Digital Subscriber Lines

DSL Defined

Digital is defined as any system based on discontinuous information or events. Computers are digital machines because at their most basic level they can distinguish between just two values, 0 and 1 Refers to connecting a device to a network using a modem and a public telephone network. Dial-up access is really just like a phone connection, except that the parties at the two ends are computer devices rather than people. Because dial-up access uses normal telephone lines, the quality of the connection is not always good and data quantities are limited. People in rural areas generally use the dial up connection. DSL is typically used where the subscriber is closer to the provider’s central office. DSL runs approximately 18,000 feet from the telephone company building. In the past, the maximum data rate with dial-up access was 56 Kbps (56,000 bits per second). DSL is faster in receiving than in sending information. DSL has an internal splitter that carries voice signals on lower frequencies and data signals above them.

The DSL Internet service provider usually provides a modem as part of the installation. They connect to your phone or DSL jack and to your computer using an Ethernet or USB cable. Sometimes an electronic filter is installed on the regular phone line to stop interference between DSL and your regular phone service. This allows you to use a phone line for voice while you are still connected to the Internet. There is no need for a second phone line to be installed. It would be wise to run a test before your installer leaves. If you are on the edge of a serviceable area the performance of your connection may not be suitable to you. One of the drawbacks to DSL is that it is not available everywhere at this time.