What is DSL?
Digital Subscriber Line is a high-speed, digital telephone line that utilizes ordinary copper telephone lines. While such lines may have the capability of including both voice and data, more often, separate lines are used to connect computers and data servers or to Internet Service Providers. Because this service requires no special equipment it is convenient for residential and small business customers. DSL generally costs less than other types of high-speed services.
What is DSL used for?
DSL is used in residences, small offices and business remote offices for high-speed connections between computers and Internet and other data communications services while at the same time offering voice communications capability.
Why should I consider DSL?
DSL can give you dramatically faster response times, especially noticeable when downloading files from the Internet. Additionally, it may cost significantly less than other types of high-speed access.
What are the various costs associated with DSL?
DSL itself involves a single monthly charge, plus a one-time installation charge. Additional equipment such as a router and DSL modem and a splitter may need to be purchased and installed. There may be other charges associated with related Internet or data communications services.
Which DSL is for me?
There are several types of DSL that vary upstream and downstream transmission speeds. If you’ll be receiving more data than you send (the most typical residential user profile), ADSL is the right choice for you. However, if you need to also send large amounts of data , consider one of the symmetric varieties of DSL – SDSL or IDSL.
What are the different types of DSL?
The general family of DSL services is referred to as “xDSL.” Specific variations include: ADSL, SDSL, HDSL and VDSL. Each has variations on upstream and downstream transmission speed.
What is xDSL?
The general family of Digital Subscriber Line services is referred to as “xDSL.”
What is ADSL?
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. It provides for slower upstream and higher-speed downstream data transmission speeds, as well as voice communications.
What is SDSL?
A Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line that it provides for equal upstream and downstream transmission speeds. The transmission rate is generally greater than the upstream rate and less than the downstream rate of ADSL.
What is IDSL?
An Integrated Digital Subscriber Line is a DSL line that uses ISDN technology to deliver transmission speeds up to 128 kbps. It allows for extended distances between the user location and the central office. As opposed to ISDN, it is a dedicated service for data communications only.
What makes DSL different than other access services such as cable modems?
A Digital Subscriber Line uses pairs of standard copper telephone wires to connect to the service provider’s central office. DSL access usually costs less than other high-speed access methods that require digital circuits or coaxial cables, because it uses standard facilities and delivers equivalent performance.
How do I know which service I should get - Dial-up, ISDN, DSL, T1 or cable modem?
Balance your applications needs with availability and costs. For instance:
Dial-up is available everywhere, and at the lowest initial and recurring costs. But it’s also the slowest (rarely exceeds 28 kbps). If all you want is E-mail and occasional Internet access, dial-up is probably your best bet.
DSL is available in most locations, and, if it is, it may be your optimum choice. The upstream speeds will be faster than most residential users will ever need and downstream speeds will make Internet response seem virtually immediate. Initial and recurring costs will start at 2-4 times the costs of dial-up.
T1 access is available virtually everywhere, and guarantees 1.544 mbps in both directions. If you need to receive and send large volumes of data you should consider a T1. Initial installation and equipment costs may be 10-20 times than those of dial-up, and recurring costs will run 10-50 times the cost of dial-up.
Basic Rate Interface (BRI) is a type of ISDN that provides either 64 kbps or 128 kbps in both directions. May be used for both data and voice communications. It is available in most places and initial and recurring costs may be 2-4 times the costs of dial-up.
Primary Rate Interface (PRI) is a type of ISDN that functions similar to a T1, but has greater usable bandwidth. It provides 24 channels with one designated for signaling and the other 23 available for data transmission. Unlike BRI, it requires special equipment to connect to computers.
Cable Modem access is not available everywhere and provides up to 50 mbps in both directions. It costs significantly less than T1. However, since access is shared with other subscribers on the same cable the transmissions vary depending on the number of active users.
What is DSL?