How do I Install DSL Telephone Modems?

by Patrick Nelson, Demand Media

Connect your primary landline phone to the residential gateway's "Line 1" port.

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DSL Internet service provides Internet connectivity using classic copper phone lines. The lines carry the Internet signal at a higher frequency to the original voice traffic and then installed filters separate the two type of traffic so they are useable. It is also possible to carry both the Internet data and the voice traffic over the Internet signal, and not use the voice part of the copper line. This is through technology called Voice over Internet Protocol. DSL telephone modems are used to manage VOIP traffic. They can be separate, or commonly, as with AT&T;, can be built-in to the residential gateway.

Step 1

Verify the service activation date with the Internet service provider. Power down the residential gateway and connect the replacement power supply that came in the kit. The replacement power supply has a backup battery built in.

Step 2

Connect your primary landline phone to the residential gateway's "Line 1" port with the phone cable. On an AT&T; installation, the cable plugs into the gray jack. Don't use a "Line 2" port unless you have ordered a second line from the ISP. If the primary phone is cordless, plug it in to the power outlet too. Don't touch any other cables on the residential gateway. If the ISP has provided a separate telephone modem, plug the phone into the telephone modem and then the modem into the gateway or router with an Ethernet cable.

Step 3

Power on the residential gateway, and telephone modem if supplied, and check the "Power" lights have illuminated. Make an activation call to the ISP. The number will be in the ordering materials. If there's a "Phone Line 1" light, check it's illuminated.

Tips & Warnings

  • Check all of the cables to make sure they are connected properly if you have problems making calls. Make sure that you have indeed ordered the VoIP service and that you've received an activation date.

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References

  • AT&T;: U-verse Digital Voice Self-Installation Guide

About the Author

Patrick Nelson has been a professional writer since 1992. He was editor and publisher of the music industry trade publication "Producer Report" and has written for a number of technology blogs. Nelson studied design at Hornsey Art School.

Photo Credits

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