What's the next step in having DSL after I've got my phone line DSL ready?

Question

I got a call for my phone company saying that they setup my line for DSL. So what should I do now? Do I go out and buy a modem and an ISP card? If so, is it easy to install the modem on my own?

And would anyone please explain to me what a router and everything is. Also, what's the difference between DSL and cable ..?

really lost here... I'd appreciate any answer..

Answer 1

The phone company gives you a box which you connect your computer to the telephone. They come to your house and set up the configuration for you. Once they set up, that's it. They check to make sure you are connected. You don't need an ISP card, since the phone company is your ISP and they have all the necessary equipment is their central office. A router is where you could hook more than one computer in the same household to the internet. Cable is faster than DSL because the signals are sent through fiber optics until DSL which is sent through copper wire. Yet, some phone companies like Verizon has FIOS, which is fiber optic also and is super fast, if you are considered about nano seconds. I had DSL and switched to FIOS, but I still like DSL, I thought it was effective. But I also heard good things about cable. I made my decision by puting by phone, internet, and cable telephone on my phone bill. With FIOS, you also get cable as well as the internet, but you have to pay for both services.

Answer 2

Didn't the phone company send you a package with the DSL modem, filters, and a CD guiding you through the install process?

A router is a device to coordinate communications between multiple computers and the DSL modem. It may be built into the modem, or it may be a separate device. You need it if you have multiple computers or want wireless access to the DSL modem.

The difference between DSL and cable broadband is that DSL uses conventional phone lines, while cable broadband uses the coaxial cable that cable TV uses. Since coax cable is designed to carry real-time video, while ordinary phone lines weren't, cable broadband is sometimes easier to set up than DSL.

Answer 3

You need a working phone line to get DSL. But (at least around here) a landline can be as cheap as $15 per month. Just cancel any type of long-distance plan you have and get the most basic one. Good luck!