Installing the DSL Splitter Near the DSL Modem/Router

In the diagrams on this page,

pair 1 (wht/blu) = "voice" connections for line one
pair 2 (wht/org) = "voice" connections for line two (if present)
pair 3 (wht/grn) = DSL data connections
pair 4 (wht/brn) = line connection from the NID to the splitter

Where possible, I would recommend actually using the pairs shown for the purposes indicated. That should minimize the need for rewiring jacks to complete your DSL installation and will make it as simple as possible if it is necessary to remove DSL service in the future.

Where "DSL" appears on this page, it always refers to ADSL.

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If you have a star topology, you have the option of placing your splitter near your DSL modem/router without a great deal of difficulty. Some of us have a compulsive need to be able to unplug things. If you fall in that category, this is the wiring arrangement for you! For this type installation, you would use a splitter intended for indoor installation with modular jack connections. The wiring required to locate the splitter near your DSL modem/router is not a great deal different that the wiring to place the splitter at the hub/junction point. In fact the cable connections and cross-connects at the hub would be identical.

The three things are significantly different for this type installation:

The cable from your 66-block or other hub/junction device is much longer to run all the way to the jacks where the splitter will be located.
The splitter cable will terminate at jacks rather than connecting directly to the splitter.
Short modular patch cords will connect the DSL "LINE" from the jack to the splitter and the "VOICE/PHONE" side of the splitter to a jack that returns the phone line to the hub for distribution to the other jacks in the house. The "indoor" or "desktop" splitter has a "DSL/MODEM" jack for DSL data that is connected directly to the modem/router.

This arrangement allows you to easily do two things that you might find useful from time to time.

You can remove the "VOICE" patch cord to completely remove all the house phone jacks from the circuit. Of course, that means you won't be able to place and receive calls on that line. However, you should achieve the absolute maximum DSL speed capability of your DSL line. This is more of a troubleshooting procedure if/when your DSL speeds decrease significantly. It's probably not a good idea leave the "VOICE" disconnected very long unless you have another phone line.
You can connect a short patch cord directly from the wall "LINE" jack to the wall "VOICE" jack to remove all DSL equipment from the line (including the splitter). This could help you determine if a troublesome telephone device works without the splitter and modem/router connected. This can be very useful if you have trouble with a fax or dialup modem.

Note: If you have an alarm system, even if you have a star topology, you may find it preferable to use a splitter near the NID, so that you don't have to reconfigure the connections to the RJ 31X jack.

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Installing the DSL Splitter Near the DSL Modem/Router

Did this web page save you a pile of money? Help support it by clicking here.

Did this web page save you a pile of money?
Help support it by clicking here.