DSL connection sharing?

Question

Do I have to use a DSL/Cable router or can I just use a regular router

Answer 1

The answers above also depend on the following:

Is your DSL modem in Bridged, or Routed mode?

In bridged mode, the modem is just a gateway.. it passes everything through to another router.. It basically does no work, other than to convert your phone line signal, into an ethernet connection, that's it.

In routed mode, the modem uses it's built-in routing functions to assign a lan IP address (some models will allow multiple computers to connect, even though there is only one port - then you can just use a cheaper switch or hub)

Depending on your DSL provider, the DSL modem can only connect via one of the following:

1. PPPoE Username/Password is stored in the modem, watching for you to try to use the connection, then instantly sending it to the phone company, allowing you to surf..

2. PPPoE Username/Password is stored on your PC (acts like a dial-up connection, with a username/password box coming up whenever you want to connect)

3. DHCP - The modem sends it's MAC address (network serial number) to the DSL provider, it's checked against their database of current users, and you're instantly connected.. Newest of the connection methods..

#1 and 3, you can use any router with it.. #2, you may need to make sure you get a standard (or cable/dsl router) with this PPPoE function built in. If not, you'll have to make a new connection setup for any pc you want to use the DSL line.

When a consumer grade router says "cable/dsl router" etc, that is typically because they add a few extra "make me easy to set up" features to it, as well as it's good marketing for someone who just set up cable or dsl service, that doesn't know what to look for.

Answer 2

You can use any router. The 'DSL/Cable' routers usually have an extra network jack for the DSL/Cable modem. There will also be some settings which may make it easier to set up the connection to the modem.
It's no big deal, unless you plan on using all 4 of the network jacks that typical wireless/wired routers have. :)

Answer 3

It all depends on what you need:

~ Are you going to share DSL connection on PC's or Mac's?

[x] For DSL connection sharing:
[x] You can use Wireless USB adapter. Or...
[x] You can use PCI Adapter for each PC you wish.

~ BTW, How many PC are you planning to share with your DSL connection?

Answer 4

any will do just buy an antenna for the computer and buy a wireless router

Answer 5

if the computers are close together i would use wired way on the wireless then if you have a laptop PlayStation etc use the wireless