ADSL is a popular and affordable high-speed internet access that uses standard copper telephone lines. It offers tiered packages with different speeds, and most plans require a one-year contract. To get an ADSL connection, check DSL providers in your area and choose a package. Most providers offer a DSL modem included in the package, but customers can provide their own modem. Install DSL filters on any line that leads directly to a landline phone to keep it free from noise created by electronic interference.
ADSL is one of the most popular types of high-speed Internet access available. Running on standard copper telephone lines, ADSL is widely available and affordable. Because it uses a different frequency band than telco voice service, you can browse the web and use your landline phone at the same time. Best of all, it’s easy to get an ADSL connection.
ADSL is normally referred to as DSL for short. The whole acronym stands for Asynchronous or Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line. Asynchronous simply means that the upstream and downstream speeds differ. There is much more bandwidth or speed available in the downstream direction or for data coming from the Internet to your computer. There is less bandwidth and speed for sending files to the internet. This is because most people do not upload large files to the Internet, but only send short and simple requests for web pages, mail services, and so on. Synchronous service or SDSL is also available with matched upstream and downstream speeds, but is more expensive and usually reserved for businesses.
To get an ADSL connection you can first check the DSL providers in your area. One way to do this is to enter your city and state or town into a search engine, followed by a space, plus sign, and the letters, DSL. For example, “Manhattan Beach CA +DSL” without the quotes. Visit a link that will take you to a provider. Enter the physical address where the computer requesting DSL service will be, and the provider will let you know if the neighborhood is covered. If so, he will introduce you to the DSL packages available to you.
DSL is cost-effective precisely because it offers tiered packages that start at a very low monthly rate for minimal speeds that are still dozens of times faster than dialup. The fastest packages have progressively higher monthly rates. Most DSL plans require a one-year contract with an initial 30-day trial period during which you can cancel the service without paying an early cancellation fee. However, read the fine print, as terms and trial periods vary from service to service.
Most providers offer first-time customers a reduced monthly rate for the first year that increases the standard rate the following year. You can optionally choose to leave the provider after the first year to get an ADSL connection elsewhere.
Most DSL providers offer a DSL modem included in the package that has been preconfigured to work with the provider. A deposit or small monthly fee may be required to lease this equipment and wireless models may be slightly more. In either case, the customer is generally required to send the modem back at their own expense when service is interrupted. The provided modem may be useful for people who are not technically inclined, but for those who are, many choose to provide their own modem which can be less of a problem in the long run and more cost effective in some cases. Again, read the fine print.
If you’d like to get an idea of what customer service will be like at a particular provider before you get an ADSL connection with them, you might want to check out customer reviews. A good website for this is DSLReports.
Once you’ve decided on a provider, signing up is quite simple. It can take a few days up to a couple of weeks to activate an ADSL connection, depending on the provider. Larger suppliers tend to have longer wait times than smaller suppliers, but this is not a hard and fast rule.
Don’t forget to install DSL filters on any line that leads directly to a landline phone. One or two filters may be provided for free by your ISP, and more can be purchased from an electronics store. The filter blocks the frequencies used in DSL signals, keeping your landline free from noise created by electronic interference.
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