Any DSL Telco Techs Available??

[Kubie]

I have a separate line for my dialup connection and obviously a separate phone #. I have signed up for PacBell DSL and it is due for installation Feb. 6th. When I was working, PacBell came to the house and marked my demarc box for DSL to my standard phone line, which is what I requested. I plan on cancelling the second number. Can the wires for the second phone line be connected to the original line at the demarc box and DSL run to the pc?
I know this question sounds a little confusing, as I'm confused just asking it.

Another question.
Can someone supply me with brands and model #'s of routers? Even though I will be running only one pc, a router sure sounds like a more trouble free way to go.
Thank you,
Carl

[Xayd]

Not sure on the physical line thing but Sarge prolly knows.

On DSL routers, you have some choices. If you're getting static IP addresses the most robust in features are the low end Cisco routers (675 or 827). Warning to the buyer, though, they are a pain to set up and configure if you've never worked with a router or UNIX-ish network setups. I found out after getting one that the Cisco 675 DOES NOT support PPPoE, though, so if that's what they're setting you up with avoid Cisco.

The best balance between ease of setup and stability from my experience has been the Efficient Networks 5660. It'll act as a PPPoE client with no problems whatsoever and can distribute IP's to about 18 other computers. It has a very simple and easy to use website admin interface that works flawlessly. I've tested hosting game/web servers through it and have had no problems at all. I've heard too many horror stories (and seen one) with Linksys routers. Supposedly they've fixed their issues with recent firmware but I still don't trust them.

Xayd

[SARGE]

Carl, every wire in your house can be connected to the #. As I said before, ideally you have a particular wire (actually a pair) going from dmarc straight to your preferred dsl jack, one that isn't spliced in attic to branch off to other jacks. If this is the case, make sure you put a filter at the dmarc. All your "regular wires" should connect to the 2 posts of this filter. Your dsl wire will connect straight to the dial tone source at dmarc. The filter has 2 leads coming off it and connects straight to dial tone source as well. The filter enables you to talk and surf at same time, w/o hearing the hissing. If your wiring is spliced in attic and going to different jacks, and the dsl will be on one of these, you'll have to have a filter at every jack where you use a phone.

If the latter is your case, do yourself a favor, go to Home Depot, etc and pick up 100 feet of CAT5 for $12 and a $2 jack. Run it yourself from dmarc to preferred location. This makes things so much simpler, especially when troubleshooting, which invariably happens at some point. You know you can always mail me for details. Buy my ticket to Modesto and ...

btw, don't cancel your 2nd line until dsl up and running:D

[Xayd]

Hehe, yeah. Agreed on the "don't count your chickens fore they hatch" from Sarge too. I was around 6 weeks with various techs getting DSL working for the first time.

There's a couple of those routers on Ebay right now, check em here...
Ebay listings... (http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?MfcISAPICommand=GetResult&QUERY=5660&ht=1&ebaytag1=ebayreg&ebaytag1code=&CATEGORY0=160&SortProperty=MetaEndSort)

Xayd

[Kubie]

Sarge, I should be ok as I do have a line direct to my pc from the demarc. All that should be done is put the filter at the demarc and connect the pc line to it.
Might be a good idea to fly out here anyway; the fishing is great this time of year. :D

Xayd, thanks for the link. I'll see how they do with the hookup and how good PPPoE is and take it from there. I d/l'd RasPPPoE and unzipped it but not installed yet. I'll see what the tech says about using it instead.

Everything seems to be falling into place and PacBell has come through when they said they would.

Thanks again fellas. I appreciate your time and help.
Carl

[SARGE]

Carl, don't connect the pc line to filter. The other wires in house connect to it. PC line connects directly to dial tone source. If you use a phone at pc location, use a splitter into jack. One side of splitter receives your modem cord. Other side should have another filter plugged in, with your phone cord plugged into other side of filter. The dsl won't work through the filter. The filters and splitter should be sent with your box of goodies from telco.

[Kubie]

Not to worry, Sarge. Telco is doing the installation. I was asking the question because my pc line is the one I installed originally. I will not be using a phone on the pc line anyway.
Can't wait. Hope everything goes hassle free.
Carl

[SARGE]

Carl, your 2nd sentence above is what's scary :D Remember to call 'em day before to see if all systems are go. If possible, try and be home. "Politely" ask the tech to check for a signal at dmarc BEFORE he jacks with your pc. Last guy at my house went straight to the pc, installed and configured, THEN plugged into jack and went hmmmm. Went to dmarc and said hmmmm, you live too far. I already knew that and I also wasn't home. He cancelled the order and my pc was so screwed up. Me and wifey exchanged a few pleasantries over why my suggested procedure wasn't followed with her supervision. Not to scare you, but you're in charge and the paying customer - remember that.

[Edited by SARGE on 02-05-2001 at 12:09 AM]

[Kubie]

Sarge, telco cameout on the 30th of January and checked for DSL signal and all ok. On the 2nd of February, SBC Communications also came out to verify and said that the 6th of Feb. is all go. They left a card with number to call if I had questions or wanted to change install date. I'll call tomorrow and make sure they're here on the 6th.
Carl

P.S. Thanks for the hint Sarge.

[Xayd]

Carl, have they given your your DSL "modem" yet? And if they did, was it an Efficient Networks 5260? If it is, you might be able to convert it to a router for zero extra cost. Look on the bottom of it if that's the one you got and see if the product number has "5660" in it, if it does, post back and I'll get ya the info to convert it to a router. Just takes a firmware swap ;).

Xayd

[Kubie]

Xayd, tomorrow is the big day. Called today and they confirmed installation tomorrow.
Have not recieved modem as yet but today recieved software and instructions. The software is Enternet 300 ver. 1.4 for Windows. I really don't know why they sent it in the mail. The instructions say that they are going to install and configure.
Just finished reading everything they sent and no mention of make or brand of modem.
Carl

[SARGE]

Carl, the techs I know usually carry a couple of different ones; if one doesn't work ok they try the other. I have one on my truck (a tech gave me) I use for testing when dispatched. I've never paid attention to model but he said it's the best. I've seen it sync up when others wouldn't. You'll be ok - I still want your Express. Afterall, WHO helped you get it running?? For backup, get a Lucent Winmodem :D

[Kubie]

Sarge, you get first dibs on my Express. Besides I still have the PCTel winmodem that came with my computer.
People say that once you have hi-speed broadband, you'll never go back to dialup.
Carl

[Kubie]

Xayd, I'll sure let you know right away what brand the modem is.
Carl

[audiyoda]

Okay, I've been reading this thread with some anticipation -- and intrepidation. I ordered DSL via MSN well over a month ago. Local phone tech was on site three weeks ago and told my wife he was there to "install a second line to our box" with a work order from NorthPoint Comm. (MSN's provider). I'm thinking 'great' -- we'll be up and running in no time. Then NorthPoint reschedules my install date, again, and again, and tonight... again. So I called MSN and aked them if I can install this bugger myself (hell, I'm a telecom grad from Michigan State -- can't be that hard). I've got the dsl modem from MSN (NetDSL 800 from Arescom for Xayd's interest) and checked the demarc outside the house tonight. For the hell of me I can't figure out where this Ameritech rep installed a 'second line' in that box. Maybe I'm missing something -- it was 10pm and dark but I can't be that blind.

Any suggestions Sarge? According to the NorthPoint work order, a line check and distance check were already performed by Ameritech. Also acording to the work order, a second line was run from the street to the demarc at my address. What am I missing? Also, you talked to oCarl about a filter and said that it should have been sent with the modem -- I didn't recieve any such filter. Is this something that can be had at a local electronics store (not Radio Shuck -- a real electronics store)?

-Craig

[SARGE]

If you're getting the dsl through Northpoint, it won't be on your dial tone line, but a "dry" line. Your existing line from pole to house may already have 2 pair, one being used currently. The tech probably just verified that there was continuity from dmarc to office on the assigned new line. Notice, I said "probably". When you get dsl from telco, they run it over your existing connection so you can have benefit of talk/surf at same time. In your case, all questions concerning dsl will have to go through Northpoint, including getting filters. If you're paying for installation on premises, the tech should have all necessary filters, etc.

Ameritech should have verified or installed a user-friendly dmarc outside. Again, emphasis on "should".

[Edited by SARGE on 02-05-2001 at 11:34 PM]

[Xayd]

DON'T let them stick you with a USB modem, Carl. If they try, refuse, and if they say that's all they got then tell em to go their @ss to the shop and get another Ethernet modem. Tell em your USB ports are fried or something ;). If you're getting this from SBC/Telco, then chances are very good that you're gonna get an Efficient 5260 which is actually a 5660 which is a pretty decent router.

Xayd

[audiyoda]

So you're saying I should wait. No problem -- one thing you said makes me wonder -- with a telco installation I get hte benifit of talk/surf at the same time. Will I not have this with Northpoint?

-Craig

[Kubie]

Xayd, If I remember correctly, I did ask if their modems were USB and they said no. Besides, one USB port is my MS Intelleye mouse the other is "reserved". :D
Carl

[SARGE]

audiyoda, no, unless the rules have changed. You're going thru a CLEC who is leasing a line for data.

[audiyoda]

Sarge, so there should be something there for me to run wires to, correct? I must be missing something because I just don't see any 'new' wires.

In any event, can I assume it's a matter of running a twisted pair to a new jack in my office (dedicated for the adsl).

-Craig

[SARGE]

Where are you looking? Yes, you can run your own wiring (CAT 3 or 5). I can tell you what to look for as far as "new" goes, but as stated above, they may be using existing stuff, in which case it won't look "new".

The dmarc, or outside connection on house, is usually close to the power meter for grounding purposes. CATV is usually closeby as well. In your case, if you didn't have one, tech should have installed a gray box about the size of a hard novel and moved existing lines inside of it. Inside there are connection points for telco and one for you. There are different variations of this box depending who telco buying from, but all serve same purpose - user friendly for you.

[Edited by SARGE on 02-06-2001 at 10:05 PM]

[audiyoda]

Okay, found the new twisted pair tucked behind the already existing pair running to a terminal. So I'm assuming I should use the cat. 5 cable for insulation sake? Otherwise color to color is the way to go -- correct?

-Craig

[Edited by audiyoda on 02-07-2001 at 07:24 PM]

[SARGE]

Use the same colors on each end to simplify and keep uniform. I got 100' of cat5 at Home Depot for $12 last summer. The 5 means 5 twists per inch versus 3 or even less. Helps keep noise induction down, especially if
have more than 1 number, going through attic, etc.