Posted by Henry on January 13th, 2012
ADSL speeds can sometimes be improved with changes to the home wiring. I've been called to many a job where the customer has had speed issues and their ISP (and carrier) have found no issue with their respective parts of the network.
A little investigation usually shows one or more of the following issues.
- The wiring in the home is 'Star Wired' (think of a 5 legged star-fish) - this was a typical way of wiring in times gone past. Star wiring effectively creates an antenna that picks up noise on each leg of the star. A simple change to the design of the wiring often fixes this.
- The wiring has been altered improperly - I often see sub-standard joints or cables running next to power cables. For a normal voice phone service, this may be fine - but you, as the customer with high-speed ADSL, needs more than this.
- Incorrect ADSL filtering (Part I) - with the introduction of ADSL2/ADSL2+, the filtering requirements have changed. Newer, more stringent filtering is often required. For certain environments where multiple systems require filtering (security system, EFTPOS, phone and fax), I will install a 5-stage AS/ACIF S041:2005 certified (compliant) filter.
- Incorrect ADSL filtering (Part II) - Faulty filters. Like all electrically connected devices, they often need to withstand electrical surges and all sorts of nasties. Over time, some filters just degrade to the point where they need to be replaced.
- Incorrect ADSL filtering (Part III) - Incorrectly installed filters. Two of the biggest issues I see is incorrect filtering of alarm systems and/or pay-TV installations. Simply put, all devices that are connected to the phone line need to be filtered to ensure that the ADSL signal is not loaded in any way.