A digital subscriber line (DSL) modem is a device used to connect a computer or router to a telephone line which provides the digital subscriber line service for connectivity to the Internet, which is often called DSL broadband.
The term DSL modem is technically used to describe a modem which connects to a single computer, through a USB port or is installed in a computer PCI slot. The more common DSL router which combines the function of a DSL modem and a home router, is a standalone device which can be connected to multiple computers though multiple Ethernet ports or an integral wireless access point. Also called a residential gateway, a DSL router usually manages the connection and sharing of the DSL service in a home or small office network.
Description
A DSL router consists of a box which has an RJ11 jack to connect to a standard subscriber telephone line. It has several RJ45 jacks for Ethernet cables to connect it to computers or printers, creating a local network. It usually also has a USB jack which can be used to connect to computers via a USB cable, to allow connection to computers without an Ethernet port. A wireless DSL router also has antennas to allow it to act as a wireless access point, so computers can connect to it forming a wireless network. Power is usually supplied by a cord from a wall wart transformer.
It usually has a series of LED status lights which show the status of parts of the DSL communications link:
- Power light - indicates that the modem is turned on and has power.
- Ethernet lights - There is usually a light over each Ethernet jack. A steady (or sometimes flashing) light indicates that the Ethernet link to that computer or device is functioning
- DSL light - a steady light indicates that the modem has established contact with the equipment in the local telephone exchange (DSLAM) so the DSL link over the telephone line is functioning
- Internet light - a steady light indicates that the IP address and DHCP protocol are initialized and working, so the system is connected to the Internet
- Wireless light - only in wireless DSL modems, this indicates that the wireless network is initialized and working
Many routers provide an internal web page to the local network for device configuration and status reporting. Most DSL routers are designed to be installed by the customer for which a CD or DVD containing an installation program is supplied. The program may also activate the DSL service. Upon powering the router it may take several minutes for the local network and DSL link to initialize, usually indicated by the status lights turning green.
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