"DSL" is an acronym for "Digital Subscriber Line". DSL is a modern high speed modem technology that can turn the regular copper telephone wires used by all the world's telephone companies into a high speed data receipt and delivery system. It is capable of providing access to the Internet, corporate networks and a variety of on-line services like secure banking, video-on-demand, video conferencing and anything which requires real time precision multimedia data transfer. The major attraction of DSL is the increased data transfer rate or download speed. Speeds attained are between 50 and 250 times faster than conventional dialup modems. We say this because dialups come in a variety of speeds - typically 24400 or 56600 bps. They don't often connect this fast even though they are rated at these speeds. Connection speeds are also effected by the congestion in your ISP's (Internet Service Provider's) network and his upstream providers.- "DSL" is "permanently on"! You don't switch it off!. No need to dial, logon and no per call connect fees!.
- The congestion of shared cable and modem services is history! DSL technology uses your own dedicated phone lines. In fact you can still keep your telephone service on your DSL line as they co-exist quite comfortably.
- DSL can be used immediately without the need to invest in new network infrastructure and will carry IP (Internet Protocol) and ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) traffic in a secure manner. Speeds range from 256 KBPS to 1.5 MBPS (downstream). The wire guage (thickness) and length of the connection to your provider may effect speed.
- DSL prices are dropping as more and more telephone companies provide this service in a race to provide the speed required in this new "Internet Age" of ours. There are now a comprehensive set of industry standards and DSL development is far advanced making this service extremely affordable.
- There are two common types of DSL service and a wide variety of available speeds for you to choose from.These two are:-
Asymmetrical DSL (ADSL) :- Provides more bandwidth from your service provider and eminently suitable for surfing the net.
Symmetrical DSL (SDSL) :- Particularly suitable for internet access, web hosting, online gamers and similar collaborative computing like video conferencing. - DSL offers a private secure channel of communications between you and the service provider. The phone lines that connect you and your DSL service provider are exclusive to you. This ensures privacy and security as no other online user is sharing your "wire". This results in stable and consistently constant transmission speeds.
The simplest explanation is that a DSL modem assigns voice and data transmissions different frequencies. This enables the copper wire into your home to about 25 times more information. The modem uses a complex electronic system to keep the signals seperate and automatically correct any error transmissions which might have occurred. DSL uses higher "non-voice" frequencies. This takes the load off the voice channels.- DSL essentially is a three channel system. The first channel is used for the transmission of voice services. This enables uninterrupted regular phone calls irrespective of whether the line is being used as your internet connection. The second channel is capable of data transmission at a maximum rate of 1.5 Mbps. The third channel is bidirectional permitting upstream data flow of up to 768 Kbps.
- Before you start make sure everything is compatible. You will need:-
1)A DSL modem (This must be capable of "talking" to your selected service providers equipment! Make sure you check this otherwise you will be disappointed!)
2)A suitable PC with a Network Interface card (NIC)
- Obviously costs vary.
Currently a typical ISP is offering free equipment and installation.
Good domestic service starts at around $50/month.
- Yes they work well together. The increased data flow makes the use of Internet Phone systems extremely workable.
DSL and T1 for home or business
