How to Troubleshoot DSL Modem

DSL stands for Digital Subscribers Lines and is used to provide the high speed internet connectivity to the home and business users. The high speed of the DSL has made the internet so convenient and it can be used to access any type of online applications, flash games, entertainment related stuff and media on the internet. Today, high speed internet access is in great demand for data, voice and video communication through the broadband technologies like DSL and Cable net etc.  

DSL offers a typically faster speed than the dial up connections and the speed normally ranges from 128 KB to 1.5 mbps.  It allows you to access the internet and place/receive the phone calls at the same time. Sometimes DSL modems gets some problems, which can be categorized into two main categories modem synchronization but no surfing and modem does not sync at all.  Synchronization stands for establishing a session between the DSL modem at your premises and DSL equipment at the local telephone exchange.

 In this article you will learn that how to troubleshoot DSL modem related problems.  Some of the biggest manufacturers of the DSL modems are D-Link, LinkSys, Alcatel, Cisco, 3Com, Ericssion, Nortel and Shark.  The following troubleshooting techniques can be applied to the modem of any manufacturer.

Setting up DSL Modem

If you are using the Ethernet DSL modem for the first time and it’s not working then simply follow the below steps to setup it.

• Turn off your computer, hub/switch and DSL modem.
• Now turn on the DSL modem first and give it 2-3 minutes for the synchronization.
• After it successfully syncs turn the power of your hub/switch on.
• Turn on your computer.
• Start surfing the internet and if you can browse and check your emails then everything is alright with your DLS connection.

Note:  If your DSL modem does not sync then put the DSL filters on every jack of your telephone line.

Sync Troubleshooting

Try to insert the DSL telephone jack directly into the DSL modem and bypass the extension.
Replace the modem and telephone jack with other one and check the status of the sync.
If you do not get the sync by inserting the telephone jack directly into your modem then call technical support of your DSL service providers.

No Surfing Troubleshooting

If you notice that your DSL modem has been synced but there is no surfing and you cannot check your emails either then perform it can be due to the following reasons.

• Your modem is misconfigured or incompatible. Call the help desk support of your DSL service providers.
• Your LAN card may be faulty, misconfigured or incompatible.  Replace the LAN card with the new one and reconfigure it.  Restart your equipments and check surfing.
• If you are still unable to browse then turn off the firewall and check again.

General Troubleshooting Tips

To troubleshoot the common surfing, sync and other problems perform the following actions.

• Restart all your equipments.
• Check all cables and power supply.
• Unplug the power cable for your DSL modem for 15 to 20 seconds.
• Reset your modem.
• Check indicator lights.
• Check the network settings.