Avoiding Future Problems
When setting up your ADSL service, there are several things to keep in mind to help avoid problems in the future:
Microfilters
Connecting microfilters may be the most tedious part of the setup, but it is also the most important. Even if the modem gets sync without them, it is still possible that there may be some interference in the house that could adversely affect your service. Plug the microfilter into the wall, even if it means moving furniture, instead of plugging it into the end of a phone extension cord. Extension cords, splitters, and similar devices are a very common source of interference.
If you have other devices using the same line as your DSL service, such as telephones, caller ID boxes, fax machines, and digital video recorders, make sure DSL filters are applied or that the other devices are disconnected.
Interfering Devices
Any device that emits radio frequency (RF) waves or interference in the frequency range that ADSL uses to transmit its signal (250 KHz - 1.1 GHz) can cause interference. Even if the ADSL signal overcomes the interference and the modem is able to sync, it is possible that the interference could slow down or occasionally interrupt service. To get the best performance, interfering devices should not be placed on or near your modem whenever possible. Common interfering devices include:
- Computer Monitors
- Speakers
- Cordless Telephones (including the base)
- Halogen Lights (including street lights)
- Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) (e.g. standby power sources)
- Cellular Telephones
- Televisions
- Any type of high-wattage device (e.g. ????)
The copper telephone lines inside and outside of your house act as an antenna. If there is an interfering device in your house, any phone cords or cables that run near that device can pick up the interference, even if the device is nowhere near the ADSL modem.
Microfilters help minimize interference by blocking errant signals that are being picked up from everything connected to it. For example, a 50 foot telephone cable can pick up a lot of interference, but most of that interference will be blocked if it is plugged into a microfilter. Short telephone cords also help, especially the one that connects the ADSL modem to the wall jack.
DSL and Your Phone Service
Even though they are provided by different companies, your ADSL service and your voice telephone service are closely tied together. It is important to be careful when making a change to your voice service to make sure it does not interfere with your ADSL.
In most cases, the ADSL signal and standard service share the same telephone line. The voice service uses the lower portion of the sound frequency spectrum, and the ADSL service uses the higher portion. The local telephone company considers both services as a single line for billing and other services.
Changes to your voice service that could potentially interrupt your ADSL connection include:
- Disconnecting telephone service - If you cancel your phone service, your ADSL service will be disconnected.
- Bill non-payment - If the telephone company interrupts your voice service because of non-payment or other billing issues, your ADSL service will be disconnected.
- Temporary telephone service outages - Occasionally the telephone network will have problems, due to storms or other unusual occurrences. In these cases, ADSL service will usually be restored at the same time as your voice service.
Changes to service features that can potentially interfere with your ADSL service include:
- Call Waiting
- Distinctive Ring
- Call Forwarding
- Rollover service
Any time you make changes to your voice service, always ask first whether the change will interfere with your ADSL service.
If your ADSL service is disconnected, the reconnection process may take several weeks depending on the situation. EarthLink may also charge a reconnection fee in some circumstances.
