your system (less headaches). At least that's what I ended up doing.

Your local ISP probably uses dial-in PPP for their DSL service. Your DSL modem doesn't actually "dial" like a normal analog modem would, but rather negotiates a connection with your ISP using your username and password. My friend has DSL like this because in his case the circuit is $10 cheaper per month. My particular ISP uses bridged Ethernet though, which is an "always on" connection that doesn't require a "dial-in."

 


<< Have you looked into cable modems? >>


No, I'm from Malaysia which is still kinda behind times when it comes to affordable broadband internet access. I only have two options, the first is the DSL package that uses the copper cables of normal phone lines, and a satellite broadband provider which is more expensive due to the additional equipment (like the satellite dish).


Anyway, thanks for the replies.


BTW Erasmus-X, what sort of headaches are associated with 2 NICs? Also, would the uplink of a standard hub work if I wanted to go with your suggestion, or do I specifically need a router/switch?


🙂atwl
 
PPPoE is the protocol most widely used by ISP's. Check into Enternet software, or RASPPPoE and read up about it maybe.......
It is used like a dial-up connection, albeit with no `dialing`.

edit: cant spell..... 🙁
 
I think the problem is going to be PPPoE which his ISP is using since they are metering his service. If you have a DSL modem on the other side of a router, how can you initiate the connection when needed since it is normally initiated using Windows DUN. (Maybe the DSL/Cable routers have provisions for this - I don't use one.)
 
Yes the routers take care of the PPPoE functions. All the computers behind router just use it(the router) as thier gateway......
I use a Linksys router which has the PPPoE function, but I dont need to use it, I have bridged service!!!
😉 😉
 
I understand that, I was just wondering how he would initiate his connection. Does the router just do it automatically when something tries to access the net? That would suck if he has some apps installed that want to phone home since he gets charged for anything over 60 hours. (antivirus updates, etc.) I don't use one of those dsl/cable routers - I have my external Cisco DSL router configured to do NAT for me.
 
Ahhh, I see your point. No answers here, I have not dealt with such an issue. Could be interesting to look into tho.........
🙂
 
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