If you’re first installing DSL service and it’s coming through your phone line, then you’ll most likely need a visit from the phone company to come out with a splitter. You may also use a filter at the telephone devices but the ease is placed on the splitter so that you can keep it all in or near your interface so that way you can run separate cords to your CPU and your phone without having to attach splitters on the devices themselves.

Many of today’s ISP’s will merely provide a splitter as part of your “self installation” kit. This does a number of things; it keeps them from having to send out a costly technician to your home; it also places the burden squarely on the shoulders of the customer; it also allows them to save the time of waiting to schedule an appointment with a technician. So while not ideal, doing the self install does have its plusses and minuses.

The DSL splitter schematic is not very complicated and allows anyone with a cursory knowledge of basic electronics the ability to install it themselves. If you’ve got a flat head screwdriver, some wire cutters, and know where your NID is located in your house, you should be all set.

You may be lucky enough to have a splitter installed already; then your only concern is getting a separate cable path to the DSL modem/router location. Another concern should be your cable specs. If you’ve got older “JK” quad cables, those won’t meet the specs for faster digital technology. You really need CAT3 or CAT5; if you’re unsure about your cables, you should have your DSL company send a technician out to your home; make sure you’re there when the technician is there so you can ask questions and watch what they do, for your future information.

Tyco electronics is one who makes DSL splitters and filters. You should check with your provider and make sure that the splitter you’re having installed or being sent is of comparable quality; you don’t want your online service to fail because of faulty equipment. Then not only will they dawdle sending someone out, no doubt; but your online fees will continue uninterrupted! So not only will you be waiting for them to send out replacement equipment but to add insult to injury your charges will continue even though you’re not receiving service!