device for testing UK adsl signal

in my job fixing internet connections (here in the UK) I constantly collide with bad adsl signals and dodgy home telephone wiring and I need a device that tests the presence/level/quality of the adsl signal on the line - something I can plug into the BT socket and get an accurate reading. I specifically want to test for any deterioration in the adsl signal in extension sockets coming off the main socket. I figured there must be a gadget somewhere that can do this but I've never seen one. I've heard the argument about using routers but I'm not interested in that, I'd rather get a dedicated device. Does anyone know of such equipment? thanks for any advice.

Reply to
tg
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Try googling "ADSL handheld"

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Adrian C
Reply to
Adrian C

These (DSL) line test systems have existed and do exist. They are available to industry, but are rather expensive, so you need to reveal your budget before I'll bother researching and posting a list. We're talking tens of thousands, IIRC for a reasonable tester.

Consider a simple signal strength meter, with a 20 KHz high pass filter.

Study DSL some more. Understand the bands used, the frequencies used. Then you can come up with something realistic to test with, assuming your budget doesn't allow for a dedicated tester.

But... Why are you running DSL to multiple sockets? Catch the DSL line as it enters the premises and run the modem there, then split the POTS line to the sockets as needed. Don't try to run the DSL places where it is 'not needed'.

What does a router have to do with this problem. That's an ethernet device, and knows zip, zero, nothing, nada about DSL.

Reply to
PeterD

: What does a router have to do with this problem. That's an ethernet : device, and knows zip, zero, nothing, nada about DSL.

I had presumed this meant that most routers will give an analysis of the DSL line (S/N levels, sync speeds etc.) on their control interface.

Reply to
Brian Mc

... If the router is a modem-router (as most are these days used in the context of ADSL)

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Adrian C
Reply to
Adrian C

I see your logic, but most domestic grade routers sold in the UK are hybrid devices and include a DSL modem and often a wireless access point too. I suspect you are not in the UK, are things different where you are? Oh and we pronounce it "rooter" and not "rawter".

I certainly carry such a device for diagnostic purposes.

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Graham.

%Profound_observation%
Reply to
reader443.eternal-september.or

They are available but expect to have to pay lots for one. Google ADSL handheld for a range of them.

Peter Crosland

Reply to
Peter Crosland

Get a router that's compatible with DMT

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and you'll be able to get a frequency response graph from each point where you'd like to test.

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Reply to
alexd

Well it depends if you mean by router a 'generic device for machining wood' a ' device that purely routes computer network traffic' or ' A device thet purely routes ethernet traffic or 'a device that not only routes IP traffic but also does NAT, and contains a DSL modem as well'

I THINK the definition is a device that maintains a routing state table of some sort, that connects networks at a layer *above* the transport address level. This clearly marking where an ethernet switch ends: That being a device that routes Ethernet packets irrespoective of what protocol is layered above.

Strictly a 'broadband router' is hardly a router at all. Its a DSL modem with ATM support and almost (but not quite) a bridge between the CPE and the ISP termination equipment.

Reply to
The Natural Philosopher

ROWTER shirley?

Drilling holes and trepanning into peoples' mind sets perhaps? ;-)

Reply to
The Natural Philosopher

thanks for your feedback, that search did bring up some gadgets. The first one was over £3000...oh dear. I did see a Vonaq 100 pretty cheap but I'm not sure if this device will serve my needs. I liked the look of the argus testers but again I'll make sure I'm sitting down when I check out the price.

Reply to
tg

I can't do that. If the customer wants the adsl 'there', I've got to make it work there.

some routers give detailed info about the adsl signal they're connected to but I'm not going to do it that way. I'm talking about the home/plastic box routers here, not the pure ethernet devices.

Reply to
tg

thanks I'm not interested in routers, I want to get a handheld dedicated device.

Reply to
tg

I am in the UK

Reply to
tg

I know you are, my remark was addressed to "PeterD"

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Graham.

%Profound_observation%
Reply to
Graham.

Of course you do, but that is not at odds with Peter's advice. Ideally use a filtered faceplate on the master socket and connect all the extension sockets to the filtered side. Only the socket for the router (wherever the customer wants it) should be direct from the line (use an RJ11 plate to prevent a phone being plugged in).

Using multiple filters, one on each POTS device is not ideal, despite what some ISPs might have you believe.

Tackling installations, especially marginal ones, using this central filter approach is more important than investing in expensive test equipment.

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Graham.

%Profound_observation%
Reply to
Graham.

US, and they go either way here. I use stand alone DSL modems, and then feed a router which is a seperate box. Oh, and at least around here, we say rooter too.

I know of some that do give diagnostic information, but I'd be reluctant to depend on it.

But again, why wire DSL to all the phone jacks, instead do the jack nearest the entry point, put the DSL modem (or router/modem) there, and put the rest of the house's sockets on the other side of a DSL filter.

Reply to
PeterD

I agree, it's far from ideal. Here in the UK ADSL is almost always self-installed by the customer, and it is easier for the ISP to mail out to the customer a number of ADSL filters with instructions to connect them between extension sockets and POTS equipment.

The more savvy amongst us will use a central splitter/filter an a similar way to what I think you normally do in the US.

The problem here in getting the uninitiated to alter the wiring, is if they mess it up, the main phone company that looks after the local loop will charge heavily if they are called out.

Other problems are for historical reason's some properties don't have a recognised demarcation point between the Telco's wiring and customers own wiring

Another odd (unique?) feature is the master socket contains a capacitor that passes the AC ringing current to a third pin on each telephone socket to work the ringer, although most newer phones ignore this and sense the ringing from the line pair in the normal way, this third wire tends to adversely affect marginal DSL signals.

Oh and we don't use RJ11 jacks on the end of the cord, we use an odd UK connector that no doubt has a name, but it is so ubiquitous here it is simply called a phone plug.

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Graham.

%Profound_observation%
Reply to
Graham.

See

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George

Reply to
George Weston

thanks for all the responses here. I think that once funds allow, I'll be getting a Vonaq 500 tester. It's closer to my (recession-hit) budget and from what I gather it will provide the info I want from the line. If anyone has used one of these devices and wants to enlighten us all about it's pro's and con's go right ahead..

Reply to
tg

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