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DSL

Homebrew DSL: The Sequel

Members of the ISP-DSL list discuss the extent to which you need your telco when setting up a direct DSL connection.

[Editor's note: We introduced this topic in "Roll Your Own DSL Connection?"]

[August 14, 2000]

On the ISP-DSL list in August, SP asked,

"Is it possible to set up a DSL connection between two users with a leased line, without the help of my phone company?"

DVB explained that it's possible through a homebrew DSL setup:

"All you need is what's called dry copper. The telco needs to take copper wire from one location and bind it directly to wire from another location, bypassing the switch. The intended purpose of these types of circuits is typically alarm service."

A number of respondents warned of the challenges of getting the telco to provide that kind of setup:

[DVB noted] "The real problem lies with getting the line itself: the idea of selling you a $20 circuit only to have you turn around and sell high-speed data service over it does not sit well with most telcos."

[BJ warned] "This setup can cause problems with other telco services — putting DSL in the same cable bundle as a T-1 can cause signal issues and outages. If you are purchasing alarm circuits and using them for DSL, the telco will disconnect your lines and you won't have any recourse."

[R added] "Alarm circuit tariffs have a stated bandwidth (0-3KHz); if you exceed the bandwidth then you violate the tariff. Let's say you have 500 DSL customers, and your telco finds the alarms circuits and stops your service. 500 customers are now cut off and you have no way of supplying them."

But others contended that the telcos' ability to block the setup is limited:

[DH noted] "If it doesn't cause interference, I don't think the telco has any recourse. The way our tariff is written, it doesn't appear they can do anything if it doesn't interfere."

[FA agreed] "You can read the Bell Atlantic tariff here (http://www.bellatlantic.com/tariffs_info/intra/efftar/nj/access/njas7/pdf/e_sec7-2.pdf). It pretty clearly says you can get what it calls 'metallic service' and use it for anything you like, including xDSL. If it causes interference, the telco must notify you and may disconnect the service, but you have the opportunity first to fix the problem."

 —End