How Does DSL Work?
In the search for the fastest and most efficient access to the Internet, people have chosen a number of methods. Of course, the family or company budget may still force you to work with a classic modem connection that requires you to “dial up” through a telephone line. But there are quicker ways, including the digital-subscriber line or DSL.
This type of connection offers high speed even though it uses wires just as a standard telephone line does. But there are a few significant differences. These include using the Internet and still using your phone for calls and often using wiring that is already installed. You will need a DSL modem for this service. Many times this is provided by the service company. *Check with your local telephone-service provider to learn if DSL is available and what you will need to make it work for you.
Through experience, DSL users have found that this connection works best when your home or office is close to the telephone-service office. The reason is simple: the signal gets weaker as you move away from that central location. Experience has also taught users that receiving information and data is quicker than sending the same items out.
DSL works in a slightly different way from common telephone service we are all familiar with. Over the decades telephone equipment has been fine-tuned to handle certain signal frequencies, most of which are fine for verbal conversation. The range of frequencies is small for the human voice. Wires, routing equipment and switches have to be able to handle whatever the frequencies are.
What happens when DSL is part of your telephone package?
Basically the signal frequencies are separated into two sections, often called “bands.” One is generally higher than the other, with the higher frequency providing the route for the digital subscriber line. Since traditional voice communication takes place at very low frequencies (4,000 Hz or lower) the lower section is used for regular phone calls. To make this splitting of frequencies more efficient and to reduce interference, the service provider usually installs filters on your phones and on other DSL equipment.
If you have electrical power to the modem and Internet service is available you may be able to have DSL service. But, as mentioned before, the company must check to see that you get a strong enough signal to make the service work.
To summarize, DSL has many advantages and many disadvantages. It is more expensive than a dial-up modem service because it takes additional equipment to provide the needed service. The price may be lower than a high-speed cable connection. You may still have telephone service, even if the higher-speed DSL service stops.
It may be necessary to purchase or lease new DSL equipment if you move from one area to another. Telephone-service providers don’t always use the same equipment. Remember that DSL efficiency is very dependent on distance from the central site. If you are 2.5 to 3 miles from that location you may start seeing limited reception. Study this issue carefully before committing to any type of Internet access service.
Category: Technology