SNET is in the process of testing various system configurations for home and small-office networking using our standard DSL packages. Please note that we do NOT provide telephone technical support for networking at this time. We only provide telephone support for DSL connectivity on single-computer setups. However, we will try to offer online support and tips for those subscribers who wish to attempt home or small-office networking using SNET Internet DSL.

If you have our Standard DSL package with a single dynamic IP address, there are several different ways of sharing that connection with additional computers. None of them, unfortunately, are routine for a networking novice. The most reliable of them will involve installing an additional Network Interface Card (NIC) into your main computer. You also must keep in mind that your DSL connection is dependent on using the connection software and hardware distributed by SNET, the phone company, and that may limit some networking options. You must use PPPoE software for your connection. We do not support other DSL software or any equipment other than what you received from the telephone company.

You should also bear in mind that you are subject to SNET Internet's Terms and Conditions of Internet Service, which expressly forbid the use of one account simultaneously on more than one computer. Networking, under our terms and conditions, does allow different computers to use the connection -- but they are not permitted to do so at the same time.

There is not a lot of information available yet on the Internet regarding networking with a DSL connection. Most of the information available regarding networking with cable modems (which have been around a little longer) is roughly applicable to networking with DSL.

Here are some links to information we think is useful if you're determined to network your DSL connection. We have not tested any of the methods and procedures specifically described and we do not recommend or provide support for them. We will, over time, work on documenting network methods and procedures we think will work best with SNET DSL. Please keep in mind that if you change your network settings and lose your DSL connection, you will have to pay for a technician's service visit to your residence or place of business if that is what is necessary to restore connectivity.

That said, we think the following Internet sites have useful and relevant networking information for DSL subscribers who wish to share a single DSL connection among multiple computers.

Links

If you're new to networking, we suggest reading this CNET article.   It includes a handy Interactive Home LAN Maker, that can generate a shopping list of components for your network.

The step-by-step instructions, advice and tips at www.timhiggins.com are as comprehensive and user-friendly as any that we've seen.

www.2wire.com is a good, all-purpose site for DSL.