Setting up DSL?

Verizon informed us that DSL is now available in our area, so of course I jumped at the opportunity to finally get away from dialup at our new house. They took the necessary information and shipped the DSL modem, software, and line filters 4 days ago... it arrived today. However, the instructions say not to install the DSL/software until after the 6:00 PM on the"Service Ready Date" (which is March 8th) Please tell me I don't have to wait for 3 more weeks?

Also, I don't care to install the "Verizon w/MSN DSL software that came with the modem to get the DSL working, so I need to know what I need to get things running without using their installation CD.

I'll be using WinXP, a Ethernet DSL modem, and a Linksys BEFSR41 Router as a firewall/hub.

[wju425]

You may have to use their software as they are your provider. That date they gave you is probably when they go in service.

\o/ Billy

[muno]

How is your dsl service connected? pppoe? pppoa?
xp has internal pppoe client, and if you don't like that, raspppoe is good.

I have pppoa type connection, and with that I just create a dialup connection using the isdn-detected adsl modem. Dial 0 and it works.

[whitebeard21]

They will be checking your lines, etc until the connection date and you won't be activated at the redback until then.

I found this in the Verizon DSL FAQ

18. How does the Multi-user DSL Internet Access Service work?
The underlying network architecture for Multi-user DSL Internet Access is the same as Single User DSL Internet Access. The primary difference is that the dedicated dynamic IP address is shared among several users attached to a LAN. This is accomplished by a combination of a DSL modem and a router. The router is configured to run Network Address Translation (NAT) and Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP). With NAT and DHCP enabled, the customer is not required to perform any functions other than to connect their PC into one of the 4-8 Ethernet ports on the DSL router (either direct connect or through a hub or switch) and click onto their browser for Internet access. The PPPoE client resides on the router; it is assigned one routable, dynamic IP address—and in turn (through NAT) assigns the PC a non-routable IP address.

That makes me think that my Linksys EtherFast® Cable/DSL Router will take care of the protocol the same way as it did when I was on cable and no additional software will be required on the PC's connected to the router. Do I understand that correctly?

[AzKidd69]

you are on the right track you will probably just have to supply a username and password in the router.....

(and of all the people to be asking this did NOT expect it to be you fingers)

Well, I've been away from the nuts and bolts of computer stuff for quite a while now, and I never had any experience with DSL to begin with. Whenever I've used cable before, I had access as soon as I got the equipment, I didn't have to sit on the equipment for 4 weeks before I could use it.

[agathodaimon]

Yeah, I use Alltel DSL and they provided me with some software that I had to use in order to connect to the internet.
I'm using W2K, so I don't have the PPPoE that XP does.
I use a D-Link router that has PPPoE capabilities, but had to enter in my IP address, DNS servers, Subnet & Gateway into the network properties in order for it to work.
But it's MUCH better than using the software they provide. I had all sorts of reboot problems whenever I used it.

[whitebeard21]

Fingers a lot of the isps are using imbedded spyware to track and send you "selected adds" I know that SBC/Ameritech does, but if you raise enough of a stink they will disable it.

[Jeordiewhite]

What modem had they givin you?
Also you should not have to use the msn software provided, unless they have givin you an actiontec modem from msn as well, you would need to use https://signin.msn.com/ In which case it might function as a router/firewall already.
However hoping that it is not and it doesn't require PPPoE or any other authentication except for maybe setting up the modem/router and entering in user name and password.
I used to have to just setup my cisco modem with all the command line functions and would do it quickly once i got the hang of it and didn't need software or anything, just let the modem train and i am online.
Cable here thankfully is that way except i had to go through comcasts proxy to register the modem.