ADSL (DSL) Today

When you connect to the Internet, you might connect through a regular modem, through a local-area network connection in your office, through a cable modem or through a digital subscriber line (ADSL) connection. ADSL is a very high-speed connection that uses the same wires as a regular telephone line.

What are the advantages of DSL:

• You can leave your Internet connection open 24 hrs a day and still use the phone line for voice calls.


• The speed is much faster (from 512k to 20m) than a regular modem (32k)


• ADSL doesn't necessarily require new wiring; it can use the phone line you already have installed.


• The company that offers ADSL will usually provide the modem as part of the installation.

What are disadvantages:

• A ADSL connection works better when you are closer to the provider's central office.


• The connection is faster for receiving data than it is for sending data over the Internet.


• The service is not available everywhere.