What is DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)?
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is an always-on internet connection that uses your existing telephone line and gives you an internet connection several times faster than a traditional dial-up account. DSL service has a fixed cost and allows you to talk on the telephone and be on the internet at the same time, using the same telephone line.
How does DSL work?
DSL utilizes higher frequencies of the bandwidth on copper phone lines than what is used for your normal telephone service. By utilizing this higher frequency, DSL can achieve higher data rates than would be possible with your telephone service, allowing you to have a faster internet connection.
What are the main benefits of DSL?
The main benefit of DSL service is SPEED. You can surf the internet at rates 10-100 times faster than dial-up internet access. Another major benefit is the constant connection. DSL is an always-on service, allowing you to be connected to the internet 24 hours a day. There are no busy signals and you don't have to wait to connect. You can also talk on your telephone and surf the internet at the same time using the same telephone line. For businesses and some residential services, more than one computer can be connected to the internet using 1 DSL line, allowing you to share the faster connection with more than one computer.
Should I get DSL service (who needs DSL)?
Any home or business that spends time on-line may want to consider getting DSL service. Sending e-mail and surfing the net can be done 10-100 times faster with a DSL connection than with a dial-up account. As technology advances, and life on-line increases, constant access becomes a necessity for both the home and business. Once someone connects to the internet using a DSL connection, dial-up speeds become unacceptable.
Can I use an existing telephone line?
DSL service can/will be installed on your existing telephone line. You can talk and be on-line at the same time on the same line. If you order DSL service, the DSL provider will determine if you can get DSL service on one of your telephone line(s). In some cases, some technical changes may need to be made to your existing line by the DSL provider in order to allow your line to be used for a DSL connection.
Will my computer be okay for DSL service?
Your computer will be suitable to use with DSL service. Some DSL installations require your PC to have a 10/100 PCI network card.
What do I need to get DSL? (equipment, installation, etc.)
As mentioned above, some DSL installations require you to install a 10/100 PCI network card, and you will have to use some type of CPE (customer premise equipment) that connects the DSL line from your telephone jack to your computer. In some cases the CPE is included with your DSL order. Once you have a 10/100 PCI card, and your CPE, it is just a matter of having the DSL provider get your DSL connection activated.
What is CPE (customer premise equipment)?
DSL CPE stands between your computer(s) and your connection to the internet. CPE connects to the DSL line at one end and to your computer or network at the other. Ethernet is the most popular form of cable that connects your CPE to your computer. The 10/100 PCI card allows you to plug the ethernet cable (similar to a telephone line only thicker) from your CPE to your computer. Depending upon your type of DSL connection, there are two types of DSL CPE (bridge and a router). DSL modems (bridges) are the standard CPE for residential DSL connections and some small business connections. Routers are the CPE used by businesses to connect a DSL line to a network. DSL routers are more expensive, but they can provide data-filtering capabilities, security solutions, and several other features that may be vital for a business network.
What CPE do I need?
For the majority of residential DSL connections, and some small business connections, a DSL modem (bridge) is what is needed. Bridges are cheaper than routers, and ideal if you are connecting less than 10 computers to the DSL line. A router is the CPE of choice for a business that is connecting the DSL line to a network. A router offers security solutions, data-filtering, and other options that DSL modems (routers) do not. In either case, the price of bridges or routers depend on the requirements desired.
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