DSL FAQ

Hooking up multiple computers to DSL

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First, if you want to hook up multiple computers directly to your DSL connection, you will need to get the external Cisco 675 DSL "modem"/router. The internal Cisco 605 and Intel 2100 are a combination router/network cards and cannot be set up to directly share the DSL line.

For basic DSL you can connect up to three computers on a DSL line. If you want more than three computers connected, then you will need to pay $10/month for each additional computer.

For server/commercial DSL, you have five static IP addresses you can assign. If you have 768k speed or higher, then you can obtain an additional 13 or 29 IP addresses.

The technical side of hooking up multiple computers is typically fairly simple. In order to accomplish this, you will need to setup a simple network:

The first thing you'll need is to install a network card into each computer you want to use the DSL connection.

Next you'll need an ethernet hub. In this case a hub is the point where all the computers on a network are connected. Ethernet hubs come with a varying number of ports (i.e. where you plug computers in). You will need to get a hub with one more port than the number of computers you want to share the DSL connection (one port for each computer and one for the Cisco 675).

Note: There are hubs with a special port called an "uplink" or "cross-over" port. This special port is perfect for the Cisco 675. It is highly recommended (but not required) you spend the extra money for a hub with an uplink port.

Note: Also be aware that the hub will require power, either from a wall outlet or a power strip. So you need to plan on where you will place the hub, so that it can be on no matter which computer will need to use the DSL connection.

Next you will need to get ethernet cables (also called "patch cable") to connect each of the computers to the hub. Make sure you get a cable long enough to run from the computer to the hub (with some extra length just in case).

Note: If you do not get a hub with an uplink port, you will also need to buy a regular ethernet patch cable to connect the Cisco 675 to the hub. The yellow cross-over cable will not work, except when plugged into an uplink port.

Once you have all that, setup the hub and plug in the power.

Then use the ethernet cables to connect the network cards in each of the computers to the hub.

If you purchased a hub with an uplink port, use the yellow cross-over cable that came with the Cisco 675 to connect the ENET port on the Cisco to the uplink port on the hub.
If you purchased a hub without an uplink port, you will need to use a regular ethernet cable to connect the ENET port on the Cisco 675 to the hub.

Note: All the other connections on the Cisco remain the same.

Each of the computers needs to be configured to use the DSL line. You can find the settings on DSL Support pages.

Once the computers have been configured, then you should be all set to use DSL on each of the machines.

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