I presently use wmconnect as my ISP on my pc. But I also subscribe to MSNTV2 (Formerly webtv.) Can that be hooked on the DSL? I presently use Bell South for my house service.

- Frank, March 18, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Frank, I have not used MSN TV 2 myself so keep that in mind, but from how I understand the MSN TV 2 web system all you need is a free “port” on your DSL broadband internet modem. First, take a look at this AT&T Yahoo DSL internet installation with pictures on our website. Third picture down is the back of the AT&T Yahoo DSL internet modem. See the 4 available ethernet ports - 1st port is currently being used by the yellow ethernet cable which connects to a PC. Using this example, you would connect a second ethernet cable from one of the available ethernet ports on the DSL broadband internet modem to your MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player. It would seem that the MSN TV 2 web system acts like a PC in that it will automatically detect internet connection availability. Though nothing ever seems that simple, it just might work that way for you.

Don’t just take my word for it, see page 10 of the MSN TV 2 Set Up Guide found on the MSN TV 2 website (MSNTV) for more information. This PDF file might take a few minutes to download if you are on a dial up internet connection.

If your Bell South DSL internet modem only has one ethernet port, you can run down to Best Buy, Circuit City, Radio Shack or any major retailer and pick up a $39 wireless router from Netgear, Belkin or Linksys among others. MSN TV 2 also works with wireless internet connections, so you might as well purchase a wireless DSL internet modem and use that feature. The extra DSL internet modem ports can stay unused until you expand your home network. Of course, if your existing Bell South DSL internet modem already has wireless capabilities, you already have all you need.

See also my article about wireless internet networks at home for some insight.

- John

Afterthoughts: If your wired or wireless broadband internet connection works well with MSN TV 2 or WEBTV, please let me know via email or a reply to this post to help others.

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This entry was posted on Monday, March 19th, 2007 at 3:53 am and is filed under High Speed Internet, Internet Service Providers, Other Services. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.