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What is ADSL?
ADSL stands for 'Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line' and provides fast access internet service over existing copper telephone links. By converting your existing line to ADSL, you can take advantage of high speed internet access through an 'always on' service making it much easier to download information from the internet or to share information between offices or remote workers. ADSL services are asymmetric - which means that data flows to you faster than from your system.
What are the main benefits of ADSL?
• Simultaneous broadband and phone services over a single line
• Uninterrupted, high-speed Internet access that's always on-line
• Cost-effective solutions for residential customers, telecommuters and small businesses
• Data security that exceeds other technologies
What's the difference between ADSL and SDSL
ADSL is a DSL line that is mostly for low use. It has download speeds many times faster than its upload speeds. This is usually for simple tasks such as downloading and viewing webpages.
SDSL has upload speeds almost the same as its download speeds. This makes it optimal for gaming and servers of any type. Because the upload speed is high it is more expensive than ADSL.
For most uses ADSL is the best choice
Can I connect a network to my ADSL link?
Yes - ADSL is ideal for connecting an office (or home!) network to the internet. Connect your network to the ADSL router and all network machines will be able to access the internet.
What is Wires Only?
Wires Only is a service that allows you to purchase your own choice of ADSL hardware. This gives you greater control with reduced costs. You can purchase ADSL routers, modems and micro-filters from a range of suppliers to suit your needs and budget.
Routers allow you to connect multiple computers to the ADSL connection - these can be set up with fixed IP addresses or to allow network address translation (where a single external IP is translated to an internal range). ADSL modems are only recommended for individual computers.
If you have multiple extension outlets on the line to be converted to ADSL, you will need a micro-filter for each extension outlet.
What are IP addresses? Why would I want a Static IP?
Every computer or group of computers connected to the internet has an IP address (internet protocol address) which is unique and therefore used to locate and identify individual computers. IP Addresses come in two types, Dynamic and static. As the names suggest, static IP's don't change - whereas dynamic IP's are randomly assigned from a large number of spare IP's, to each computer that logs on. this means that every time you connect to the Internet your IP address will be different, making it hard to establish secure links with other computers/servers. Static IP's are assigned to a customer when then sign up for the service, for the duration of the account the IP address will not change. This means that when you connect to a remote computer or server your authenticity is guaranteed, Virtual Private networks and secure tunnels through the internet are much more easily and securely created with static IP's.
What is a Router?
A router's function is to decide where to send the packets of data that pass though a gateway (a gateway is where two networks join - in this case your PC and the internet). It decides where to forward a packet of data in order to ensure it gets to its destination in the most effective path.
What is a splitter/filter and do I need one?
A splitter or line filter separates the standard phone line signals from the DSL signals. This is required in order to use the phone line for standard phone handsets, modems, fax machines or other devices that require the phone line.
Most of the DSL equipment available requires a splitter or filter in order for you to use your phone service. A few of the DSL modem/routers come with a built in splitter or filter. The specification sheet for the modem/router will usually tell you if this device is inbuilt.
What equipment do I need for ADSL Service?
One standard phone line in your residence.
An ADSL router is installed between a phone jack and your computer. It converts the copper ADSL line to 10BaseT Ethernet.
A NIC (Network Interface Card/Ethernet network card) is installed in your computer. It connects the ADSL modem to your computer via Ethernet.
A microfilter is installed at each telephone in the residence to filter out static, noise and cross-talk.
How fast is ADSL?
ADSL can transmit more than 6 Mbps to a subscriber—enough to provide Internet access, video-on-demand, and LAN access. In interactive mode it can transmit more than 640 kbps in both directions. This increases the existing access capacity by more than fifty-fold enabling the transformation of the existing public network. No longer is it limited to voice, text, and low-resolution graphics. It promises to be nothing less than an ubiquitous system that can provide multimedia (including full-motion video) to the entire country. ADSL can perform as indicated in Table 1.
Table 1. ADSL Data Rates As a Function of Wire and Distance
| Rate (Mbps |
Wire Gauge (AWG) |
Distance (feet) |
Wire Size (mm) |
Distance (km) |
| 1.5 or 2 |
24 |
18,000 |
0.5 |
5.5 |
| 1.5 or 2 |
26 |
15,000 |
0.4 |
4.6 |
| 6.1 |
24 |
12,000 |
0.5 |
3.7 |
| 6.1 |
26 |
9000 |
0.4 |
2.7 |
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