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DSL Can Interfere with Your Alarm System

DSL sends and receives data from the internet using the high frequency spectrum of your telephone line. The lower frequency of the same telephone line is used for your regular voice calls. This enables you to use the internet and talk on the phone at the same time. DSL is an "always on" connection, meaning that you are always connected to the internet, even when your computer is not is use.

This constant stream of information to and from the internet can interfere with your alarm system's internal modem, disrupting the data communications between the system and the monitoring station. Thus, the alarm system may not be able to communicate reliably with the monitoring station to report events. Installing a special DSL filter (specifically made for alarm systems) inside the system's control panel will allow both the alarm system and your DSL to work properly.

These special DSL filters can be installed by the customer or by an alarm technician.

Alarm System DSL Filter Installation

The DSL Filter for your alarm system will need to be installed inside your alarm system control panel. The control panel is a large metal box containing the wiring, processor and battery back-up for your alarm system. It may be mounted in a closet, basement, or utility room. Some alarm system control panels require a key to unlock and open them.

Inside the control panel you will find the phone connection for your alarm system, consisting of a phone jack (usually beige) and phone cord as shown at right.

You will install the alarm-specific DSL filter in between the existing phone cord and jack as shown below: