Módem de computadora 2Wire DSL

Choosing the Right Modem for Your DSL Service and Network

A DSL or digital subscriber line is a dedicated connection to your Internet Service Provider. These services require an appropriate modem in your home or office, and choosing the proper features can help ensure that you take full advantage of them. There are many makes and models to choose from, including products from top brands like 2Wire, D-Link, Netgear, and more.

These devices serve as the interfaces between home and office networks and their ISPs. It can connect to a single desktop or laptop computer via an Ethernet port. Alternatively, it can plug into a router in order to deliver internet access to many machines, and you can also opt for a router-modem combo, which provides everything you need for a home network and Web access in a single unit. These combo units can support wired or wireless connections or both for your flexibility whether at the office or on the go.

These devices usually have a series of LED lights that indicate various statuses, and those lights may blink or remain solid depending on the circumstances. Note that while there is a general standard for the color and order of these lights, it's not industry-wide and may vary from one brand or model to the next. Most units will have one or more of the following:

• Power light: To indicate that the unit is on and has power.
• Ethernet light: To indicate that an Ethernet link is detected.
• DSL light: To indicate that the unit is connected to the local telephone exchange.
• Internet light: To indicate that the IP address and DHCP server are working.
• Wireless light:To indicate that the wireless router is working if applicable.

It may, and you should presume so until you learn otherwise. Most ISPs publish an approved device list online, and you can use that to determine if a particular model is suitable. A downside to approved lists is that they have to be maintained and therefore aren't necessarily current. If you're considering a model that isn't on the list, then you have to ensure that all protocols required by the ISP are supported by the model. If your network is DOCSIS 3.0, for instance, then you need support for that specifically.

No. If you opt for a combo unit, then as long as that model is supported, you're good to go. When using a separate router, the DSL modem will connect via one of the generic or dedicated Ethernet ports available. That's all that's required. Beyond that connection, there's no need for the router to conform to any ISP characteristics.