DSL FAQs

Q: What is DSL?
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is a new digital technology that brings high-bandwidth to homes and small to medium sized businesses (SMBs) over the ordinary copper telephone lines presently installed behind your walls. DSL technology is available in various flavors, collectively referred to as xDSL. It allows voice, video and data to be transmitted at very fast speeds, 20 or more times faster than an ordinary 56K modem and 10 times faster than ISDN.

Q: How is DSL different from analog transmission?
Analog transmission only uses a small portion of the available amount of information that can be transmitted over copper wires. As a result, the maximum amount of data that you can receive using an ordinary modem is only about 56 Kbps, a fraction of what is possible when using DSL.

DSL is a digital service. It brings voice, video and data on the same line digitally. DSL uses more bandwidth than analog to bring large amounts of information to your lines.

Q: How does DSL work?
DSL brings voice, video and data over the ordinary twisted pair copper wires currently installed at your business. It uses only one path for carrying voice, video and data. It uses a high bandwidth to increase capacity for transmissions.

Q: Does DSL work with my existing phone wires and equipment?
Yes, but it may require special jacks and connections, or changes to your inside wiring. Your service provider may need to install new wire depending on the type of DSL flavor you choose for your business. A splitter is usually required, depending on the flavor of DSL you want, or the type of DSL available in your area. G-Lite DSL does not require a splitter.

A DSL modem and an Ethernet card are also required for installation. Your service provider usually installs these components. However, you may be able to install these components yourself. Check with your service provider.

Q: Can I install DSL?
There are many flavors of DSL available for your business. The flavor you select will depend upon your business needs. Installation requirements will vary according to the flavor you choose for your business. For some DSL flavors, you may be able to do the actual installation yourself. Check with your service provider.

Q: Will I experience noise and interference on the phone lines?
No. The digital quality ensures that your transmissions arrive crystal clear, free of the "noise" associated with phone lines. Both noise and interference are minimized with this new digital technology.

Q: What are the most popular and widely deployed flavors of DSL?
The most popular and widely deployed flavors of DSL include the following:

• ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line): A version of DSL that delivers up to 8 Mbps downstream (i.e., downloading) and 640 Kbps upstream (i.e., uploading). It is used mostly for downstreaming where files can be downloaded very quickly from Internet server to client.
• SDSL (Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line): A version of DSL used to transmit voice and data in both directions simultaneously.
• DSL-Lite (also called G-Lite): A version of ADSL that delivers up to 1.5 Mbps downstream and 384 Kbps upstream.

Q: What is Asymmetric DSL (ADSL)?
Asymmetric DSL has a downstream speed greater than an upstream speed. This type of transmission model reflects the Internet client/server model. Downstreaming is a flow of data from the Internet server to a client, and upstreaming is a flow of data from your business premises to the Internet.

Q: What is Symmetric DSL (SDSL)?
Symmetric DSL provides a transmission flow in which both downstream and upstream directions have the same speed.

Q: What is DSL-Lite (also called G-Lite)?
G-Lite is a version of ADSL that does not require a splitter. Its downstream speed is somewhat lower than ADSL.

Q: Do I need to dial-up when using DSL?
No. DSL does not require a dial-up. DSL is an "always on" digital service. To connect, you never have to dial-up. Once your business has installed DSL, your service is "always on" and you're always connected.

Q: What are some of the uses of DSL?
DSL is used for carrying voice, data and video at fast rates. Users can download and upload large files quickly. It is also used for fast Internet access, interactive multimedia, on-line banking, shopping and stock trading, videoconferencing, and remote office or remote LAN to LAN applications.

Q: Can I talk on the phone and use another device, such as PC or fax, at the same time?
Yes. You can use two devices at the same time. This service enables you to accomplish many things simultaneously. If you currently juggle fax and voice, or fax and data communications, on a single line, or use the Internet often for business, you're a candidate for DSL.

Q: What are some features of DSL?
Fast Internet access, high bandwidth and speed, reliability, "always on" service and increased security make it highly desirable for many SMBs.

Q: What are some of the benefits of using DSL?
DSL is a cost effective solution for many small to medium sized businesses and has many benefits including the following:

• It has a variety of flavors. You can select the DSL flavor that is best for your business.
• You can use the Internet and voice/fax devices over a single telephone line.
• Your Internet access is uninterrupted and "always on".
• Web pages seem to pop up almost immediately. Files download very quickly.
• Data security exceeds cable.
• You can use it for a wide range of data services, including remote LAN access and LAN to LAN connectivity.

Q: How much does DSL cost?
DSL is a very affordable and cost-effective service based upon a flat rate. Prices vary depending upon the flavor you choose. Since cost is not based upon usage, you can use this service any time for as long as you want without incurring any usage charges. It is easily and inexpensively installed.

When selecting DSL, you should determine which flavor of DSL is best for your business. This decision will affect the price of the DSL installation and service. ADSL and G-Lite DSL are very affordable. For those businesses that need the high-end flavors of DSL with very large bandwidth and ultra fast speeds, techniques are currently being developed that will lower costs.