We are working on help documents for our DSL customers. For now understand that 90% of the time if you are having any problems with your DSL connection performing the following steps in this precise order will solve your problems.

• Power-off your router.
• Power off your DSL modem. Leave it off for 30 seconds.
• Power-on your DSL modem making sure all of the cables and connections are secure. Wait 30 seconds.
• Power-on your router.
• If your computer is still not able to access the Internet try rebooting your computer as well.

Many people wish to test the performance of the DSL line. Many sites on the net provide this service but the results are terribly skewed and mis-represent the performance. There are just too many variables affecting the performance of a distant site with your local network. A better test is to run the speed test from one of our servers (see the link below). By running your performance test from our servers you eliminate many of the other variables that we can not control. If your performance is less than you expect here are some tips:

• Reboot your router - consumer routers tend to suffer performance issues the longer they are up. We suggest a weekly reboot of your broadband Ethernet router.
• Eliminate all but the computer you are running your test on from the network to make sure you do not have a local networking issue.

DSL uses a clever technology to allow broadband Internet access over the same copper line you use for your telephone. The down side of this is that your telephone equipment can cause some problems for your broadband connection. For this reason DSL modems ship with a small supply of DSL filters. These filters are designed to be connected inline between your existing phone plug and the wall jack. In the early days of DSL these filters really weren't a big deal and we really only pushed their use with FAX machines. However, today with DSL over ATM technology filters are more important. OWT suggests that EVERY phone, FAX machine, modem or satellite receiver be connected to the phone line with a filter connected. If your DSL is running slow or has any reliability issues we urge you to make sure all standard phone equipment is connected through a filter. If you can't find your filters please contact tech support and we will try to help you out.