Before you change anything - is this a new device you are hooking up or had this thing worked in the past? First thing to do is reboot everything starting with the modem and ending with the computer at the end of the line. Wait at least 30 seconds between each device. Review all the connections - everything plugged in where it should be? (this is of course your question - see more below).
Eithernet connections (plugs) are RJ-45. The RJ-45 looks like a RJ-11 (telephone jack) only bigger. Typically, the RJ-45 will not fit into the RJ-11 AND SHOULD NOT. Why? Your Cat 5 eithernet runs on very low voltage and signal (packet switching). If you succedssfully get the RJ-45 CAT 5 cable into the RJ-11 phone jack, when the phone rings, you will be sending 60 volts into your network. Can you spell "Do I smell smoke?" A RJ-11 will have up to 6 wires (one pair or two pair or three pair) in the jack and up to 6 'buds' on the RJ-11 plug. A RJ-45 will have 8 wires (in the jack) and 8 'buds' on the plug of your cat 5.
Your device may say DSL on the Cat 5 connection - count the wires inside or the jack.
There are other Cat 5 connection types, punch down and terminal screw types, I dont think you are talking about either.
On your AT&T modem, you should find a RJ-11 which will attach to a near by telephone jack and a RJ-45 for your Cat 5 cable. Your modem may also serve as a router and as such would have additional RJ-45 ports. I suspect you are using a separate router for your home network. As such, one of the ports on the router should be marked Internet or Upload or maybe it is a special color or is set aside from the other ports. That special port will be connected to your modem and your other computers will use the other, lesser ports.
Of course, you could call your service provider for clarification also.
Thank you for your question @ FixYa.com - I am sorry you are having this trouble and I hope I have helped you in some way. I hope you are able to get your system back up in short order.
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