ADSL Service

ADSL stands for asymmetric digital subscriber line.

• Asymmetric means that the bandwidth varies. More of the connection is devoted to downstream rather than upstream. This means that users are able to download more files and obtain more information than they're able to send within the same timeframe.... • Digital means that the information is transmitted digitally between two devices, one onsite at the subscriber's location and the other at the DSLAM. • Subscriber line means that this is a service delivered to a particular address over a pair of copper lines in the existing telephone infrastructure (telephone lines).

In an ADSL connection, two copper wires must be linked between the DSLAM (digital subscriber line access multiplexer) at the wiring center, and an ADSL modem at the customer premises. These two copper wires are a part of the existing telephone infrastructure. Since ADSL operates on a high frequency band (typically from ~26kHz to ~1100kHz), it can be used on the same copper pair as a regular, individual phone or fax line (which operate in 0-4kHz). ADSL can't be set up through most business or corporate phone systems, as they sever the continuous copper between ADSL modem and DSLAM. Often times, it is best if a POTS (plain-old telephone service) splitter is installed on the physical line in question. This unit is designed to separate the dial tone from the ADSL, for two reasons, First, so that they can be wired in different directions instead of being bound to a single line. Second, so that there is no noise generated overtop of the dial tone that might affect voice and/or fax quality.

Conclusion For the user, ADSL provides significant advantages. Relative to other technologies, is a cost effective means of obtaining a high bandwidth data connection. No special cabling is required and no extra lines are required, since ADSL allows POTS access over the one twisted pair. The improved bandwidth makes fast Internet access a reality, and allows for services such as high quality streaming of audio and video, or any other data access application that may be developed as a result of the technology's availability.

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