QuickTip – How to troubleshoot your home ADSL

Having problems with your home ADSL, and don’t know what to do? Then read on...

Most ADSL modems look like this.

If you’re like most people though, you’re probably not sure what each of the lights mean and why they’re important.

• PPP – If the PPP light is on, it means the modem is connected to the network and has authenticated with your Username and Password.
• ADSL – If the ADSL is on, it means it’s synced with the server. If this light is flashing, call your Internet Service Provider.
• LAN 1, 2, 3 and 4 – These lights represent the computers which are plugged into the ADSL modem. For example, if you have one computer connected to the ADSL modem one of the four lights should be switched on. If you find that none of the four lights are on, make sure the cabling that runs from the back of the modem to your computer is plugged in.
• SYS and PWR – Both of these lights should be on. If you find them off, check all the power cables are plugged in and switched on. If they are, switch the power off at the power point then switch it back on. If they still stay off, call your Internet Service Provider as your modem might have been damaged.

There are a number of reasons why your home ADSL service could stop working

Take these steps to diagnose (and hopefully fix!) your problem:

1. Reboot your ADSL modem (often they hang or stop working for many different reasons).
2. Wait about 1 minute, then check to see if your ADSL light is on.
3. Check that your login name and password are correct, and the PPP light is on.
4. Check to see what error is coming up when you cannot access the internet (if any).
5. Check that your ADSL modem is connected correctly, and that you have your filters connected correctly. (If you have an unfiltered phone, this can cause your ADSL to stop working. See below for more information).
6. If you have checked the above and your ADSL is still not working, call your Internet Service Provider.

Do you have an ADSL line filter?

An ADSL line filter is used to filter the internet connection from the phone line. If you do not have a line filter you may experience problems such as your internet dropping out when the phone rings, or a noisy phone line while your ADSL connection is active. These filters are recommended, so talk to your Internet Service Provider if you don’t already have one.

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