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Dialup UK Article - Introduction to ADSL
As the world of Internet is advancing, the non-dialup technologies
are gradually becoming popular in both commercial and home
users. One of the most popular non-dialup internet access
technologies is ADSL. ADSL stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber
Line. It is a type DSL Digital Subscriber Line. ADSL offers
a broadband connection. ADSL is used over the telephone systems,
which uses copper wires for data transmission. An ADSL line
can be connected through your ADSL router or broadband modem.
The ADSL is becoming a popular option in developed countries
like United States, United Kingdom and European countries.
There is an increasing trend in home and business users in
the developed countries that migrate to ADSL services from
standard dialup services.
The ADSL connection is called ‘Asymmetric' because
the connection different upload and download speeds. Typically,
an ADSL connection offers more bandwidth for downloads i.e.
data transfer from the Internet to your computer than for
uploads i.e. data transfer from your computer to Internet.
Although, the amount of information you can send out in one
instance can be considerably less than the amount of information
you can download, most users do not get affected as they download
more data then they send out.
In general, ADSL connections offer a high-speed internet
access. ADSL can deliver speeds up to 40 times faster then
standard modems. It also provides bandwidth necessary for
high quality VoIP services. There fore, most attractive feature
of an ADSL interne connection is that it may not only be used
for web browsing but also for internet telephony and you may
even squeeze in a fax line.. The ADSL system makes optimum
use of your existing telephone line. ADSL splits the signal
into voice communications and high-speed data connection.
ADSL can accomplish this due to use of a wide range of frequencies
ADSL makes use of a frequency range not used by voice communications.
This enables the ADSL lines to provide internet access at
the same time as voice calls and the line can be used simultaneously
for receiving faxes.
ADSL has another significant advantage over standard dialup
modem line. The advantage is that an ADSL line is a dedicated
line. It means that the ADSL connection is 'always on’.
This is great improvement over stand modem dialup connections
that are transient in nature. Therefore, there may not be
any hourly charges, as your computer or network is enduringly
connected to the internet.
Like other technologies, ADSL has its advantages as listed
above and some limitations. The major limitation is that the
ADSL can only travel reliably over copper lines. If your telecommunications
provider chose to add fiber line between your location and
your local exchange then you may be unable to receive ADSL.
The amount of users using one line at any one time can make
your bandwidth fluctuate. The bandwidth is not guaranteed.
Another limitation as discussed above is with the limited
upload speed. The ISP may not have capping over the download
speed but the upload speed will definitely be capped.
Overall, despite of its limitations, the ADSL is a good substitute
for the standard modem dialup connections.
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