Broadband DSL Internet Access

December 4, 2006 ISP 1 Article by Dan Karas Last Revision: July 27, 2011

What Is DSL?

DSL is an acronym for Digital Subscriber Line.

DSL is a low cost broadband technology that enables high speed access to the Internet.

Broadband DSL Internet access is available in many areas for an affordable monthly cost of between $20 - $50.

How Does DSL Work?

DSL transmits high speed data over common copper telephone lines that are already installed in your home or business.

DSL technology utilizes the unused bandwidth of your existing phone line to enable simultaneous phone conversations and high speed Internet access without requiring an additional phone line.

Types Of DSL Technology?

There are several types of DSL transmission methods.

• ADSL - Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line
  • ADSL provides much faster download speeds than upload speed. This is the most common DSL technology for home use.
• SDSL - Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line
  • SDSL technology provides equal download and upload speeds. Typically used by businesses.
• HDSL - High data rate Digital Subscriber Line
  • HDSL technology provides faster DSL speeds. Typically used by businesses. Limited availability.
• VDSL - Very high data rate Digital Subscriber Line
  • VDSL technology provides very fast DSL speeds. Used for distribution of television video, high speed Internet, and telephone services by telecommunications companies such as Qwest. Limited availability.

How Fast Is DSL?

DSL speed depends on many factors including the type of DSL technology you use and the distance you are from the central office connection.

DSL transmission speeds range between several hundred kilo bits per second "Kbps" to several millions of bits per second "Mbps". However, even the slowest DSL connection is many times faster than a standard dial up modem connection.

DSL Internet service providers usually market several different DSL Internet access packages offering various speeds and price ranges.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is a form of broadband Internet that is transmitted over standard twisted pair copper telephone lines. DSL speeds range from 256 Kbps to 12 Mbps depending on distance from the telephone company and plan that you purchase. Newer ADSL2+ fiber optic services can be as fast as 50 Mbps. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Subscriber_Line

What Are The Advantages Of DSL?

Broadband DSL service has many advantages over a standard dial-up Internet connection.

With DSL you are connected to the Internet as soon as you turn on your computer. There is no need to dial up your Internet Service Provider, so you can surf the net without typing up your telephone line.

In addition to the "always on" convenience, DSL provides much faster download speeds. You no longer have to wait for automatic updates or large files to download. Graphic intensive web pages, audio, and video clips will load quickly.

DSL also makes it much faster and easier to download or send large email attachments such as photos and videos to family and friends.

What Equipment Do I Need?

The equipment needed for DSL Internet access is similar to other high speed broadband technologies.

A digital interface commonly known as a DSL modem connects your computer to the DSL line.

The DSL modem usually connects to your computer via a Network Interface Card (NIC) using a standard CAT5 network patch cable. Most computers come with a network card installed, otherwise they are inexpensive and easy to install.

If you have a home network you can also connect your DSL modem to a router to enable broadband DSL Internet access for your entire network.

Is DSL Internet Access For Me?

Only you can answer this question, since everyone has different needs and expectations.

You can compare ISP 1 high-speed DSL Internet providers using our Cheap Broadband DSL comparison page.

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