Another ADSL-related question

[Shrubbery]

I don't yet have a BT phone socket in my computer room, and I'll want to get an extension done "properly" by BT so that when I have problems in future they won't be able to just blame it on my cabling and not do anything about it :)

The question is, until I can get a proper extension sorted out, am I likely to have any problems with simply running a temporary plug-into-the-phone-socket extension cable up to my computer room? Given that it wouldn't be wired directly into the socket I can quite believe that there will be some signal loss through the connector.

Anybody have any experience of this? Any guidance appreciated :)

[Vincero]

As long as the extension is not ridiculously long and is of a decent enough quality (ie. one that isn't older than you and has taken a few years of abuse) then you shouldn't notice a difference in performance at all.

[Shrubbery]

Probably about 10m, and since I can't find the one I used to use with 56k a few years back, it will inevitably be a new one.

Sounds encouraging, ta :)

[cahonis]

So long as it is a BT extension cable and no longer than 10m u shouldn't notice any degradation in signal.

[-RV-]

My ADSL hub/router is running off an extension cable and its at least 10m long if not longer. No problems here, you should be fine.

[Dalehead]

If cost isn't a problem, consider wireless?

A BT engineer charges about £60 to fit a socket (unless its a new install) and you could get a nice wireless router and PCI card for a little under £100.

Nice option, and no wires at all :)

[Shrubbery]

Hmmm, interesting idea...I already have a wireless router which sits upstairs hanging off my cable socket, so I could move that downstairs without having to stump up for the access point bit of your equation.

Some reasons why probably not though:

1) I have 2 fixed PCs upstairs and a roaming laptop...only the laptop currently has a wireless card, so the saving on the router is offset by the need to get 2 wireless cards.

2) When dialing in to work from home I have to go via 56k and my Win98 PC, so replacing my upstairs NTL phone socket with a BT one will be convenient.

3) We like to have a phone upstairs for normal use, currently this is not a cordless phone so again upstairs socket is convenient.

4) My current wireless setup is a nuisance, I lose connection frequently, I think this is due to thick internal walls and it is most noticeable in the room where the BT socket currently is...so I would definitely need to sort this problem out.

Nice thinking though :)

All in all I'll go with the temprary extension for the moment, if ADSL isn't better than NTL I'll dump it as it is more expensive, and no point spending anything more than the necessary minimum till I have decided that. If I end up keeping it I'll decide what else to do at that point.

[Shrubbery]

Ooo, literally just got my activation email, presumably this time round I actually managed to pass the line test...better rush out and buy some kit!

Exciting.... :)