How does a DSL modem work?

DSL Modems offer a very high speed connection to the Internet, up to 10Megabits per second (over a hundred times the speed of a 56k dial up modem). Technically speaking, though, a DSL modem is not a modem at all, but a broadband network tree spanning bridge. Instead of using the narrow bandwidth available on a phone line (narrowband), it uses a much wider channel on the hybrid fibre/coax DSL TV Network to send and receive data (broadband).

Do I need to install the Optus DSL Broadband CD software?

If you haven't used your modem before you will need to run the Optus DSL Broadband installation CD. This will install all the software your modem needs to connect to the Internet.

Note: If you are connecting your modem using the USB port it is essential that you run the installation CD before you connect your modem so that you load the appropriate USB driver. Failure to do so can cause installation difficulties.

What is a proxy server?

A proxy server speeds up your access to the World Wide Web. Optus DSL Broadband uses transparent proxies to provide you with the best possible online experience and to ensure that the web pages you view contain the most up-to-date content.

Transparent proxies improve the quality of service for you by delivering content at higher bandwidth and reducing transmission latency. If we didn't use proxies, customers would be traversing the Internet, contending with peak traffic in other countries and under-performing servers and network links. If someone else has already dragged a file down or viewed a page, it's far quicker to serve from the Optus DSL Broadband infrastructure than to go and retrieve it again from the World Wide Web.

Why is my Internet connection suddenly going slowly?

Most likely, you have exceeded your monthly data quota. Check Datamonitor for details. Maybe you need to upgrade to a plan with a higher data allowance.

Which is faster, a USB or an Ethernet Connection?

USB 1.1 has a 11MB/sec transfer rate, and 10/100 Ethernet has an up to 100MB/sec transfer rate. Both of these formats are faster than the maximum throughput of the DSL Modem, so from a speed perspective, it doesn't matter which one you use. Ethernet is definitely easier to setup, as it uses no additional drivers.

Where can I find USB drivers for my DSL modem?

All of the drivers for Optus DSL Broadband supplied modems are contained on the installation CD. You can also find them at the DSL Modem manufacturers website.

Will Optus DSL Broadband provide support for Operating Systems other than English language versions?

No, Optus DSL Broadband cannot provide support for non-English language operating systems.

What is sharing a telephone number? And what is a telephone filter?

A telephone filter must be installed on each of the telephony devices that share the same telephone number as your Optus DSL Broadband service. These include:

• telephones
• fax machines
• dial-up modems
• answering machines
• any other similar device

Place the filter on your telephone line by unplugging the cord from your telephone. Connect the filter between the phone and the telephone wall socket. Do NOT install a filter on the cord between your DSL modem and the wall socket.

If you have a home monitoring service that uses your phone line it is your responsibility to arrange for a central filter to be installed in your premises. If you do not do this, you will experience problems with your DSL connection and your monitoring service. If you require further information about central filters please call Optus DSL Broadband Customer Support on 1300 309 333.

How do I connect the cables?

Connect either the USB or Ethernet cable between your PC to the respective port on your modem. If your modem has both USB and Ethernet ports do not connect using both methods as this may cause problems.

Connect the telephone cord between the ADSL port on the modem and the telephone wall socket (You will need a double adaptor if you also use this wall socket for your telephone.).Connect the power source to your modem and turn it on.

What are the two keys steps after connecting the modem?

After connecting your modem there are two key steps to configure your modem for the Optus DSL Broadband service:

• Configure your computer's network interface. Your PC must be configured for DHCP. Instructions are provided for each of the supported Windows operating systems.
• Configure your modem by setting your Optus DSL Broadband username and password in your modem's configuration pages.

How do I change the password in my modem?

Prior to changing the password in your modem, you will first need to change it with Optus. To do this, either visit the Change Password section in Member Services or contact Optus Broadband Customer Support on:

• DSL - 1300 309 333
• DSL Direct - 1300 739 407

Once you have changed your password with Optus, you can then update the password in your modem. If you are using an Optus supplied modem, please refer to the following instructions:

• Sagem F@st 1201
• Siemens SpeedStream 4200
• D-Link DSL 302G

If you are using an Optus preferred modem, please refer to the Getting Connected section of the online Help pages and select your appropriate operating system and modem to obtain instructions. You will also need to change your password in any email clients. Please refer to the Email Help section for instructions on how to do this.