ADSL2+ Internet question (regarding filters)

bob_wangkar on 31/12/2012 - 21:55

So in the hope of getting cheaper internet, I decided to move ISPs from bigpond cable broadband paying $70/month to TPG $40/month. The line became active today and setting up the modem was all fine. There was however one problem and knowing the community here is quite techsavvy, I'd like to get some help/advice (didnt want to bother the crazy people on WP).

So I initially noticed that my modem wouldn't pick up a internet signal unless I had unplugged my fax machine from the socket (connected directly). By unplugging it, everything would seem normal. I then noticed extremely low internet speed (0.3mb/sec) if my home phone which was also directly connected to another socket. If I unplugged that I was able to get up to 6mb/sec. Each of these devices all had there own socket including the modem and had no filters.

So I searched online what could be the cause of my fax machine and home phones messing with my internet and noticed that I MAY need a inline filter…?! This is where I am not sure and I was sure that there would be someone here who would have a clear answer.

Thanks, Bob

Computing

Comments

  • 77 on 31/12/2012 - 22:50
    +3

    Hey,
    From the sounds of it you're right, you'll need a filter(s) for the phones/fax (unless you only plug them in when you're not using the net :C)

    As far as I know there's 2 options:
    Inline filters for each phone/fax (easy to install yourself, costs ~$20 each from most shops)
    Inline filter
    Or a Central filter, you just have a single socket where you plug the modem, and all the other phones are filtered like using an inline filter for each socket (Probably have to get a private tech out, not sure if Telstra/etc send out people to install them)
    Central filter

  • bossmode on 01/01/2013 - 03:26

    I might add my two cents on this:

    Only add filters to your phone lines actually connected to fax and phone, leave the internet line un-filtered. The only exception to this is if your internet shares the exact same line with the phone line.

    I'm actually quite surprised you only got a reduced internet rate. For me, my internet would randomly drop out. Was an occurring issue for well over a year.

    …speaking of which, Happy New Near OZBargainers!

  • Waffles on 01/01/2013 - 07:32
    +1

    Yeah. Filters are the way to go. I have a small army of spares as you typically get one with each modem and I've only ever had one line.

    Also be aware many ozbargainers are crazy whirlpools you speak of.

    • bob_wangkar on 01/01/2013 - 22:40

      Yes, I know that many WP'ers are here on this community… But I guess I've been around here for a while(felt less ashamed to ask stupid questions).

  • gazoz on 01/01/2013 - 11:21

    It is best to also filter your Internet connection. Once you plug the filter into your telephone point, there are two outputs - make sure you connect telephone and fax to telephone connection and PC to computer connection. The computer connection is via a high frequency filter and eliminates any noise or crosstalk from the telephone line from affecting your modem. Not sure why you would drop from a 30Mb/s cable connection to ~6Mb/s line. Also most other ISPs don't have the high speed backbone that the major telcos have so while they are cheaper - you get what you pay for.

    • _Bruce_ on 01/01/2013 - 11:38

      It is best to also filter your Internet connection.

      Nope, don't do this. You must NOT filter the ADSL or it won't work (well).

      Once you plug the filter into your telephone point, there are two outputs

      Some have two outputs. Those that do have a low pass filtered output ('phone') and an unfiltered output ('adsl').

      It is possible that a filter exists which high pass filters ADSL, but I've never seen one, and the only advantage would be a possibly clearer phone call.

    • bob_wangkar on 01/01/2013 - 22:38

      Wasn't getting close to the promised 30. I remember it being around 9mb/sec? The price and quota was horrible and thus I went for a change… contract is only 18 months.

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