XTE-2005 - is a microfilter needed here??

[mike136]

Hi,

I'm about to install a XTE-2005 faceplate to my master socket, which will then have my only phone plugged into the front 'phone' socket

I also have a dedicated extension (i.e. no phone attached to it) running upstairs to my ADSL modem.  I understand that I must re-wire this extension to the un-filtered terminals (A + B) to allow the digital signal through.

Question:
Can I then run a 'phone' cable from the upstairs socket (normal, unfiltered) directly into my ADSL modem, or do I still need to attach one of those 2-way fiters and use the 'DSL' socket on it?

I'm not 100% sure how these things work, I've a feeling you only need them if you want to attach a phone onto a particular extension.  Am I correct?

P.S.  I am aware of the marginal benefits of plugging the modem directly into the XTE-2005 'DSL' faceplate socket, however, I need the modem next to my PC with an ethernet connection, and the router's additional ethernet ports available at this location too.

Many thanks
Mike

[kinmel]

you will not need a filter for the A+B extension.

[Steve]

Have you considered mains networking "homeplugs" it would allow you to plug your router directly into the filtered faceplate and then take the ethernet connection from any suitable mains socket.If you require additional ports the "homeplugs" can be used in conjunction with an ethernet switch

[mike136]

Thanks for the 2 replies.

Steve: I'll take a look into the "homeplugs" option, new to me.

However, I have one further question related to running additional phone extensions to the DSL router:

Q2: I've read many people say it's better (in terms of the ADSL connection speed) to plug the router into the XTE-2005 faceplate and then connect to the PC via wireless or ethernet (versus running additional phone cable to the modem).  However, surely an additional 20m (max) of phone cable will not add any significant signal  deterioration, when the phone line has already come, in my case, at least 2km from the exchange?  I understand that the shorter the cable run the better, but when the internal extension is only 1% of the 'outside' line length will the signal only suffer a similar loss of performance (i.e. 1% in this example)?  Any comments?

Thanks again
Mike

[Steve]

The risk with a long extension cable inside the house is that it may act as an aerial for any "noise" produced inside the house i.e microwaves,fridges etc. This noise may then interact with the adsl signal leading to a reduction in broadband performance and disconnections . People have had some success with a shielded or coax cable runs to the router from the master socket on a long run.

[mike136]

Thanks Steve,

that makes sense.

Q3.  If I pluged the router into the extension socket and faceplate (separately) and record the attenuation and SNR values for each connection, would I notice any differences IF an 'aerial effect' is present?

Cheers
Mike

[Colin Burns]

do u happen to have a plug near your master sockect as if you do you could have the router next to the master sockect and run a Cat5 or 6 network cable up to your main computer.

[davej99]

Hi,

I'm about to install a XTE-2005 faceplate to my master socket, which will then have my only phone plugged into the front 'phone' socket

I also have a dedicated extension (i.e. no phone attached to it) running upstairs to my ADSL modem.  I understand that I must re-wire this extension to the un-filtered terminals (A + B) to allow the digital signal through.

Question:
Can I then run a 'phone' cable from the upstairs socket (normal, unfiltered) directly into my ADSL modem, or do I still need to attach one of those 2-way fiters and use the 'DSL' socket on it?

I'm not 100% sure how these things work, I've a feeling you only need them if you want to attach a phone onto a particular extension.  Am I correct?

P.S.  I am aware of the marginal benefits of plugging the modem directly into the XTE-2005 'DSL' faceplate socket, however, I need the modem next to my PC with an ethernet connection, and the router's additional ethernet ports available at this location too.

Many thanks
Mike

In this situation I fitted a secondary filtered face plate to the AB extension providing Adsl and phone outputs. I found that attenuation and noise was no different between primary and secondary outlets, probably for the reasons you mention, provided it is twisted pair. A filter blocks high frequency noise getting to the telephone and prevents local telephone equipment from interfering with the modem. The filter is usually an adsl signal pass through, so if all phones have a filter one is not needed at the modem on a dedicated modem AB extension.

[Steve]

Thanks Steve,

that makes sense.

Q3.  If I pluged the router into the extension socket and faceplate (separately) and record the attenuation and SNR values for each connection, would I notice any differences IF an 'aerial effect' is present?

Cheers
Mike

The interference is likely to be intermittent and thanks to Colin for providing the easiest alternative- run some ethernet cable

[Tacitus]

The interference is likely to be intermittent and thanks to Colin for providing the easiest alternative- run some ethernet cable

If, for cosmetic reasons white cable is preferred, you can get white ethernet cable cut to length here.

[mike136]

Hi Guys,

thanks for all the advice and explanations, much appreciated.

It appears that running an ethernet cable from the router (plugged in at the faceplate) is going to be the most reliable solution.  To enable further ethernet ports at the PC location I guess I'll need to install a switch here.

However, there's no practical route inside the house (concrete floors - and the need to avoid trunking), therefore up the outside wall and into the loft may be needed.  I guess I can get externally rated CAT5e somewhere?

Cheers
Mike

[Rik]

Here, for example, Mike:

http://www.homestead.co.uk/productcategorydetail.aspx?CategoryID=51012

You might want to future proof and go to Cat 6.

[mike136]

Thanks Rik,

they sell it cut-to-length, very handy!

Mike

[MisterW]

Now here's a thought...
Could you not replace your existing extension cable with Cat5 using the same routing, leaving sufficient length at each end to allow for connection to the router and potential switch. Then temporarily connect one of the pairs to the XTE-2005 faceplate and existing extension socket. Then try the router in both the extension socket and directly in the XTE-2005 and see if there is any difference in synch and SNR. You may find that having ensured that your extension cable is of good quality ( i.e Cat5 twisted pair ) then there is very little difference in signal quality at the extension and you dont need to go to all the hassle and expense of moving the router and using a network connection and switch etc. On the other hand if the signal does deteriorate significantly then you already have the Cat5 installed , you just need to terminate it and get a switch.

[Colin Burns]

The interference is likely to be intermittent and thanks to Colin for providing the easiest alternative- run some ethernet cable

its weird how the illogical mind works when its sleep deprived and had a few pints 

[Tacitus]

they sell it cut-to-length, very handy!

I know they sell cut-to-length Cat5 but I'm not sure about external Cat6, which I think they only sell by the roll.