Router Setup — Broadband Access Types
Before setting up your router, you need to understand your broadband access method. The easiest way is to consult your Internet Service Provider, or you can quickly look up the connection type online.
The most common computer network connection types today are roughly as follows:
1. Telephone line → ADSL MODEM → Computer
2. Twisted pair (Ethernet cable) → Computer
3. Cable TV (coaxial cable) → Cable MODEM → Computer
4. Fiber optic → Media converter → Proxy server → Computer
Currently, most users with ADSL or VDSL PPPoE broadband need to run third-party dial-up software (such as Enternet300) or the system’s built-in dialer on their computer, entering the account and password provided by the ISP to connect. If the user’s ADSL MODEM has routing enabled, it can automatically complete the dialing using the ISP-provided account and password. A typical example of this broadband access type is the service provided by telecom operators. It uses a static IP, meaning a fixed IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS provided by the ISP to access the Internet.
On the other hand, cable TV typically provides a dynamic IP for Internet access, meaning the computer’s TCP/IP properties are set to obtain an IP address automatically, so the computer can get online each time it finishes booting up.
There is also a type of Internet access that requires WEB authentication. Before going online each time, you must open the IE browser and enter the username and password provided by the ISP on their designated homepage. Only after passing authentication can