How to Install Broadband

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A step-by-step guide to self-install an ADSL modem and router

Co-authored by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: August 6, 2025

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Subscribing

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Installing

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Broadband is a network connection technology that provides you with to a high-speed connection to the Internet. Broadband has become a necessity in both office and home settings. However, to connect to the Internet using broadband, you have to install your broadband system. To install your broadband, you only need to understand a few basic steps.

Things You Should Know

Most DSL services provide a modem, router, filters, cables, and self-installation manual.
If you have a home phone, connect the ADSL splitter to the phone jack, and plug your modem and phone into the splitter.
Once you've connected the modem and router, connect your computer to the Internet port on the router with an ethernet cable.

Part 1

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Subscribing

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Broadband uses the networks of telecommunication companies, so you have to subscribe to a service first before you can start surfing. Contact your local Internet service provider or telecommunications company to know what kind of broadband services you can avail.
2
Check your broadband package. Once you have subscribed, you’ll be given a broadband package that contains the following:
- An Internet modem or router with power adapter
- 1 piece Internet cable
- 1 piece telephone cable
- Phone filters
- 1 piece ADSL splitter
- These are the items you need to install a broadband Internet, which will be explained as you proceed.

Part 2

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Installing

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1
Connect the ADSL splitter to your phone. Start by unplugging your telephone from the wall socket and connecting the ADSL splitter.
- Broadband runs on digital signal while telephones run on analog. Splitters split the digital and analog signal coming from the telephone lines between your computer and your telephone so they don’t get mixed up.
2
Filter other telephone extensions. If you have other telephone units in your house, take a phone filter and connect it in between your phone and the wall socket, just like how you connected the ADSL filter.
- The phone filter works just like the ADSL splitter, but instead of splitting the signals between analog and digital, it filters out the digital signal so it won’t mess up your phone when you use it.
” Take the telephone cable that came with the broadband package and plug it to the DSL port on the splitter.
There’s only one port on the router/modem that the telephone cable can fit into (the smaller one), so connecting it to the right port should be easy.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Interview}
Most routers have four Internet ports; you can plug the cable to any of these four ports.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Interview}
Take the other end of the Internet cable and plug it to the Internet port at the back of your computer (located near the speaker ports) or laptop (along the sides or at the back). There’s only one port on your PC that the Internet cable can fit to, so it won’t be hard locating the port.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Interview}
7
Connect the power cable to the router or modem and plug it to a power outlet. Press the modem/router’s Power button and the lights on the router or modem should blink; meaning it is booting up.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Interview}
- Once the lights have steadied out, turn on your computer, open a web browser, and start surfing the network.

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Question

Without a landline, can I set up a broadband?

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You will need your telephone provider/internet service provider to bring telephone service into your home.

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What do I do if it's hooked up but only works intermittently?

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If you have internet connection and it drops periodically, contact the service provider to make sure there isn't an issue with the service.

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Tips

When you avail of a broadband service, the router/modem package is commonly included, but you have the option to use third-party after-market routers and modems.

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Broadband services vary from one region to another. Talk to your local provider about the available broadband services.

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Most Internet service providers (ISPs) include free broadband installation by their technicians.

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