Broadband. Urrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!!!!!!!!

[Yaish]

OK. It is a router, as the modem is in the computer (I haven't changed this since the days when I wasn't on broadband, so the modem isn't a separate 'add-on'). I did try plugging directly into the wall socket but all I got was a 'no internet connection' message (or similar - can't remember now). I have two phones, one in here, and one in another room, both with filters. There are two sockets on these filters. The modem plugs into the socket on the filter next to the socket for the phone. But not to worry. I'll get onto BT.
Oddly enough it has been very wet here over the last few weeks. Almost a case of 'wrong kind of rain' (British joke).

Different type of modem. The modem in your computer is a 56k dial-up modem, wont work at all for DSL. The box you are plugging into for the DSL is the modem you are using.

[Bob C]

Different type of modem. The modem in your computer is a 56k dial-up modem, wont work at all for DSL. The box you are plugging into for the DSL is the modem you are using.

Correct. The modem is the box the DSL provider gave you. A DSL line from outside should plug into it and and a cable from that box should plug into the network port on your computer.

Trying to plug the DSL cable directly into the built-in 56k modem will get you nowhere.

Sounds like the modem is bad. Call your provider and tell them to give you a new one.

[Archangel]

I know that when I first had DSL, the technician told me that the circuit cards at the local junction were not robust enough and that they could be knocked offline by excessive moisture. Sure enough every time the weather was inclement the DSL went out; once the cards were replaced with newer ones the problem went away. It might be worth asking about when you talk to BT.

Respectfully, they've given you a line. Ooops, not a pun. They've also given you something outside of your house that they have to fix. If you can hear any static or noise on the line, your DSL won't work. They have to fix the line.