DSL Components

The DSL service backbone is the incoming phone line, shared by landline phones. DSLAM (DSL Access Multiplexer) devices are located in a central spot in the neighborhood, enhancing data capabilities of the existing phone lines. Using existing residential phone lines offers a high level of convenience, since the modem or gateway can be placed anywhere near a phone jack. This is especially useful when placing a wireless gateway for maximum household coverage.

DSL filters are critical in ensuring that the incoming Internet feed does not interfere with phone conversations. The filters prevent the signal from "seeing" the connected phones as potential modems. Filters come in small pigtail form, with a piece of phone cable on one end and a phone jack on the other end. Alternatively, thin filters are available that fit between the receiver and the wall for wall-mounted phones. Failure to use filters results in choppy phone reception and limited Internet performance.

These devices accept the signal from the phone line. From there, multiple Ethernet jacks allow the DSL feed to be distributed to the laptops, computers and other devices on the home's network. These often have built-in wireless broadband modems, allowing high-speed reception on the deck, patio or anywhere a wire connection is not accessible.

Ethernet cables connect the modem or gateway to the individual devices in the network. Consisting of multiple twisted pairs of wires inside the main jacket, Ethernet cables look like larger phone wires. Ethernet cables are capable of high bandwidth. In most cases, they are only limited by the connection speed of the broadband adapters on your connected devices.