DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line,
a broadband technology
that uses telephone lines and digital coding to create a connection
to the Internet from your computer. That link can carry vast
amounts of voice, video and data information at very high speeds.
How does DSL work?
DSL service providers use the same copper-based
lines that let
you make and receive telephone calls. To send data at high speeds
carriers use the lines at higher frequencies that telephone service
doesn't need. DSL modems are connected at both ends of the line.
The modems digitally divide your telephone line into three channels:
one for telephone traffic, one for upstream data from your computer
to the Internet and the third for downstream data traffic from the
Internet to your computer.
I understand that there are several forms of
DSL service.
What are they?
ADSL, HDSL, IDSL, SDSL, Universal DSL and VDSL.
ADSL (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line) is designed
primarily for the residential consumer market. The asymmetric
means that the connection transmits data at faster speeds
downstream from the Internet to your computer than upstream
from your computer to the Internet. This is because DSL users
rarely upload the same amounts of data as they download.
ADSL can support speeds up to 8 megabits per second (mbps)
downstream and up to 1 mbps upstream, although the connection
rarely approaches those marks.
HDSL (High-Speed Digital Subscriber Line) offers equally fast
upstream and downstream data-transmission speeds ranging
from 784 kbps to 2 mbps.
IDSL (ISDN Digital Subscriber Line) also offers equally fast
downstream and upstream speeds, but it's pegged at 144 kbps.
SDSL (Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line) offers similar
upstream and downstream speeds ranging from 385 kbps to
2 mbps.
Universal ADSL, which also is called "G.lite" service, is an
easy-to-install DSL service primarily marketed for residential use.
It supports downstream speeds of up to 1.5 mbps and upstream
speeds of up to 512 kbps.
VDSL (Very High Bit-Rate Digital Subscriber Line) offers
downstream speeds as high as 53 mbps and average upstream
speeds of 2 mbps.
I sometimes see the term xDSL. What's that?
It's a generic term for all forms
of DSL service spanning
transmission speeds from 128 kbps to 52 mbps.
How fast is a DSL connection?
The technology can deliver data ranging from 128
kbps to 7.1 mbps.
That IS six to 125 times faster than the standard dial-up connection
speed of 28.8 or 56 kbps. A DSL broadband connection enables you
to download huge files from the Internet in a fraction of the time it
takes a dial-up service, move from web site to web site as if you
were changing the channels on a TV set, access a growing range
of news, entertainment and information resources, including specialized
services being developed expressly to take advantage of broadband's
blazing speeds. You can do more in less time.
What does "always on" mean?
Once you've turned on your computer and
clicked on your DSL
connection to the Internet, you remain connected as long as your
computer remains on. There is no longer the need to dial a telephone
number and then wait for your modem to connect you to the Internet
every time you go online. An always-on connection lets you hop on
and off the world wide web whenever you want with no delay. You can
send an e-mail at a moments notice or access vast databases at the
flip of a switch.
What is DSL's biggest drawback?
A disadvantage of DSL is:
The speed that your DSL service provider boasts of for your
connection can vary within a range and the access speeds
that are quoted at maximum rates. The same thing happens
with modems and dial up accounts. Variations in speeds are
tied to the physical condition of the copper telephone line used
for your DSL connection or the number of computers hooked
up to your DSL link in your home or office.
Who offers DSL service?
Almost every telephone carrier in North
America and Europe
is at some stage of DSL deployment. That ranges from Bells
such as Qwest and SBC Communications to independent
companies such as GTE.
How much will a DSL connection cost me per
month?
Again, it varies. Your monthly bill will
depend on your connection's
speed and whether you've ordered extras like additional e-mail boxes.
A typical home user can expect to pay $27 to $50 a month for service.
Businesses can expect to pay from $100 to $200 a month.
What kind of equipment do I need?
First, a DSL modem, commonly called a "router"
is needed.
It is usually leased from your service provider and included in your
monthly bill. Also, your computer also must connect to the router,
which is done through an Ethernet cable that your DSL service
vendor usually provides. Finally, to transform a telephone line into
a high-speed data line, DSL equipment must be installed on both
ends of the line.
(at the customer premises and the local telephone central office).
Will a router run on my computer?
Most DSL companies require at least a Pentium
processor
and 40 megabytes of free space on your hard drive. If you purchased
your computer within the last five years, you will probably meet those
requirements.
How many DSL lines do I need?
You need one DSL connection for
every Internet connection you want.
With home networking more than one computer can share an Internet
connection.
Can I use more than one computer on my DSL
line?
Yes, but you will need unique High Speed
Internet User IDs and
passwords for each computer if they're used at the same time. Also,
be aware that using more than one computer at a time can slow
download speeds.
American International Telephonics, LLC
9903 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 373
Beverly Hills, California 90212 USA
1 800 600 6151 US & Canada +1 310 281 5539 +1 310 424 7149 Fax
