Setting up DSL: DSL access methodology and security

Once your ADSL service provider has accepted your order, your DSL splitter/DSL filter and DSL modem will be despatched to you. In addition, you need to receive an ADSL/Internet access service username and password. This may be provided by your ADSL service provider or by your Internet access provider or ISP (Internet Service Provider). This may or may not be the same company. For example, there was a time in Germany when the connection provider of Deutsche Telekom was T-Com. Meanwhile, the username and password were provided by T-Online.

Your ADSL service username usually has a form similar to an email address, something like:

1234567@yourADSLprovider.com

or

yourname.xxx@yourADSLprovider.com

Your ADSL username and password you should keep confidential. They need to be configured into your DSL modem (recommended) and/or your computer. Typically, your DSL modem configuration panel will allow you to choose between an ‘always on’ and a ‘connect when necessary’ configuration. Unless your ADSL service provider charges extra for the service, I recommend that you select the ‘always on’ option.

Your username and password are registered by your DSL modem with the BRAS (broadband remote access server) and/or RADIUS server of your provider, where they are authenticated and authorised before your ADSL connection is established.

Once plugged in and configured, any computer with a normal ethernet LAN connection can be connected to your DSL modem for Internet access service.