ADSL cable minimum length?

Scougar · 27 Jul 2011 at 10:36

What's the minimum length for adsl modem cable attached to the master socket? I'm only asking, as I tried a 10cm cable from an adsl splitter and it didn't work (which I thought was odd), so is there a minimum length between the master socket and the adsl modem/router ?

I'm about to cut down my round 10 metre cable (24 AWG) RJ11 cable to the minimum if there is one.

Scougar · 27 Jul 2011 at 11:05

That's exactly what I was thinking Tealc, as there are not any electronics as such (other than the socket which doesn't really count?) between the exchange and my router as I see it. Thinking about it, I'm sure I've tried using another (longer) cable with the BT router before, and it didn't work... so I used the BT supplied cable and it worked... odd.

I will cut it down to a metre and go from there :-)

Scougar · 27 Jul 2011 at 11:46

Also.. the cable I'm using I think is a 'high speed modem cable'. I don't know if that means it's shielded or not, but the numbers on it are e166307 75C <UL> 24AWG VW-1 'C' refers to degress celcius btw.

Update: I have now cut up my 10 metre cable and made two 1.8m (6ft) cables. One RJ11 to RJ11 cable, and one RJ11 to telephone jack cable. I have about 8 metres left.

I took some pictures (why not eh?!) and

I'll call it braiding.. but it's not really braided per se, perhaps a bit of reinforcement?

Foil wrapped! :-)

Check!

Twisted pairs for reduced interference? Check!

One of the completed crimped RJ11 (I'm a noob so used pliers to help get the sheath in.)

Scougar · 27 Jul 2011 at 17:14

I wouldn't imagine the BT lines are 'normally' subject to such close proximity electrical interference such as household appliances. I'm right next to the plug sockets so any protection will help :-)

Plus, the cable was 99p in a clearance a year ago and I hadn't used it, so I thought why not. Bear in mind I'm also on a very long line so anything extra is a bonus :-)

Scougar · 27 Jul 2011 at 21:05

Cable works just dandy :-)

Scougar · 28 Jul 2011 at 11:28

I have plenty of cable left (and colleague has just sold me some more RJ11's), so I'll make a 20cm - 30cm cable and see if it helps at all.