Buying a modem
If you have a laptop, or more than one computer, consider buying a wireless modem
or a normal modem and a wirless router.
Most 'brand name' ADSL modems come with a phone cable, a computer cable,
and a 'microfilter' (but it's always best to check before you buy).
You will probably need to buy a phone double adaptor (splitter) of some sort.
If you have older phone fittings you will probably need to buy a plug to convert
from old (three or more prongs) to new (single clear plastic plug).
If you have a laptop, or if you have more than one computer in your
household or office (especially in more than one room), then you may want to
consider getting using wireless.
A good wireless router costs less than $100. They are extremely convenient
but do require the proper setup (which of course can equate to money when installing
if you need assistance).
Regardless of the type of modem you get, you'll also need a 'microfilter'.
Without the microfilter the phone still works as per normal when
the modem is switched off, and is usable when the modem is switched on,
but both the phone and the modem do not work quite the way they should.
The microfilter does two things:
1.
Filters out the noise made by the web data coming through the phone line; and
2.
Allows the modem to continue without interruption.
Without the filter there will be background noise on the phone when the modem
is in use and the modem will occasionally drop out (and reconnect).
All modems sold by bpresent come with a microfilter
included in the cost. Infact, most major brands of ADSL modem (eg. Netgear, D-Link)
come with one microfilter. Additional microfilters can be purchased from major electrical /
household stores (eg. Dick Smith) for about $20.
You may also need to get some phone cables or, more likely, a phone plug such
as a double adaptor and / or a conversion plug.
Again, most large name modems come with the cabling you need (one ethernet cable
and one phone cable).
The accompanying diagram shows the simplest type of ADSL & phone set up.
In this diagram there are two lines coming out of the 'phone jack' (the thing on the wall in
most cases). The cable that comes with the modem, and the microfilter, both have the modern
small square plugs (about the size of the end of your little finger).
If you do not have holes for these types of fittings in your wall, then you'll
need to get a double adaptor with the old two or three prong 'male' bit to plug into the wall,
and two modern square 'female' sockets on the other side of the plug (one for the modem and one for
the microfilter).
If you have a modern fitting in the wall then you'll probably need a modern double
adaptor.
As an alternative you can also get small boxes which have a combination of microfilter and
straight connection which effectively provide the adaptor and splitter in one unit (far more
sensible and useful - and they should really include this in the box not just the straight filter).
Bear in mind that the more bits and pieces you have between the telephone exchange
and your modem
and the older the connectors, the presence of dirt on the terminals etc all degrade the signal.
Ultimately, even though your home may be able to receive ADSL, it may not make it all the way
to your modem / computer.
If you have a problem - everything should be working and it isn't - the cheapest test
to perform before forking out money to get a technician to check things out, is to disconnect
all extension phones at the wall and plug the modem into the terminal closest to where
the phone line comes into your premises. ("Closest" in the sense of shortest line
distance, not necessarily as the crow flies.
If the modem works there then you may need to reconsider how much you need the
extenison phones or get someone in to upgrade your wiring.
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