DSL Internet Frequently Asked Questions About DSL Internet Service

What is DSL internet?

Traditional phone service, sometimes referred to as "Plain Old Telephone Service" (POTS), connects your home or small business to a telephone company office via copper wires. These wires are wound around each other in "twisted pairs". This enables you to exchange voice information with other phone users. The type of signal used for this kind of transmission is called analog. An input device, such as a phone set, takes an acoustic signal and converts it into an electrical equivalent in terms of volume and pitch. Since the telephone company’s signaling is already set up for this analog wave transmission, it’s easier to use that as the way to get information back and forth between your telephone and the telephone company. This is the reason why your computer must have a modem! The modem receives and translates the analog signal, and then converts the analog values into digital information.

Analog transmission only uses a small portion of the available amount of information that could be transmitted over copper wires. As a result, the maximum amount of data that you can receive using ordinary modems is only about 56 Kbps, a fraction of what is possible when using DSL. The ability of your computer to receive information is held back by the fact that the telephone company filters information that arrives as digital data, puts it into analog form for your telephone line, and requires your modem to change it back into digital. The result is slow down streaming.

So, you see, modern science came up with a technological solution to all this – DSL! DSL is a technology that assumes that digital data does not have to be changed into analog form and back. Digital data is transmitted to your computer directly as digital data. This allows the phone company to use a much wider bandwidth for transmitting it to you. The signal can be separated so that some of the bandwidth is used to transmit an analog signal; The result? You can talk on the phone and use the Internet on the same line, and do both things at the same time!

What’s a splitter and will I need one?

A splitter is a frequency filter that separates the high frequencies used for sending data upstream and receiving downstream data from the low frequency range used for voice. These high and low frequencies are transmitted at the same time. Most DSL technologies now require that a splitter be installed at a home or business. So, generally the phone company has to make a visit to install it. And, of course, you’ve got to be home for the installation! It is, of course, worth the inconvenience and the small additional expense. However, with DSL Lite now currently on the market, it is now possible to manage the splitting remotely from the telephone company’s central office. This is known as "splitter less" DSL, "DSL Lite," G.Lite, or Universal ADSL, and has recently been made a standard. G Lite eliminates the POTS splitter, but still does require the installation of a small filter device next to every POTS device (telephone, fax, or modem) sharing the G. Lite line.

How does distance affect DSL speed?

DSL is affected by distance. The greater the distance between your installation and the telephone company’s Central Office (CO), the lower your speeds will be. In other words, if your home or small business is close enough to the telephone company’s central office that offers DSL service, you can receive downstream data rates at up to 3 Mbps. That means you can download files very fast, much faster than you probably are now achieving with an ordinary 56K modem. Picture it as a continuous, uninterrupted transmission of motion video, audio, voice, and even multimedia 3-D effects. If you want to upload, your speed will be a little less (speeds can range from 640Kbps to 1Mbps), but still will be remarkably faster than when using a 56K modem.

A DSL line carries both data and voice signals on the same line. And the data part of the line is always connected. So, you can speak on the phone and use the Internet at the same time. Sometimes, a splitter is required. It’s predicted that DSL will replace Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) in many areas in the near future. It will also replace or be a better option than the cable modem currently available for bringing multimedia and 3-D effects to homes and small businesses.

Does DSL work with my existing phone wires and equipment?

Yes, but it may require special jacks and connections, or changes to your inside wiring. Your service provider may need to install new wire depending on the type of DSL you choose for your business. A splitter is usually required, depending on the type of DSL you want, or the type of DSL available in your area. G-Lite DSL for example does not require a splitter.

A DSL modem and an Ethernet card are also required for installation. Your service provider usually installs these components. However, you may be able to install these components yourself.

Will I experience noise and interference on the phone lines?

No. The digital quality ensures that your transmissions arrive crystal clear, free of the "noise" associated with phone lines. Both noise and interference are minimized with this new digital technology.

Do I need to dial-up when using DSL?

No. DSL does not require a dial-up. DSL is an always on digital service. To connect, you never have to dial-up. Once your business has installed DSL, your service is always on and you’re always connected.

What are some of the uses of DSL?

DSL is used for carrying voice, data and video at fast rates. Users can download and upload large files quickly. DSL is also used for fast Internet access, interactive multimedia, on-line banking, shopping and stock trading, videoconferencing, and remote office or remote LAN to LAN applications.

Can I talk on the phone and use another device, such as PC or fax, at the same time?

Yes. You can use two devices at the same time. This service enables you to accomplish many things simultaneously. If you currently juggle fax and voice, or fax and data communications, on a single line, or use the Internet often for business, you’re a candidate for DSL.

How much does DSL cost?

DSL is a very affordable and cost-effective service based upon a flat rate. Prices vary depending upon the speed and features you choose. Since cost is not based upon usage, you can use this service any time for as long as you want without incurring any hourly usage charges. DSL is easily and inexpensively installed.

When selecting DSL, you should determine which type of DSL is best for your business. This decision will affect the price of the DSL installation and service. ADSL and G-Lite DSL are very affordable. For businesses that need the high-end DSL with very large bandwidth and ultra fast speeds, techniques are currently being developed that will lower costs.

What are the most popular and widely deployed types of DSL?

The most popular and widely deployed types of DSL include the following: ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line): A version of DSL that delivers up to 8 Mbps downstream (i.e., downloading) and 640 Kbps upstream (i.e., uploading). ADSL is used mostly for down streaming where files can be downloaded very quickly from Internet server to client. SDSL (Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line): A version of DSL used to transmit voice and data in both directions simultaneously. DSL-Lite (also called G-Lite): A version of ADSL that delivers up to 1.5 Mbps downstream and 384 Kbps upstream.

What is Asymmetric DSL (ADSL)?

Asymmetric DSL or ADSL has a downstream speed greater than an upstream speed – asymmetric. This type of transmission model reflects the Internet client/server model. Down streaming is a flow of data from the Internet server to a client, and up streaming is a flow of data from your home or business premises to the Internet.

What is Symmetric DSL (SDSL)?

Symmetric DSL provides a transmission flow in which both downstream and upstream directions have the same speed – symmetric.

What is DSL-Lite or G-Lite DSL?

G-Lite is a version of ADSL that does not require a splitter. G-Lite DSL downstream speed is somewhat lower than ADSL.

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