IDSL is a hybrid of ISDN and DSL that provides slightly faster service than ISDN, but slower than DSL. It offers an “always on” connection and is not limited by distance from the Telco, but requires its own telephone line and can be expensive to set up.
ISDL is a hybrid of ISDN and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology that uses a little of each to provide service that is slightly faster than ISDN, but significantly slower than most DSL services. A person might opt for ISDL if standard DSL service is not available in his area.
Standard Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) service uses existing copper telephone lines to provide data transfer speeds of up to 128 kilobits per second (kbps). It also provides voice channels for telephone and fax, making it superior to standard dial-up, which cannot share an Internet connection with an external telephone or fax machine. Even the standard dial-up connection is much slower than ISDN at around 53 kbps. However, ISDN is still a dial-up service, as opposed to an “always on” service like DSL.
IDSL uses the same technology as ISDN except that it routes signals through different equipment at the telephone company or Telco. While ISDN uses standard switching equipment, IDSL uses DSL-like equipment. The difference is twofold: a speed boost to 144 kbps and an “always on” connection.
IDSL can be expensive to set up, but it may be worth it for businesses or individuals who require faster service without the DSL option. One advantage of IDSL over DSL is that the former is not limited by distance from the Telco. To be a DSL subscriber, the client must be within 18,000 feet (5,486 meters of wire) of the Telco hub. If your residence or business is located outside this range, the maximum speed of your DSL connection will be significantly reduced and the signal quality will not be optimal. The closer to the Telco hub, the better the DSL service. IDSL does not have this limitation, allowing customers at greater distances to have an “always on” connection.
A disadvantage of IDSL is that it requires its own telephone line for IDSL service, while a second line provides telephone services. This makes it more expensive than ISDN.
Ascend Communications developed the IDSL technology. If you think this might be the right solution for your needs, contact your local telephone company to inquire about ISDN or IDSL services in your area.
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