The Basics of DSL Internet Service

What is DSL?

DSL stands for digital subscriber line and it is a type of high-speed Internet connection that allows you to connect to the Internet using a local telephone network. ADSL, or asymmetric digital subscriber line, is the most popular type of high-speed Internet connection available in the market today.

DSL Internet can be distinguished from other types of Internet by speed. A DSL connection usually provides data transfer speeds of up to 24,000 kilobits per second. The speed of your DSL connection is determined by several different factors, including the type of DSL technology you have, the conditions of the line you are using, and the quality of service provided by your DSL provider.

 

How Does DSL Work?

DSL works by splitting your phone line in two. Data to and from your ISP is transmitted via the line with high frequencies, while the line with the lower frequency is reserved for your phone. This allows you to connect to the Internet and use your phone line at the same time because the two lines can work separately and independently.

 

The History of DSL

Digital subscriber line technology is based on Claude Shannon's theory of digital communication. This is where most digital-based technologies are derived. Shannon outlined the basic factors of digital communication, which are:

  1. A message-producing information source.
  2. A transmitter that creates a signal to send the message.
  3. A channel through which the message will be transmitted.
  4. A receiver that converts the transmitter's signal to form the message again.
  5. A destination that will use the message for something.

From that, most digital technologies were formed. Even though DSL has only been marketed since the early 2000s, its development was as early as 1988 by Joe Lechleider. He took analog voice signals and placed wideband digital signals over them. The analog voice signals passed through lines from telephone companies. From there, ADSL was born.

 

The Advantages DSL Internet

Compared to a cable Internet connection, DSL provides more independence. With cable Internet, your cable TV and Internet connection are lost should there be a problem with your DSL provider. With DSL Internet, you don't have to worry about losing both services. If there is a problem with your Internet connection, you can still use your phone line.

DSL connections can be configured in such a way that your computer is kept separate from other networks. This means added security for you and your computer.

And of course, DSL's main advantage is its speed. It's one of the fastest connections available today.

 

The Disadvantages DSL Internet

Just as there are advantages of DSL Internet, there are also disadvantages of using a digital subscriber line. One major disadvantage of DSL Internet is that most providers require that you use their modem. This makes it quite costly and inconvenient if you want to change to a different DSL provider. Fortunately, however, equipment standardization will be a reality in the near future.

 

Another disadvantage of a DSL connection is that it is affected by distance. The reason why DSL is not available in all areas is that users have to be close to the server or the network to be able to enjoy a speedy connection. This causes limited availability, especially in under populated areas.

 

AT&T High-speed Internet (also called AT&T High-speed DSL)

As you can see there are many advantages of DSL Internet service. If you are considering an upgrade from dial-up to DSL, research your options first. Check out all of the latest AT&T DSL Internet offers and decide which plan is right for you. AT&T DSL service varies by speed, ranging from 768 kbps to 6.0 mbps, so choose an AT&T High-speed DSL service based on what you will be using it for. AT&T DSL offers a variety of affordable DSL Internet packages for you to choose from.