DSL - Is It For You?

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

What is DSL?
DSL is an always on, high speed broadband Internet connection that utilizes POTS(Plain Old Telephone Service). That basically means it runs on your phone line.
There is no need for a second phone line as DSL will share the same phone line as your land line.


What do I need to use DSL?
To use DSL you need a phone line, a computer with an Ethernet card, a service provider in your area such as AT&T to provide the service to your home, a DSL modem which is generally provided by your service provider upon installation.

Is DSL available in my area?
I suggest researching on the Internet to find out if DSL is available in your area. Since you are reading my blog I will assume that you have internet access. http://dslbyzip.com/high-speed-internet/dsl/ is a good sight to utilize. Call the companies listed on the sight to insure that the service listed is available in your specific neighborhood, never assume it is just because the sight says it is. Calling your local telephone company is also a good idea. Knowledge is power.

How fast is DSL?
DSL is about 3 to 5 times faster than dial-up with speeds ranging from 128 Kbps to 3 Mbps. Many service providers offer a choice of DSL services with different bandwidth ratings (speeds). There is ASDL (Asymmetrical DSL) and SDSL (Symmetric DSL).
Residential DSL is often ASDL meaning that the upload speed is different from the download speed, with the download speeds being higher than the upload speeds. Residential customers generally download files (streaming videos and music)much more often than upload, hence the higher download speed.
Commercial customers generally utilize SDSL because the upload and download speeds are the same. Business customers spend more time uploading and need the faster upload speed.
Don't expect to get the maximum speed advertised. There are many factors that effect the DSL speed including:

• Quality of the phone line at your residence/business and the quality of the lines in your neighborhood.
• Distance between your residence/business your service providers central office.
• Technical issues with your service provider. (they can have their bad days!)
• Old outdated computer. An older computer without the memory or processing power won't be able to properly utilize your DSL. Upgrade that old computer! (maybe that will be my next blog...)
• An improperly functioning router (wired or non-wired).
• Virus's or spy ware can suck up your bandwidth. Run your AV and Spyware software regularly.

If you are designing a network you must take the size and scope of your organization into consideration. You may want to consider cable broadband as that it can provide speeds up to three times as faster than DSL. (Cable broadband will be discussed in a later blog).
Cost, reliability and customer support will vary from provider to provider. Comparison shop and ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations.