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What Is a DSL Filter? How Does It Work?

What is a DSL filter, and how does it work? If you have a DSL internet connection, you might need to use a DSL filter to improve your internet connection.

A DSL filter is a small device used to strengthen and improve the internet connection you get from DSL – Digital Subscriber Line. DSL internet comes from your telephone line.

It is not to be confused with a dial-up internet connection, which occupies your phone line and disrupts phone calls when you use the net.

We’re experts at all things internet here at Get Internet, and we’ve done all the research to help you understand what is a DSL filter, and how does it work?

DSL Filters – What Are They?

If you have DSL internet and you experience a lot of slow speeds, lost or unstable connections, and problems making a phone call and using the internet at the same time, you might need a DSL filter.

Usually, when you first sign up for your DSL service, your phone provider will supply a DSL filter for you to hook up; a technician might hook one up if you have your service professionally installed.

But if you find that you didn’t get one or the one you have is broken, you can get a new DSL filter from your phone provider. Just give them a call or send an email and they can deliver it right to your door. Installation is super easy!

How Do DSL Filters Work?

If you use DSL internet, you might frequently experience problems with your connectivity. This problem could be due to interference that occurs between the internet connection and your phone line.

DSL filters are analog low-pass filters that reduce the interference you experience when trying to use the same phone line as a provider for both your phone and the internet. Using a filter will increase your speed and improve your connections.

With a filter or a splitter, the connection is strengthened because the power is appropriately diverted. You no longer experience interruptions in your connection.

Don’t Use a DSL Filter if You Have a Splitter

Some phone companies install a splitter when they hook up your service. This little device splits the connection into two separate sections, so the proper frequencies are delivered to the right area.

If you already have a splitter installed, you don’t need to use a DSL filter. Unlike the DSL filter, a novice wouldn’t be able to install a splitter. If you want to self-install, it’s recommended to use the DSL filter instead as they are simple to install.

How to Install a DSL Filter

Installing your DSL filter is quite simple. Even a novice could do it. You start by disconnecting your phone line at the wall jack. Now, you plug the DSL filter into the port. Then connect the phone line into the filter.

There’s nothing to configure or set up. Once you’re plugged up, you should start seeing results. Do not try and connect your modem straight into the jack, as this will result in a poor DSL internet connection.

In most cases, you’ll only need a one-line DSL filter. But if you’ll be hooking up your alarm system or fax machine to your DSL, along with your phone, you’ll want a two-line filter instead.

You’ll also want to use a DSL filter on every port that will be connecting to a phone or dial-up machine. Everything except your modem should have a connection to a filter.

Benefits of a DSL Filter

When you rely on DSL to keep your family connected, you might find yourself in need of a DSL filter if you’re experiencing problems with your speed or connection.

Your connection needs something that will help filter the high frequencies that DSL uses to power your internet. When you don’t have something separating the high wave frequencies from the low wave frequencies that work telephones, you can end up with problems.

In addition to slow speeds and weak internet signal, you might also experience problems using your telephone, such as:

• Static
• Noise
• Squeaking
• Caller ID failure

Cost of a DSL Filter

DSL filters are quite cheap, typically costing less than $10, and they’re available at most retail stores and online if you don’t want to wait around to get one from your telephone provider.

You can even get multipacks that have more than one filter in case you need to hook up more than one line in your house. These devices have a pretty good lifespan, so while it won’t hurt to keep an extra one on hand for emergencies, once you install your DSL filter, it should last a long time.

DSL Filters are Simplistic and Hands Off

The remarkable thing about DSL filters is that there is no need for calibration or setting up, once you install the filter in your phone jack. These mechanisms are always on, which means you can automatically connect to the internet.

There’s no need to log into software or launch a program to establish an internet connection. You stay connected as long as you keep your modem hooked up to your phone line. They require zero maintenance and rarely quit working.

Despite always working, a DSL filter will not affect your power bill or internet usage. It does not need batteries or a power supply. So you can plug this device into as many phone ports as you have without worrying about negative effects.

Improve Your DSL Internet with a DSL Filter

If you’ve noticed problems with your phone and internet connection, check to see if you have a DSL filter or splitter already hooked up to your phone jack.

If you don’t currently have a filter or splitter connected to your modem or phone lines, you might want to consider installing a DSL filter. These nifty little devices are a breeze to put in and don’t require any maintenance or upgrades once installed. Plug it in and watch your internet and phone performance increase.