DSL Questions

1. The phone filter has two ports, does it matter which one I use?
2. I don't have phone service; do I need the filter anyway?
3. Can I use my own (longer) cables?
4. Do I have to wait for anything to boot up?
5. I lost my connection! What should I do?
6. Can I use a router to share my connection?

The phone filter has two ports, does it matter which one I use?
Yes, if you hook up the filter incorrectly, this will result in neither your phone nor Resnet service working properly. The phone filter is labeled with one port for phone service and one port for Resnet service. Read the fine print on the back of the filter to determine which port is which.

I don't have phone service; do I need the filter anyway?
No, but it generally doesn't hurt if you do use it.

Can I use my own (longer) cables?
Yes, however there are some guidelines to follow:

1. Use a phone cable that has four or six pins between the filter and modem, this helps for shielding.
2. Use a category 5e or higher (STP or UTP) Ethernet cable between the modem and computer.
3. When routing longer cables, be sure to avoid any sharp turns or pinching the cable and stay away from devices that my induce noise into the line (i.e. fluorescent lights, microwaves and speakers to name a few). Also, avoid pinching the cabling with chair wheels and/or walking on it.

Do I have to wait for anything to boot up?
Yes, after you install your DSL system, power up the DSL and wait about five minutes or until your sync light remains solid. Note: you may have to reboot your computer after the DSL reaches the sync state.

I lost my connection! What should I do?
If you lost your connection, you can do some minimal troubleshooting before contacting Resnet.

1. Check to make sure the sync light on your DSL modem is solid and not blinking.
   
   
   • Yes, it is solid --> Refer to step 2.
   • No, it is blinking --> Unplug the power cord for five minutes, then plug it back in and wait an additional five minutes, if it still will not sync (does not become solid); *call the Resnet Consultants at 483-9955*.
   
   
2. Check all your cable connections to make sure nothing came unplugged or if cabling is located by fluorescent lights or speakers. (i.e. trace the cable path and double check that everything is hooked up right).
   
   
   • Yes, everything is plugged in --> Refer to step 3.
   • No, something is unplugged --> Fix the cable issue, then try your connection. If it still does not work, refer to step 3.
   
   
3. If you have phone service, check that it is working properly (have a dial tone, can make calls).
   
   
   • Yes, I have phone service and it is working --> Refer to step 4.
   • Yes, I have phone service and it isn't working --> Borrow a phone and *call the Resnet Consultants at 483-9955*.
   • No, I don't have phone service --> Refer to step 4.
   
   
4. Try power cycling the DSL modem (turn off, then turn on), wait about five minutes or until the sync light becomes solid, then refer to step 5.
   
   
5. What operating system are you running?
   
   
   • If you have Microsoft Windows try the following: Start --> Run --> Type cmd and hit enter, this will open a command prompt. Now type ipconfig /release then when the command prompt returns, type ipconfig /renew this may take some time. If and when you get a response, check that your IP address starts with 141.219 --> try your connection.
     
     
     • If your connection works, great!
     • If your connection does not work --> *Call the Resnet Consultants at 483-9955*.
     • If you get a timed out error or similar --> *Call the Resnet Consultants at 483-9955*.
     • If you get an IP address starting with something other than 141.219 --> *Call the Resnet Consultants at 483-9955*.
     
     
   • If you have a Linux Distribution, reset your network daemon using DHCP. (example: /etc/init.d/network restart) Now, in a terminal, type ifconfig -a | grep 141.219.
     
     
     • If you get information with the string 141.219 --> Try your connection.
     • If your connection works, great!
     • If your connection does not work --> *Call the Resnet Consultants at 483-9955*.
     • If you do not receive anything back --> *Call the Resnet Consultants at 483-9955*.
     
     
   • If you have Mac OS, select the following: Apple --> System Preferences --> Network --> Select Built in Ethernet --> Configure. For the item titled Configure IPv4; make sure you have Using DHCP set, then apply. Check your connection, if this does not work, return to Configure IPv4 and this time select Using BootP, then apply.
     
     
     • If your connection works, great!
     • If you are still having problems even after using BootP --> *Call the Resnet Consultants at 483-9955*.

Can I use a router to share my connection?
Yes, with some limitations, it depends on what or whom it is being shared with. You may ONLY use a router to share your connection between your own computers and NOT with others as per Michigan Tech's Computer Use Policy. If someone else requests service, they must register their own account. By sharing service with a friend or roommate, you are breaking Michigan Tech's Computer Use Policy and subjecting yourself to take full responsibility for the actions of the person(s) you are sharing with. You will have to know how your router works. You will need to know the WAN MAC address of your router. If you have a router with wireless, know the security risks that come with wireless. Out of the box almost all routers are insecure! Again, depending on your router's vendor, you can enable WEP or WPA encryption, disable SSID broadcast, and use MAC address filtering. These three steps will help, but is not limited to, keeping your router secure. You must use an SSID that is not obscene and does not conflict with university sanctioned services. Spoofing the MTU network services is illegal and will be prosecuted! MTU requires that you run your wireless router at no more than 35 mW. This prevents adding additional noise into the spectrum. Also note any unlicensed devices such as cordless phones, Bluetooth phones, microwave ovens, other APs, video cameras, and may other unlicensed devices do cause interference issues. Due to the broad spectrum of vendors, Resnet does not offer customer support relating to routers. If you have questions about your router, you will need to contact your vendor or the place where you purchased your router for support.

Note, not all routers will work with our network for one reason or another. Resnet has done testing with common routers you can purchase in the area. As of now, the routers known to work with our network are the Linksys WRT54G and Belkin F5D7230-4. Pictures of each are shown below. Although Resnet does not offer support for routers, we suggest using or purchasing one of the following models that are known to work with our network.

Linksys WRT54G	Belkin F5D7230-4

Out of the routers Resnet has tested, we have also found a few that have some issues with connecting to our network. As a forewarning, if you have purchased or are planning to use either the D-Link WBR-1310 or Trendnet TEW-432BRP, they will not work. You will need to either exchange it for a known working model, or use another means to connect.

D-Link WBR-1310	Trendnet TEW-432BRP

*When contacting the Resnet Consultants, please be as descriptive as you can with the trouble you are experiencing as well as the steps taken in troubleshooting your problem as per this document. If it helps, make a list of the methods you have done as well as note the problem at hand therefore, if a Resnet Consultant has a question for you, your list may aid you in giving detailed answers to the question(s).*