How to Diagnose DSL Problems
You've ordered DSL service from your phone company, you've got your modem hooked up and your computer configured. But for some reason, you're not getting a decent Internet connection. There are a lot of things that can interfere with your DSL connection: improperly connected devices, incorrect computer configuration or interference from certain electronic devices. You can troubleshoot many of them yourself.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Check your DSL modem's connections. Make sure the DSL's phone cable is securely plugged into a phone jack. Check the power supply connections, too. Loose cables can cause your modem to function poorly or not at all.
-
2
Make sure the DSL modem is connected to the correct phone line, if you have more than one phone line in the house.
-
-
3
Call your DSL service provider and ask whether your DSL service is still active. You may have missed a bill payment or had your account deactivated for some other reason. While you're on the phone, ask whether any phone lines or other infrastructure in your area is damaged or worn.
-
4
Unplug your DSL modem and wait two minutes, then plug it back in. Sometimes it needs is to be reset.
-
5
Connect your computer directly to the DSL modem with an Ethernet cable. Disconnect any other network devices you are using. This will help you determine whether the problem is with your DSL connection or another device on your network. If your Internet connection is good, the problem is probably with another device.
-
6
Try disabling your Windows Firewall while your computer is directly connected to your DSL modem. Open the "Start" menu, click "Control Panel," then "Security," then "Windows Firewall." Click "Turn Windows Firewall on or off" on the right side of the window, then click "Off" and "OK." If the Internet connection improves, your firewall was interfering with Internet traffic. Check the Resources section for help getting a firewall configured correctly.
-
7
Check all your phones for DSL filter dongles. The filter plugs into a phone jack and the phone plugs into the dongle. They keep DSL and voice signals from interfering with each other.
-
8
Check whether your modem has a DSL filter installed on its phone jack and remove it if you find one. The DSL modem should be the only device in your house plugged into a phone line without a dongle.
-
9
Keep your modem away from electronic devices that create interference such as AM radios, halogen lights, stereo speakers and computer power supplies.
-
10
Check how hot your modem is. If it is uncomfortably warm to the touch, it might be malfunctioning due to overheating. Turn the modem on its side so it stands vertically to improve ventilation.
-
11
Count how many phones and other devices, including your modem and answering machines, are connected to your phone lines. More than five is not recommended.
-
12
Check whether your modem is faulty or failing. Replace it with another modem and see whether your connection improves. If you don't have an extra modem, borrow one from a friend, rent one from your DSL service provider or buy a replacement from an electronics retailer. If your modem is faulty, keep the replacement.
-
13
Check for faulty or failing DSL filter dongles. Unplug all but one of the phones in the house. Make a phone call and see whether your DSL connection deteriorates. Replace the filter dongle on the phone with an untested dongle. Repeat this step until all your dongles have been tested. Replace any dongles that you notice cause problems with your DSL connection.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If none of these steps solves your problems, the issue may be with your home phone wiring, local telephone infrastructure or service provider.
Your distance from your service provider also affects DSL connection quality. Three miles or more generally means a poor-quality DSL connection.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit DSL Modem Detail image by Rob Hill from Fotolia.com
