Networking For Dummies, 11th Edition

Chapter 8

Connecting Your Network to the Internet

IN THIS CHAPTER

Looking at DSL and cable

Examining T1 and T3 connections

Using a router

Securing your connection with a firewall

Using the firewall that comes with Windows

So you decided to connect your network to the Internet. All you have to do is call the cable company and have them send someone out, right? Wrong. Unfortunately, connecting to the Internet involves more than just calling the cable company. For starters, you have to make sure that cable is the right way to connect. Then you have to select and configure the software you use to access the Internet. Finally, you have to lie awake at night worrying whether hackers are breaking into your network via its Internet connection.

Not to worry. The advice in this chapter helps you decide how to connect to the Internet and, once the decision is made, how to do it safely.

Connecting to the Internet

Connecting to the Internet isn’t free. For starters, you have to purchase the computer equipment necessary to make the connection. Then you have to obtain a connection from an Internet service provider (ISP). The ISP charges you a monthly fee that depends on the speed and capacity of the connection.

The following sections describe the most commonly used methods of connecting network users to the Internet.

Connecting with cable or DSL

For small and home offices, the two most popular methods of connecting to the Internet are cable and digital subscriber line (DSL). Cable and DSL ...