Do DSL filters wear out??

[saimyc]

well do they?? I think my speed has slowed down, because of the filters
this could be a number of other reasons, but I'm really leaning toward the filters in my phone line.

is there any fact to this?

I run speed tests from Broadbandplace, toast.net, cnet, verizon, and a few others

my stated speed is 768down, and 128 up
in the beginning high 600's down up 138

recently high and mid 500's down 132 up

[BipolarBill]

I doubt it's the filters - never heard of that happening. Remember that DSL lines are routed right alongside normal analog voice lines. The monkeys that work on those voice lines have a tendency to be "bullish". Call your provider and complain.

[saimyc]

LOL good point, thanx!!!

[davewuk]

I'd guess nothing to do with the filters. Phone line quality is another matter though especially after any recent poor weather (damp etc)

Having said that, the filters are susceptible to problems as after all they are just electronic components - but normally they either work or don't!

[Nightblade]

DSL Filters will not wear out they would go completely defective instead.

A better ? is how many DSL Filters are you using, and did you add any lately or have you added anything else along the phone/DSL circuit?

If you have been having poor weather lately, its more than likely that your line is suffering from "water" related issues, especially if the problems clears up.

[gtaylor]

Also, your speed will be affected by the contention ratio. On home packages contention ratios are often 20:1 or even 50:1. Get a couple of new heavy users on that and everyone's speed slows down.

[Nightblade]

gtaylor,

Is that some UK thing, cause the only contention rates here (across the pond) are in remote DSLAM's that are fed by T-1's. 90% of C.O. based DSLAM's are connected to the ATM with DS-3's, and while DSLAM's are on the bottom of the food chain as far as ATM priority, most CO's can handle the DSL traffic easily.

[gtaylor]

Contention ratios may only be a feature of UK DSL provision. I can't really say what it is like in the states, just back here in Blighty.