| Repair Tips
when using the BluegrassNet / BellSouth ADSL Network
This information was gathered for the purpose of helping any BluegrassNet users that are relying on the BellSouth
ADSL network for local transport. Remember, when you connect to BluegrassNet, you are using BluegrassNet for your Internet
layer, and BellSouth for the ADSL layer to get you to the BluegrassNet network. Below we've outlined a few of the things you
need to know about ADSL, along with some tips to make your ADSL trouble shooting easier.
The
quality of your ADSL service is dependant on a few factors:
A: The age of your home wiring.
B: The age of your NID (Network Interface Device located at the side
of your house)
C: Shorts or improperly wired phone jacks.
D: MLT or Line loop length. The length of wire from your home to the
DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer)
E: The operating system of your computer.
F: The hardware inside your computer.
G: The type of modem.
Here
are more detailed explanations of the reasons listed above:
A: The age of your home wiring can determine the quality of your ADSL service. Thicker wiring can actually be
detrimental to your service as well as corroded connections within junctions or wall jacks. Whenever possible, try and have a
dedicated pair of wires going from your NID to your ADSL Modem. Don't expect your ADSL technician to run a Home Run (dedicated
phone line) for you. IF you do, plan on being billed just like you would with Bellsouth. It's cheaper for you to run the wires
yourself and can prevent any type of accidental damage.
B: The age of your NID (Network Interface Device) is often determined
by the age of your home. Homes older then 15 years, may not even have a NID, they may only have simple connection blocks from
where the phone lines come in off the pole or come up
out of the ground. Moisture will also affect your ADSL signal so take
a moment and look for signs of mold on your phone lines where they connect to your home.
C: Shorts, crossed phone lines or improperly wired phone jacks can and
will cause problems even if your ADSL modem is in a different room. Purchase a phone line tester at your local hardware store
for a few dollars and test each phone jack for proper wiring.
D: The MLT (Major Line Test) or Line loop length of your phone line
from your home to the DSLAM your service will be connected to. It will also determine the quality of your service and the
bandwidth you will be able to transmit at. It will also determine what type of modem is best for your home or office.
1: 0 to 15,000 ft.................. Good signal strength, will work
with 3060 and 4060 modems.
2: 15,000 to 18,000 ft.......... Good signal strength, may have
a problem with 3060 and 4060 modems but will work great with ALCATEL
Speedstream or Speed Touch Home modems.
3: 18,000 to 21,000 ft.......... Fair to poor signal strength. Will
often work with ALCATEL Modems but will have very slow bandwidth speeds.
4: Above 21,000 ft............... Forget it. Unless you can convince
Bellsouth to install a remote DSLAM that will amplify the signal down the line.
E: The operating system of your computer will determine what type of
modem is best for your computer. It may also disqualify you from service if the modem is compatible with your operating system
or if it unsupported.
1: Windows 3.11 or Windows for workgroups........... Unsupported and
never will be.
2: Windows 95a....................................................
Will work with external ethernet modems.
3: Windows 95b....................................................
Will work with external ethernet modems.
4: Windows 98......................................................
Will work with external ethernet modems.
5: Windows 98se.................................................. Will
work with external ethernet modems.
6: Windows NT 3.51 or before................................ Not
supported.
7: Windows NT 4.0 or greater................................. Will
work with external ethernet modems.
8: Windows
ME.....................................................
Will work with external ethernet modems.
9: Windows 2000.................................................. Will
work with external ethernet modems.
10: Windows
XP.................................................... Will work with external
ethernet modems.
11: Windows
Vista................................................
Will work with external ethernet modems.
12: Mac OS 7.9 or lower........................................ Not
supported.
13: Mac OS 8.0 or 9.0........................................... Will
work with external ethernet modems.
14: Mac OSX.......................................................
Will work with external ethernet modems.
15: Linux.............................................................
Will work with external ethernet modems.
F: Certain
types of software can often cause problems with your ADSL
Service. The most common is the AOL software. If
the software isn't going to be used in conjunction with
the ADSL service it's best to just uninstall it so there
isn't any conflicts.
We hope that this document helps everyone out regarding ADSL and the
problems you might have. Remember, you can always call us at one of the numbers listed below. |
