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Realist · 05-04-06, 11:29 AM

What Is ADSL?

Welcome to this information guide.

The following sections will explain what ADSL is, its benefits, and how it works...

What is ADSL? (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line)
ADSL is a broadband technology (just like Cable). It transforms a normal BT telephone line into a high speed broadband line. ADSL converts the line into a high speed connection. It is "asymmetric" because it provides faster downloads than uploads.

What is SDSL? (Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line)
Similar to ADSL, but offers the same speed in both directions. It is suited to users who need to upload large amounts of data.
What is VDSL? (Very High Speed Digital Subscriber Line)
VDSL can operate in symmetric or asymmetric mode, providing speeds of between 6 Mbps and 25 Mbps. VDSL is typically provided from a street cabinet which is directly linked by fibre to your local exchange, which can be difficult and expensive to install. It is not currently offered in the UK.

How does ADSL work?
ADSL operates over your normal BT telephone line. This means that there is no need to dig up any roads to install it. The ADSL signal is carried by two modems - one in your premises, and one at your local BT telephone exchange (called a DSLAM). These modems use the existing copper telephone line to your premises, to achieve much higher speeds. A 'splitter' or micro-'filter' separates the telephone signal from the ADSL signal, so phone calls can be made at the same time as you are online without interference.

How fast is ADSL?
The speed of ADSL is typically between 256 Kbps and 8Mbps.

What are the key benefits of ADSL?
- A faster connection to the Internet - at least 5x the speed of a 56K dial-up modem. Web sites with feature rich pages will download virtually instantly, and downloads will take seconds/minutes not hours/days.
- An always on connection - so no need to waste time 'dialing up' every time you want to go online.
- Flat monthly fee - no call charges for the time spent online, so you have unlimited access.
- Simultaneous phone usage - you can use the Internet and your phone at the same time. The ADSL service runs over your existing BT telephone line, so there is no need to pay for an extra phone line to be put in.

* Remember, not everyone can receive broadband. To see if you can, use our checker...

Laters

aquariancore · 14-04-07, 03:43 AM

ADSL doen't it also have a location program? Isn't it that you have to be within a certain distance of the main output source?

05-04-06, 11:29 AM	#1 (permalink)
Realist Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Here. Posts: 2,005 Thanks: 0 Thanked 44 Times in 20 Posts	What Is ADSL? What Is ADSL? Welcome to this information guide. The following sections will explain what ADSL is, its benefits, and how it works... What is ADSL? (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) ADSL is a broadband technology (just like Cable). It transforms a normal BT telephone line into a high speed broadband line. ADSL converts the line into a high speed connection. It is "asymmetric" because it provides faster downloads than uploads. What is SDSL? (Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line) Similar to ADSL, but offers the same speed in both directions. It is suited to users who need to upload large amounts of data. What is VDSL? (Very High Speed Digital Subscriber Line) VDSL can operate in symmetric or asymmetric mode, providing speeds of between 6 Mbps and 25 Mbps. VDSL is typically provided from a street cabinet which is directly linked by fibre to your local exchange, which can be difficult and expensive to install. It is not currently offered in the UK. How does ADSL work? ADSL operates over your normal BT telephone line. This means that there is no need to dig up any roads to install it. The ADSL signal is carried by two modems - one in your premises, and one at your local BT telephone exchange (called a DSLAM). These modems use the existing copper telephone line to your premises, to achieve much higher speeds. A 'splitter' or micro-'filter' separates the telephone signal from the ADSL signal, so phone calls can be made at the same time as you are online without interference. How fast is ADSL? The speed of ADSL is typically between 256 Kbps and 8Mbps. What are the key benefits of ADSL? - A faster connection to the Internet - at least 5x the speed of a 56K dial-up modem. Web sites with feature rich pages will download virtually instantly, and downloads will take seconds/minutes not hours/days. - An always on connection - so no need to waste time 'dialing up' every time you want to go online. - Flat monthly fee - no call charges for the time spent online, so you have unlimited access. - Simultaneous phone usage - you can use the Internet and your phone at the same time. The ADSL service runs over your existing BT telephone line, so there is no need to pay for an extra phone line to be put in. * Remember, not everyone can receive broadband. To see if you can, use our checker... Laters

14-04-07, 03:43 AM	#2 (permalink)
aquariancore Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: What Is ADSL? ADSL doen't it also have a location program? Isn't it that you have to be within a certain distance of the main output source?