• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Please explain AT&T dsl

Lemon law

Lemon law

Lifer
One day in the far distant future my phone monopoly provider, AT&T, will offer DSL
in my area---for now I limp along on dial up.

My dial up netwprk archtecture is extremely cheap but effective---two XP computers, each with an on mother board NIC connected with a cat 5e crossover cable. The host computer has a 56 K modem and the client computer gets internet access with microsoft internet connection sharing.---computer security is provided by software firewalls on both computers and a variety of anti-malware applications.

While I understand the basic principles of DSL---I am not sure what I will need to get a effectice internet sharing Lan when dsl becomes available---and I have a extremely vague understanding of an always on connection---the reason I mention this is because the under ground copper wires in my neigborhood are extremely vulnerable to lightning--so for now--using dial up, I always disconnect my phone line from my modem after I disconnect from the internet----after losing one modem and three modem surge suppressors to lighting in a two month period even when the computers were turned off.
And my house electrical wiring is moden and properly grounded.

But given I get the 1.5 mbps second AT&T option---I assume I will need to purchase a second NIC for the host computer---and some sort of external dsl modem that connects to the second NIC on the host computer. I would consider a router---but since I only need a 2 PC network---and the other question is would this require replacing the crossover cable with a patchcable---both expenses I prefer to avoid if possible.----but how do these options effect always on dsl and the fact I plan to continue disconnecting the phone line from the dsl modem after I shut done the computers.

My other question concerns having an ISP---with dial up I pay a given charge--is having a ISP required with dsl?---or is that an expense I can avoid if I get my email with something like hotmail or yahoo?

Can someone explain what I need to know---up sides and downsides of various options,
in plain english----and please don't say anything about cable modem---cable will never be available in my rural area---or saying anything about wireless options. Just keep it as simple as possible given my available options. ----and it looks like I am stuck with AT&T regardless if I like it or not.
 
I am not familiar with ATT dsl specifically, but most providers will give you a modem\router combo. My parents were given a wireless router\dsl modem for free when they got SBC DSL in CT. If not, the fee to rent them from the ISP is not much. A lot of people don't purchase their own modem.

Depending on how your ISP authenticates, usually using PPPoE, you might experience a delay connecting to the net if you are routinely unplugging/plugging the line from the router, as it will need to authenticate each time it regains the connection. However, I don't see a specific problem with doing this - perhaps someone else can comment on any issues. I know many ISPs kick you off the net after a set amount of idle time anyway, after which you need to reauthenticate - a router will handle this for you, however. Unplugging the phone line or shutting down the computer is essentially the same thing.

Lastly, ATT IS your ISP. So you will likely be given several email addresses, although you don't need to use them. And no, you don't need another ISP.

Tim
 
ATT DSL is basically a PPPoE connection. Your router will provide you with the always on connection.

Your connection will look like this:

DSL - Router - Your computers.

DSL depends on how far away from the Central office you are. You can go to http://www.dslreports.com to find out how far the CO is.

 
I am on SBC now AT&T DSL. I really like it, and think it's a great ISP. I prefer it over Cableone in my area. My network latency times are very low. I usually ping 20 ms to servers hosted out of Dallas, and I am in Oklahoma.

 
Originally posted by: mzkhadir
ATT DSL is basically a PPPoE connection. Your router will provide you with the always on connection.

Your connection will look like this:

DSL - Router - Your computers.

DSL depends on how far away from the Central office you are. You can go to http://www.dslreports.com to find out how far the CO is.
Click to expand...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To mzkhadir,

First, thank you for providing the link to dsl reports---but I do know the existing distance
to my to my co which is about 25000' as the wireruns---and 20000 feet as the crow flies.
Hence they will have to both add dsl capacity plus provide a nearer co to add dsl capacity to my existing phone line.

But could you please expand on the exact hardware requirements and exact wiring schematics I will need to get dsl networking routing given my current configuration---for example will I need two network cards on my host computer---and can I use the existing crossover cable or will I require two seperate patch cables?---and for that matter, is there a gender changer short cable that could be spliced onto a crossover cable to convert it back to a patch cable?

And for that matter---could I control the log on from either computer on the network. The way it is now with dial up ics, the host computer must be booted up and logged into my isp before the client computer gets to share any internet access. But with dsl connection, could I just power on the dsl modem and router---and then have internet access to one computer or the other--depending only if that given computer is booted up.
 
Lemon Law -

According to the ATT DSL website, they provide only a modem and DSL installation software. Depending on how they use PPPoE to authenticate you, you will likely need the software installed IF you don't use if a router. So:

1. No Router - ANNOYING - DSL connected to one NIC in your primary computer, which as the software installed or using XPs PPPoE. Second NIC connected to your second computer. ICS configured for the first. As before, you WILL NEED the first powered up and logged into the DSL before you can access it on your second.

2. ROUTER - EASIEST - router has PPPoE login info configured. DSL Modem is run into router, 2 computers are connected to router and either one will work without requiring the other one to be on.
 
They don't build another CO to be closer to the customers. They add a "Remote Terminal" (RT) to one of the powered pedestals, huts, or vaults in your neighborhood.

For example, I am more than 25,000 feet to my connected CO (which is not the nearest CO, but it's the one I'm connected to for phone service). So, no DSL for ~year or two.

Then I receive a notice that it's available; I get it, and run ~2.5M/443K on a 3.0M package (which is just a bit slower than max, as signaling speed != throughput).

FWIW

Scott



 
Originally posted by: Lemon law
One day in the far distant future my phone monopoly provider, AT&T, will offer DSL
in my area---for now I limp along on dial up.

I mention this is because the under ground copper wires in my neigborhood are extremely vulnerable to lightning--so for now--using dial up, I always disconnect my phone line from my modem after I disconnect from the internet----after losing one modem and three modem surge suppressors to lighting in a two month period even when the computers were turned off.
And my house electrical wiring is moden and properly grounded.

Can someone explain what I need to know---up sides and downsides of various options,
in plain english----and please don't say anything about cable modem---cable will never be available in my rural area---or saying anything about wireless options. Just keep it as simple as possible given my available options. ----and it looks like I am stuck with AT&T regardless if I like it or not.
Click to expand...

 
AT&T will supply you with a modem that will perform all the PPoE functions. There is NO software installation neccessary on any host computer. With that said, the easiest way to share a single internet connection in a home is buy the cheapest router you can find, usually it will be a wireless router with a great rebate, but it could be a simple 4 port wired router and that would be simpler to set up. Depending on the router and the modem you recieve, you may have to disable "DHCP" service on the router(DHCP assigns the IP address to the equipment on YOUR network and having two running usually will NOT work). This is done by plugging a pc into the router BEFORE installation and using your browser you go to the browser configuration page-usually 192.168.1.1 or a similar IP address. Also, if the router and modem have the same default IP address you will need to change the routers IP address at this same time. The router documentation will walk you through this, I NEVER use the software supplied with the router or the DSL installation software, it is much easier if you do it manually on your own. Once the router is set up not to serve DHCP and the router and modem don't have conflicting IP addresses, you will need to install filters on all of your existing phones. On DSLreports website, you will find instructions on activating your DSL without using the supplied software. You will need this information for programing the PPoe on the modem. Once the modem is configured(you do this through your browser also) and the router is configured you can start putting everything together. Plug the phone line into the modem and then plug the modem into the WAN port of the router. Plug your two PC's into the router via their existing ethernet cards-you will only need one port per PC. Power on the modem and you should see by the light indications, the router make the DSL connection. Power on the router and then power on your PC's. You should have internet connectivity on both PC's.
 
Originally posted by: Lemon law
Originally posted by: mzkhadir
ATT DSL is basically a PPPoE connection. Your router will provide you with the always on connection.

Your connection will look like this:

DSL - Router - Your computers.

DSL depends on how far away from the Central office you are. You can go to http://www.dslreports.com to find out how far the CO is.
Click to expand...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To mzkhadir,

First, thank you for providing the link to dsl reports---but I do know the existing distance
to my to my co which is about 25000' as the wireruns---and 20000 feet as the crow flies.
Hence they will have to both add dsl capacity plus provide a nearer co to add dsl capacity to my existing phone line.

But could you please expand on the exact hardware requirements and exact wiring schematics I will need to get dsl networking routing given my current configuration---for example will I need two network cards on my host computer---and can I use the existing crossover cable or will I require two seperate patch cables?---and for that matter, is there a gender changer short cable that could be spliced onto a crossover cable to convert it back to a patch cable?

And for that matter---could I control the log on from either computer on the network. The way it is now with dial up ics, the host computer must be booted up and logged into my isp before the client computer gets to share any internet access. But with dsl connection, could I just power on the dsl modem and router---and then have internet access to one computer or the other--depending only if that given computer is booted up.
Click to expand...

Your router or a wireless router if you do not want to do the wiring will connect the two computers with two patch cords. Instead of buying a gender changer, a new patch cord will give you a better connection to the router. The router will be configured for PPPoE access so that you do not have to keep making the connection on your computer. The router will make the connection for you.

After everything is configured, you should be able to login to any computer and get online on the network. Like before, you only need one computer turned on.
 
Still got a few questions an general observations---but thanks to all who have responded thus far.

1. If dsl implementation does not require a large expendature for the telco to get to under 12,000'---why the full court stall by AT&T in rural areas?

2. Given I go with a router when I get dsl---and I do turn everything off after accessing the internet---can I set my computers up to have static client addressing in both the computers and the routers---or is there a danger that somesay suddenly both computers will have the same address and things will crash. Or will the router--upon turning on--just randomly assign addresses to the computers on my network as they turn on and join the network.---because its my understanding that the itself is router is really the network.

The reason I ask that is a question of versatility---with my existing dial up network---each computer has the ability to independently log onto my isp with a 56k modem in the the given computer---but when networked together---only the 56 K modem in the host computer will allow networking----using static client addressing per KB309642 this dual configeration is safe---but with dynamic addessing this dual type configeration can be dangerous---and could result in both computers having 192.168.0.1 as a network addess.---after the given sequence of events-----a. client computer logs onto internet when the host computer is off--- b. Host computer terminates internet session---c. Both the host and client computer are later turned on and the host computer logs onto the internet using the host computers modem.-----I can only assume that both computers got set to a network addess of 192.168.0.1 .
But it took days of work to get things fixed after that.

So if I get dsl, I want to make sure I have 100% safety if I want a dial up backup to dsl.

3. Since my existing crossover cable is rather long and not easy to change---I will be far easier to use either use it or have a gender change cable extra cable to splice on. So will some brands of routers autosense the cable configerations and be happy either way?---or will all brands of routers do so---and if only some will---how do I get the correct router that can?

4. Due to the death of my old client computer, I have a new client computer on the network---and its based on a ashrock kn8f4g-sata2 motherboard that has an onboard infrared device.---but no antena or antena attachment point that I see----which may make wireless networking an option---or am I better off with the cross over cable?
 
Originally posted by: Lemon law
Still got a few questions an general observations---but thanks to all who have responded thus far.

1. If dsl implementation does not require a large expendature for the telco to get to under 12,000'---why the full court stall by AT&T in rural areas?

2. Given I go with a router when I get dsl---and I do turn everything off after accessing the internet---can I set my computers up to have static client addressing in both the computers and the routers---or is there a danger that somesay suddenly both computers will have the same address and things will crash. Or will the router--upon turning on--just randomly assign addresses to the computers on my network as they turn on and join the network.---because its my understanding that the itself is router is really the network.

The reason I ask that is a question of versatility---with my existing dial up network---each computer has the ability to independently log onto my isp with a 56k modem in the the given computer---but when networked together---only the 56 K modem in the host computer will allow networking----using static client addressing per KB309642 this dual configeration is safe---but with dynamic addessing this dual type configeration can be dangerous---and could result in both computers having 192.168.0.1 as a network addess.---after the given sequence of events-----a. client computer logs onto internet when the host computer is off--- b. Host computer terminates internet session---c. Both the host and client computer are later turned on and the host computer logs onto the internet using the host computers modem.-----I can only assume that both computers got set to a network addess of 192.168.0.1 .
But it took days of work to get things fixed after that.

So if I get dsl, I want to make sure I have 100% safety if I want a dial up backup to dsl.

3. Since my existing crossover cable is rather long and not easy to change---I will be far easier to use either use it or have a gender change cable extra cable to splice on. So will some brands of routers autosense the cable configerations and be happy either way?---or will all brands of routers do so---and if only some will---how do I get the correct router that can?

4. Due to the death of my old client computer, I have a new client computer on the network---and its based on a ashrock kn8f4g-sata2 motherboard that has an onboard infrared device.---but no antena or antena attachment point that I see----which may make wireless networking an option---or am I better off with the cross over cable?
Click to expand...

1. ATT just like any other company has to build up the infrastructure to roll out a new service. Thats what I am thinking, they were waiting for some stuff to go through and then started expanding.

2. The Router, you can configure is static or DHCP. Static is where you will assign IPs to your machine and they will never have the same IP, unless you forget and give it the same IP. DHCP, the router does the work of assigning the IPs to the computers, so if you have someone come in to your house to use your network, the router will assign a new ip to that person.

3. This diagram should help how routers and crossover cables work.

4. A regular ethernet cable will work, you do not need a cross over cable to connect. Instead of dealing with crossover cables, or any other types of cables, buy a wireless router.
 
Does anyone know if 1.5mbps DSL is fast enough for 1280x1024 vnc session?
There is some issue with cable routing in my apt building that causes frequent problems with my cable modem, so I am switching to DSL.
For some reason I can only get the 1.5mbps and not the pro or elite packages 🙁

 
Originally posted by: senseamp
Does anyone know if 1.5mbps DSL is fast enough for 1280x1024 vnc session?
There is some issue with cable routing in my apt building that causes frequent problems with my cable modem, so I am switching to DSL.
For some reason I can only get the 1.5mbps and not the pro or elite packages 🙁
Click to expand...

This should give all the answers needed: Slashdot Q&A
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top