A method for configuring a multi-port digital subscriber line (DSL) modem, the method begins by utilizing frequency bands of a single DSL channel to support a data communication when loop length of the single DSL channel and data rate of the data communication are favorable. The method continues by utilizing some of the frequency bands of the single DSL channel and frequency bands of at least one other DSL channel to support the data communication when the loop length of the single DSL channel is unfavorable or the data rate of the data communication is unfavorable.