How to Connect a Laptop to DSL
By Bonnie Conrad
Setting up a DSL connection to the Internet can greatly improve your web surfing experience compared to a standard dial-up connection. Once that DSL connection is in place, you can watch videos, download files and surf the web faster. You can connect either a desktop or a laptop to a DSL line, and the exact procedure for setting up the connection depends on whether you have a home network or a stand alone laptop.
With a Home Network
Step 1
Connect an Ethernet cable from the network card on your desktop computer to the RJ45 port on the back of the DSL modem. Run another Ethernet cable from the output port on the DSL modem to the input port on your wireless router.
Step 2
Power on the DSL modem first and wait for all the lights to be green. Then turn on the wireless router and wait for the lights to start flashing.
Step 3
Turn on the desktop computer first and then the laptop. Log on to the laptop and wait for it to sense the wireless connection. You should see an icon at the bottom of the screen saying that the laptop has found a wireless connection. Enter a password if you have secured your wireless router. If you have not yet assigned a password, the laptop should connect automatically and allow you to use your DSL line to access the Internet with it.
No Home Network
Step 1
Check the distance between the DSL modem and the laptop. If you do not have a home network set up, you will need to connect an Ethernet cable directly from the DSL modem to the laptop, and you need to make sure you purchase a cable long enough to allow you to work efficiently.
Step 2
Attach one end of the Ethernet cable to the network port on the back of your laptop. This port looks like a phone jack, but it is slightly larger. Gently pull on the cable to make sure it is firmly seated.
Step 3
Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into the RJ45 jack on the back of the DSL modem. Gently pull on the cable to make sure it is properly seated.
Step 4
Turn off your laptop and plug in the DSL modem and turn it on. Wait for the lights on the modem to flash green, then turn your laptop on to establish your Internet connection.
Writer Bio
Based in Pennsylvania, Bonnie Conrad has been working as a professional freelance writer since 2003. Her work can be seen on Credit Factor, Constant Content and a number of other websites. Conrad also works full-time as a computer technician and loves to write about a number of technician topics. She studied computer technology and business administration at Harrisburg Area Community College.