Equipment
Please see our introduction to networking, too.
Do I need an Ethernet card?
Yes, you must have an Ethernet card installed in each computer you want to use with DSL. You can order one from your computer manufacturer, from your local computer store, or from LISCO.
Ethernet cables: Straight-through? Crossover? What?
If you purchased your modem from LISCO, it came with two Ethernet cables included. The red one is a crossover, and the blue one is a straight-through.
Generally, you need a crossover cable between a computer and the modem, and a straight-through between a router and the modem. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. You should use the cable that produces a link between the two devices, regardless of color.
You may need more cable than is provided with your modem. We don't suggest using splitters; try getting a cable of the appropriate length. You'll be glad you did as splitters and other devices can cause data loss.
How many ports does my router or hub need?
One per device.
If you have one computer, you can get a single-port router. If you have three computers, you'll need a 4-port device. Most hubs and routers come with ports in multiples of 4.
Remember to take into consideration the future growth of your network when selecting how many ports to buy.
How do I add another computer?
To add more computers to your network that share your DSL connection you'll need to do one of the following:
Learn more about network types: View the gallery.
If you need to add more computers to an existing network, and all of your existing ports are full, you'll need a hub. A hub is a simple device that essentially acts like a splitter.
Protecting your data
DSL is always on. Because of this, you will need to take more precaution with your data. We suggest you buy an inexpensive DSL router with a built-in firewall.
LISCO sells a DSLINK 4-port DSL router/firewall that fits the bill. See our Store for more information!
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