How Can You Turn Off DSL Without Taking the DSL Wire Out of Modem?

Back view of a typical DSL modem showing AC power jack, left.

A digital subscriber line (DSL) is a type of Internet connection that uses part of a standard telephone line to deliver digital, high-speed Internet access. The incoming and outgoing signals for a computer are processed through a DSL modem, which plugs into a standard telephone jack. Depending on the modem, the computer can be connected to the Internet either wirelessly with a Wi-Fi card in the computer, or through a direct connection to the modem with an Ethernet cable. The modem can be shut off without disconnecting either the telephone line to the wall jack or the Ethernet cable.

Instructions

1. Check the back of the modem for a rocker-type power switch. The modem is the box with an attached antenna connect to a wall jack with a standard telephone line. A bank of blinking LEDs will appear along the top edge of the modem. Click the rocker switch to turn off the modem without disconnecting the wires. The LED lights will go out.

2. Disconnect the AC power plug from the back of a modem that is not equipped with an on/off switch. Pull the plug on the power cord straight out of the AC power socket on the back of the modem. The LED indicator lights will go out.

3. Plug the power cord back into the modem to use DSL service again. Log onto the computer and open a Web browser after the LED indicator lights blink and remain illuminated, which may take several minutes.

4. Double-click the computer's anti-virus software icon such as McAfee, Norton or AVG, for example, to open the software utility. Check the available options for "Lockdown Firewall" or similar wording and click the button or link to block all incoming Internet signals to the computer, effectively shutting off DSL without unplugging cables. Unlock the Firewall feature to resume DSL use.

Tips & Warnings

• There is no cost savings to be realized by shutting off the DSL modem. The monthly fee for service remains the same whether the DSL service is used or not.

• Many Internet service providers suggest leaving the DSL modem turned on at night, when system upgrades may be made.

References

• Avvanta Communications: DSL modem support
• Actiontec: DSL Modem Installation and Setup Guide
• SureWest: DSL troubleshooting