What do you need for ADSL broadband?

By Anna Konig Staff Writer

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To connect to the Internet with ADSL you will need:

1. To live within the ADSL coverage area (this is currently 90% of the UK)
2. A BT telephone line (can be a different phone service provider)
3. Micro-Filter (sometimes provided by your ISP)
4. ADSL USB modem (sometimes provided by your ISP)
OR
5. ADSL router
6. USB or Ethernet Cable (sometimes provided by your ISP)
7. Installation software (included with ADSL modem or router)
8. A computer with either a USB port or a Network Interface Card (NIC)

ADSL Coverage Area and Telephone Line

To get ADSL broadband you need to have a BT telephone line and be within 3.5 to 5.5 kilometres of an ADSL enabled exchange (over 90% of the UK is covered). Your telephone line must pass a number of tests. Kingston Communications customers may also be able to receive ADSL.

Micro-Filters

Most ISP's will provide you with a micro-filter when you sign up to their ADSL package. However, you can also buy them for around £5 from most computer/telecommunication shops.

A micro-filter plugs into the phone socket on the wall and splits your telephone line in two: one for voice and one for data. The micro-filter has two connection ports: one for the telephone and one for your ADSL modem or router.

USB Modem or Router

When you sign up to an ISP you will usually be provided with an ADSL modem or router free of charge of at additional cost. You can also buy ADSL modems and routers from most computer shops. There are three different types of ADSL modems and/or routers:

• USB Modem - the easiest and most common hardware option. Costs around £60 but often comes free with most ISP's.
• PCI Modem - internal hardware, different to a 56k PCI modem. This is the cheapest option costing around £40.
• Router - maintains your Internet connection so you do not have to 'dial up'. Works as a local area network connection and many computers can be connection to it.

Cables and Software

You're ISP will send you all the necessary cables to connect your computer to the Internet as well as the software necessary for the modem.

Computer Specfications

To connect your computer to the Internet it will need to have either a USB port or a Network Interface Card (NIC). If you choose a USB modem as your hardware option then you will need a USB port, and if you choose a router as your hardware than you will need an NIC with an Ethernet port to connect to the router.

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