What is a splitter?

The splitter is a small device that has three jacks one for the DSL modem, one for the voice line, and the third to connect to the DSL circuit. A splitter allows both the computer and the telephone line to the plug into the DSL circuit. It divides the circuit's bandwidth so the circuit can carry both the digital computer signals and the analog voice signals. The splitter is installed close to the place where the DSL circuit enters the customer location (called the Minimum Point of Entry, or MPOE). The splitter is installed between the MPOE and the DSL modem. There is corresponding splitter equipment at the telephone company office to separate the computer signals from the analog voice signals. The voice signals are connected into the telephone voice switches. The digital computer signals are connected to the DSL Access Multiplexer.  more

A splitter is the alternative setup for DSL and Voice in the same premise .. it sits at the NID, or entry point of the line to the premise, and splits off the data portion of the signal so that it can be run cleanly through the house. Generally, splitters support full rate ADSL if available, whereas filters limit top speed to a megabit or so.  more

A POTS splitter uses a low pass filter to separate the low end frequencies of the telephone audio spectrum from the higher frequencies of the xDSL signals. The splitter should be a passive device, not requiring power so that "life-line, voice service can be provided as has been in the past. This splitter allows for the traditional voice service that consumers are accustomed to. A splitter is required at both the customer premises and at the far end (CO). xDSL that does not use a POTS splitter on customer premises is termed "splitter-less xDSL". However, there really is no such thing as splitter-less xDSL. The splitter function in these cases is just performed at the provider, generally the CO. Whether a POTS splitter is required or not depends on the xDSL service being provided.  more

A POTS splitter uses a low pass filter to separate the low end frequencies of the telephone audio spectrum from the higher frequencies of the xDSL signals. The splitter should be a passive device, not requiring power so that "life-line, voice service can be provided as has been in the past. This splitter allows for the traditional voice service that consumers are accustomed to. A splitter is required at both the customer premises and at the far end (CO). xDSL that does not use a POTS splitter on customer premises is termed "splitter-less xDSL". However, there really is no such thing as splitter-less xDSL. The splitter function in these cases is just performed at the provider, generally the CO. Whether a POTS splitter is required or not depends on the xDSL service being provided.  more