ADSL is a technology that uses existing copper telephone lines to access high-speed internet. It allows users to talk on the phone while surfing the web and is suitable for moderate gaming, media streaming, and large file downloads. ADSL allows download speeds of 1.5 to 8 Mbps and uses a different frequency to operate on the phone line. It requires a compatible ISP and modem, and is an “always-on” service. ADSL is asymmetric, meaning download speeds are faster than upload speeds. Symmetric DSL (SDSL) is an option for businesses that require equal upload and download speeds. ADSL is not accessible to all communities and coverage is often poor in rural areas. Cable has a speed advantage over ADSL, but factors such as distance from the nearest hub and peak usage times can affect speed.
Commonly simplified as DSL, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is a technology for accessing the high-speed Internet. It uses existing copper telephone lines to send and receive data at speeds that far exceed traditional dial-up modems, while still allowing users to talk on the phone while surfing the web. In contrast, DSL is typically not as fast as cable Internet access. It is generally suitable for moderate gaming, computer aided design, media streaming, and large file downloads.
ADSL speed
The fastest dial-up modems are rated at 56 kilobits per second (Kbps) and usually operate at around 53 Kbps in good conditions. By comparison, ADSL allows download speeds of 1.5 to 8 megabits per second (Mbps), depending on the grade of DSL service purchased. Wired internet is capable of supporting up to 30 Mbps.
How does ADSL work?
ADSL uses standard telephone lines to upload and download data over a digital frequency, which distinguishes these data streams from the analog signals used by telephones and fax machines. The phone can be used at the same time as browsing the web with DSL service because the signal operates on a different frequency; this is not true for conventional dial-up Internet access. It may be necessary to install inexpensive filters on each telephone or fax line to remove any “white noise” on the line that may be generated by DSL signals.
To receive DSL service, you need a compatible Internet Service Provider (ISP), as well as a DSL modem. The modem can be provided by the ISP or can be purchased separately by the end user. Most US-based ISPs offering DSL service require subscription contracts of at least a year. DSL is usually more expensive than dial-up service, but the latter is slowly becoming obsolete as user bandwidth requirements increase, due to things like streaming video.
DSL is an “always-on” service, which means that as long as a user’s computer is turned on, it will automatically remain connected to the Internet unless manually disconnected via software or hardware. Family members can share DSL accounts, for a basic monthly fee. Unlike dial-up service, which requires only one session open at a time, multiple members can use DSL service simultaneously on various computers in the house. A router can also be used with this type of ISP to provide wireless access throughout your home.
Asymmetrical vs Symmetrical
The “asymmetric” in ADSL refers to the fact that the speed at which data is downloaded, data arriving at the end user’s computer from the Internet, is faster than the speed for uploaded data, data traveling from the end user’s computer user to the Internet. Data loading speed is slower because web page requests are quite small strings of data that don’t require much bandwidth to handle efficiently. As a result, more speed can be devoted to downloading data that requires more bandwidth.
Some businesses may charge corresponding fees for uploading large files. For them, Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL) is an option. “Symmetrical” means that both data streams operate at the same speed of 1.5 to 7 Mbps, depending on the degree of service purchased. However, SDSL service requires a dedicated telephone line, since unlike ADSL, telephone and fax services cannot share a line with this service.
Availability
ADSL is not accessible to all communities and coverage is often particularly poor in rural areas. Dedicated DSL providers, or even your local telephone company, can check if service is available in a specific location. Speeds vary based on physical distance from local hubs and the number of people using the service at the same time in the same area.
Some customers who live close to an ISP hub may be able to take advantage of the new varieties of ADSL, called ADSL2 and ADSL2+, which have even higher transmission speeds, 12 to 24 Mbps for download and 1 to 3.5 Mbps for internet. ‘upload. Additionally, there are other types of DSL that offer customers other benefits. Rate Adaptive DSL (RADSL) uses a special modem that can adapt to changing line conditions, changing the speed as needed. Very high bit rate DSL (VDSL) offers download speeds of up to 52 Mbps, but it is not as widely available and is only able to achieve speeds as high as very close to a hub.
Is DSL ever as fast as cable?
Under identical conditions, cable has a strong speed advantage over ADSL; however, there are rarely identical conditions. In a given location, cable speeds may suffer if they are too far from the nearest hub, or it may experience a bottleneck if too many users are online at the same time. Artificial bandwidth caps placed on the service at peak usage times are also not uncommon. While the same factors apply to DSL, this means that in some markets some DSL providers may actually be able to provide faster service than some cable providers, especially if newer technologies such as VDSL are available. Consequently, whether DSL is as fast as cable isn’t always obvious, and it’s a good idea for people looking for an ISP to research the local market and read customer reviews before committing to a particular provider.
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