DSL
All About DSL!
The Best Source of Information on DSL
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The all about DSL page!
What is This Page About? - The all about DSL page is the source of information on DSL or "digital subscriber lines," the latest technology which can bring the Internet into your home and office over existing wiring.

So What is DSL?
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is a service that offers a faster Internet connection than a standard dial-up connection. DSL is about the same cost as having a second phone line and paying an additional $21.95/month for Internet access. DSL technology uses existing 2-wire copper telephone wiring to deliver high-speed data services to businesses and homes.

This technology uses existing the copper pair wiring that exists in almost every home and office. Special hardware attached to both the user and switch ends of line allows data transmission over the wires at far greater speed than the standard phone wiring.

How Does DSL Work?
A DSL modem on your phone line splits your single phone line into two frequencies - one for data and one for voice. This allows you to make and receive phone calls without interrupting the Internet connection. Over any given link, the maximum DSL speed is determined by the distance between the customer site and the Central Office.DSL operates at speeds from 144 Kbps to 1.54 Mbps, even faster, up to 6.0 Mbps--so customers can choose the rate that meets their specific needs.

At the customer premises, a DSL router or modem connects the DSL line to a local-area network (LAN) or an individual computer. Once installed, the DSL router provides the customer site with continuous connection to the Internet.

Remember, DSL uses the existing phone line and in most cases does not require an additional phone line. The DSL service attaches to your existing phone line. This gives 24/7 access and does not tie up the phone line and cause it to have a busy signal.

How to Fix your Internet Connection - Click here!

What does DSL mean for me?
At your home or at the office, DSL gives you great data transmission speed for a reasonable price. In addition, it is a constant connection so you have access to the Internet and e-mail 24/7. There is no need you to dial in to your ISP each time you want to get on-line. These digital services will ultimately be used to deliver bandwidth-intensive applications like video on demand and distance learning.

More immediately, today DSL is for the first time putting high-speed Internet access within the reach of small and medium-size businesses. DSL takes existing voice cables that connect customer premises to the phone company's central office (CO) and turns them into a high-speed digital link.

If DSL is so great, why isn’t everyone doing it?
Because connection speeds can vary, many people prefer the fixed speed of an ISDN or a T1. In addition, DSL is not available in many areas because of distance from a Central Office or because the local telephone companies have not yet introduce this product. But with DSL technology developing this rapidly, we expect that many telephone companies will be introducing it and that efforts will be made to improve the transmission over greater distances.

What Options are Available for DSL Service?
Currently there are a number of related technologies available for provision of DSL service. There is aDSL, which stands for asymmetrical DSL. aDSL is characterized by speeds that are faster when you are downloading information (such as when you view web pages or listen to music on the internet) than the upload speed (which is the speed with which you send email or files to your friends).

The other DSL technology is symmetrical DSL, which has equally fast speeds both for upload and for download.

In general, aDSL is less expensive option and recommended for home users. Home users do very little of uploading, so for most there is no reason to pay extra for the higher upload speed.

For business DSL, where much uploading is done, symmetrical DSL is recommended, which is a bit more expensive but provides great value for those who need faster speed on uploads.

There are many varieties of DSL technology (generally described with the term "xDSL"). DSL.net provides the optimal business-to-business solution, SDSL.

SDSL (Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line) —This technology provides the same bandwidth in both directions, upstream and downstream. That means whether you're uploading or downloading information, you have the same high-quality performance. SDSL provides transmission speeds within a T1/E1 range, of up to 1.5 Mbps at a maximum range of 12,000 to 18,000 feet from a central office, over a single-pair copper wire. This option is ideal for small- and medium-sized businesses that have an equal need to download and upload data over the Internet.

Other varieties of digital subscriber lines include:
ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) — This technology reports a downstream speed, but its upstream speed is a fraction of the downstream. Primarily used in residential applications and many providers do not guarantee its bandwidth levels.

RADSL (Rate Adaptive Digital Subscriber Line) —This technology automatically adjusts the access speed based upon the condition of the line.

IDSL (ISDN Digital Subscriber Line) —This technology is symmetrical, similar to SDSL, but operates at slower speeds and longer distances.

HDSL (High-Data-Rate Digital Subscriber Line) —This technology is symmetrical, but is mainly deployed for PBX over a T-1 line.

VDSL (Very-High-Rate Digital Subscriber Line) —This is a high-speed technology, but has a very limited range.

Are there additional services available that come with DSL?
Yes, there are a number of value services that you can get with your DSL service. Some things to think about is whether you need dedicated IP number, which stays with you all the time; whether you want to share the DSL line between two computers, for a small additional fee or whether you want to pay more and get separate DSL services for each computer (you will need separate phone lines for each then). In addition, you can order web site space and additional email addresses with your DSL service to name a few. Availability and selection of optional services varies with each DSL service provider so check with your provider for details.

Can I get DSL?
Currenlty, over 75% of metropolitan customers nationwide can obtain DSL service. In less densely settled areas, DSL service is less available, but please check below using our DSL Number Qualifier form.

In general, current technology allows delivery of DSL up to 1500 m from the closest phone switch box. New technologies are on the way that will increase this distance to twice of what is currently feasible.

Do I Need to Install an Extra Phone Line?
No you do not need an additional phone line to get DSL. DSL is available over your current phone line. The major benefit of DSL aside from lighting-fast speed and access to the Internet 24/7 is that you can use DSL in "background" while talking on the phone on the same phone line. Unlike various internet technologies, there is no trade of with quality of voice or internet connection.

What if DSL is NOT Available in my area?
Wireless Satellite Internet connections are perfect for business and residential users who want reliability and high speed internet access. Satellite services use multiple satellites to connect you to the Internet. Because of high-redundancy in satellite architechture, the service is very reliable.

Unlike DSL and related technologies, Satellite Internet Connections are available anywhere in the world.

Like with DSL, your internet connection is “always-on”, 24x7. Downstream speeds, which affect the viewing of web pages or the downloading of files, are engineered for speeds up to more than 384 Kbps. The connection speed depends on the service plan you choose.

As with any Internet connection, actual speeds will vary based on usage and traffic patterns and will at certain times be faster than other times.

Test your bandwidth: If you want to know how your Web connection stacks up? ZDnet bandwidth meter will test your connection and compare it to DSL, cable modems, and more. Test your connection speed here.

 

DSL Q & A:

Q. Do I need a second phone line with DSL?

A. In most cases DSL can work over your existing phone line. The type of implementation depends on where you live. In any case, you will still be able to use your existing phone line for your voice calls and keep your same telephone number.

Q. Can I talk on the phone while connected to my DSL line?

A. Yes! DSL will either provide DSL service on your existing phone line or bring a new data line into your home for your DSL, depending on where you live. In either case, you will be able to use your existing home telephone line for phone calls while you're surfing the web. Just like having a dual phone lines.

Q. How fast is DSL compared to traditional modems?

A. It is 13 to 50 times faster than a 28.8Kbps analog modem. You get a minimum downstream connection speed of 384Kbps. Under optimal conditions - such as close distance to the telephone switching office and good quality phone lines - speeds may reach up to 1.5Mbps downstream with 128Kbps upstream. Actual speed depends on your distance from the serving central office and the quality of the line you're using.

Q. Are DSL speeds guaranteed?

A. Internet conditions may affect the actual throughput rate you're likely to experience. We will make every attempt to connect your service at the optioned speed. However, it is important to note that DSL service is provided with a best effort (unspecified bit rate) Quality of Service on the ATM backbone, and as such, doesn't guarantee a specific throughput rate.

Q. How does DSL compare to cable modems?

A. Cable modems run over coaxial cable lines. Cable is service only offered by your local cable provider (usually only one choice is available) and is considered to be a form of Internet sharing. The number of users online determines access speeds from cable service. However, in most cases cable modems are faster than DSL.

Q. Is my DSL connection secure?

A. The Internet is a great resource for entertainment and education, but anyone with an Internet connection is vulnerable to attacks by hackers or computer viruses. The perfect solution to ensure your safety and protect your privacy is for you to install a good Firewall.

Q. Why do I need protection when I'm online?

A. Anyone with an Internet connection is vunerable to attacks by hackers or computer viruses. The increasing sophistication of hackers as well as the increasing number of e-mail viruses make any Internet-connected PC a potential target. If you have dial-up service or DSL connection to the Web, you need to protect yourself. Valuable information - like financial statements, bank account and credit card data, personal details and more - can easily be extracted from your computer when you're online. Instantly on connections, like DSL, cable or ISDN, are especially vulnerable to attacks

Q. What's a Firewall?

A. A Firewall is a virtual wall between your computer and the Internet. When you dial into the Internet, you establish a connection through which information passes. A hacker can access your machine through this connection. Your Firewall makes your computer invisible, so hackers can't find you. Firewalls have been used by governments and major corporations for years. Now, they are available to protect you, as well.

Q. What type of information can computer hackers steal?

A. Computer hackers can steal, delete, or rewrite any information on your computer: passwords, bank account information, software -- anything and everything on your hard drive. They can even use your computer to attack a business or Web site IN YOUR NAME. Firewall protects your computer's hard drive, keeping hackers out and your personal information safe.

Q. How do hackers find me?

A. Hackers can use scanning software readily available on the Internet. They use this software to scan thousands of IP addresses every minute. Once your IP address is isolated, hackers can try to browse the contents of your computer just like a Web site, downloading your sensitive, personal information in seconds. A good Firewall is recommended.

GLOSSARY OF DSL TERMS: Click here!