Connecting an RJ45 Ethernet Cable to a Wi-Fi Router with DSL Support

Introduction

Many households and businesses use a Wi-Fi router to manage their internet connection. However, sometimes the internet service provider (ISP) offers a connection that uses an RJ45 cable, a connection that is more commonly associated with Ethernet connections, while the router requires an RJ11 input port for DSL connections. This guide will help you understand the connections and provide possible solutions to share your internet over Wi-Fi when faced with such a scenario.

Understanding Connections

Before we dive into the possible solutions, it's crucial to understand the different types of connections and ports your devices support:

RJ45: Used for Ethernet connections, commonly associated with broadband connections provided by ISPs via coaxial or fiber. RJ11: Used for traditional telephone lines and is often used for DSL and dial-up internet connections.

Using Your Router

Your router, designed for DSL connections with an RJ11 input port, typically will not accept an RJ45 Ethernet input directly. If your ISP is providing a dial-up service over an RJ45 connection, you need a modem that can connect to your router. Here's how to approach this:

Direct Use Not Possible

Here are the key points:

Directly connecting an RJ45 cable to a router with an RJ11 port is not possible. ISP-provided RJ45 connections are often for broadband, while your router is for DSL.

Possible Solutions

There are a few possible solutions to share internet over Wi-Fi when your router has an RJ11 port and your ISP provides an RJ45 connection:

Use a Compatible Modem

1. Connect a Modem: You need to connect an appropriate modem for your dial-up service to the RJ45 port. Then, connect this modem to the WAN Internet port of your router using an RJ45 cable. This setup will allow you to share the internet connection via Wi-Fi.

2. Check for Modem Compatibility: Ensure the modem you choose can handle the type of connection your ISP provides, in this case, a dial-up connection over an RJ45 cable.

3. Alternative Setup: If your ISP supports Ethernet over DSL, you might need a DSL modem that can convert the DSL signal to Ethernet (RJ45) which can then be connected to your router's WAN port.

Final Configuration

After connecting everything, configure your router settings to enable Wi-Fi and set up the network according to your preferences. Ensure that your modem correctly provides the internet connection and that the router shares this connection over Wi-Fi.

Conclusion

In summary, you cannot directly use the LAN ports on your router as an input for an RJ45 dia-up connection without the proper modem. You need to use a compatible modem to bridge the connection between your ISP and your Wi-Fi router.

Additional Information

The original question may seem misleading because:

The ISP provides a connection that is not a traditional dial-up but is an always-on connection based on Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE). If your router has a port marked as WAN, then a direct connection can be made to the ISP's RJ45 port. If your router does not have a port marked WAN, you may need to configure the router to use a private IP range on the Wi-Fi side while setting up a different IP subnet for the LAN side.

Ensure your router's firmware and configuration interface support these settings.