We did a bit of re-arranging today, and moved the computer desk. During the move, I un-plugged the six-year-old Alcatel ADSL 1000 “modem” and switched the phone cord for a shorter version, since it was now closer to the jack. A few frustrating hours without internet access later, I switched back to the original cord, in a final attempt to eliminate all the variables… and everything worked again. Closer examination reveals what many may know already: RJ-11 cords (standard telephone wire) may have either 2 wires or 4. Phone service only needs two wires; DSL needs (apparently) all four wires. Makes sense when you think about it, but then who does? I actually did know that most RJ-11 cords had only two wires in them, but never knew what the other “missing” two might be for. Well, if nothing else, DSL is the answer. Now you know.