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 internet 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.