Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is a type of broadband service in which packets of data are transmitted over telephone lines. The data are converted to a form that your computer can understand by a special DSL modem that sits between your computer and the telephone line. DSL and the many variants of DSL, such as ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) and SDSL (Synchronous Digital Subscriber Line) offer many features, some of which offer benefits to you, the consumer, and others which you may find disadvantageous. DSL is always on, stable, fast, scalable and often affordable. Speed tends to decrease with distance from the exchange.
Types
In addition to your regular DSL, there are newer generation variants, collectively known as xDSL, which offer increased performance and benefits. Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) will give you faster speeds on download than upload, and is suitable for home users. Synchronous DSL (SDSL) is suitable for business users as it has greater priority than DSL and ADSL and offers greater bandwidth and stability.
High Speed
One of the most notable features of DSL is its high speed compared to dial-up Internet service. Typical residential DSL services go up to speeds of about one point five megabits per second. Compared to dial-up Internet, with a highest speed of 56 kilobits per second, DSL is blazing fast. You will be able to view web pages with several images with very little load time. DSL also enables you to listen to music and stream movies with little noticeable delay and short wait times. As the technology behind DSL improves, so do the speeds, with xDSL services being much faster than regular DSL.
Convenience
DSL offers always-on Internet connection. You do not need to dial up or log on or off the service. Many users find this to be a convenient, time-saving feature. As the service is not shared with neighbors, you will get relatively constant speeds, with no noticeable slowing down of your Internet service during peak usage times. DSL is offered by telephone companies, so you might be able to get benefits like reduced-cost bundles and unlimited usage for a flat-rate, depending on your service provider. You can talk on the phone and use the internet at the same time.
Drawbacks
DSL Internet service does have some drawbacks. The speed of your connection depends on your distance from the telephone exchange. The further away you are, the slower your Internet service will be. The fact that you are always on the Internet also exposes you to security risks, so you will need to install a firewall.
References
- Aquila.net:" Aquila DSL Features";2000
- SouthEast Telephone:" DSL Features";2011
Resources
- Artipot.com:"Key Advantages of DSL Broadband";Ray Lam;2008
Photo Credits
- Chad Baker/Photodisc/Getty Images