ADSL is a digital subscriber line that uses a regular telephone line to transmit Internet data. It allows faster downloads than uploads due to interference near telephone switchboards. ADSL offers simultaneous use with voice calls and instant Internet access. ADSL2 and ADSL2+ are newer standards with faster download speeds.
An asymmetric digital subscriber line, or ADSL, is a means of transmitting Internet data to and from a customer. It is a form of digital subscriber line, using a regular telephone line to carry information. Along with cable, ADSL is one of the two most common ways of providing broadband Internet service.
The first word of the phrase “asymmetric digital subscriber line” refers to the fact that information can be received at a faster rate than it can be transmitted. For most internet users, this fits their usage pattern very efficiently. While many people regularly view highly detailed web pages and download audio or video files, the only large amounts of information they send is usually attached to emails or uploaded via file sharing services. ADSL allows the average user to get the benefits of fast downloads without having to pay unnecessarily for the benefits of fast uploads.
Surprisingly, the asymmetrical digital subscriber line system did not develop in response to these needs. It is the result of the fact that the greatest source of interference with Internet data is near telephone switchboards rather than near the customer’s home. This means that data passing through the exchange to the customer – in other words, downloads – must be transmitted at a higher rate to overcome this interference.
In addition to the increase in speed, ADSL offers many advantages. One is that it can be used simultaneously with a voice call made on the same line. This is because the two types of data are transmitted on different frequencies. However, users must install a filter on the main telephone jack that separates the two sets of data. Another benefit is that computers can begin accessing the Internet almost instantly since there is no need to call an Internet business and establish a connection first.
ADSL is not only the name of the technology, it is also used to refer to a specific technical standard. This includes a download speed of at least 8Mbits per second and an upload speed of at least 1Mbits per second. It is important to note that both of these figures are theoretical figures used to compare services. In practice customers will obtain lower results due to physical limitations such as interference on the lines, or the distance between the switchboard and the home.
There are several other standards based on the asymmetric digital subscriber line system. The most common include ADSL2 and ADSL2+. The former has a theoretical download speed of 12Mbits per second and an upload speed of 1Mbits per second or 3.5Mbits per second depending on the precise system used. The latter has the same upload speed but doubles the theoretical download speed to 24 MBit per second.
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