BT Broadband Help
 

I am in the process of trying to install and configure BT broadband for a friend who lives some way away.

Her computer is a long way from the only available phone socket, she has in the past run a dialup using an old extension lead. This lead is very old, and is not of suitable quality to obtain the DSL connection...we can only get the modem/router thing to lock on by plugging it directly into the socket.

My question then is, are we better buying a new extension lead and running that to the PC, and connecting the modem/router there, or should we site the modem by the master socket and purchase a very long ethernet cable to go upstairs to the PC?

Re: BT Broadband Help
 

There is a limit of 100m to any ethernet cable lenght, more than enough for the average house.

It will come down to convenience of the location. If you want the modem near the PC, so you can see the flashing lights and know if it's doing something, then run a standard phone extension and attach the ADSL splitter to the end of that. If you are happy with the modem remote from the PC and ethernet cable is OK.

Of course it also depends on how you are routing the cable. Can you pull a ready made cable through holes, end plugs and all, ordo you want to feed a cable around, and then attach plugs or sockets. Unless you buy the special tool, expensive for a one off, self wiring may be a challenge.

Re: BT Broadband Help
 

Thanks Rob.

I think the cable will be just neatly tucked out of thee way, that's how the current set up is.

My main concern is, will having a long extension lead degrade the connection, if so then I'd be better with a long Ethernet.