12 things you should know about DSL

As broadband revenue is on the rise and there are a growing number of interested potential clients, let us think about what needs to be known about the technology so that the best possible choice can be made.

1. What is DSL? DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. We are talking about a family of different technologies that offer internet access to clients by basically transmitting data through wires that are a part of telephone networks. When referring to telecommunications marketing, DSL is usually used to refer to ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line), which is the most commonly used DSL technology today. Even so, many other options are available and they can vary from one service provider to the other. There are not many differences between them but you can ask your provider about eventual differences you may need to be aware of.
2. What is PPPoE? PPPoE means Point-To-Point Protocol Over Ethernet. This is a specification that connects different users that are connected to each other through ethernet local networks. PPP is a protocol that is incorporated in the ethernet frame. To put it as simple as possible, you log to the network by using a username and a password and you receive an IP address that you can use to browse the internet. PPPoE is currently favoured by many ISPs because of the fact that it offers a really rapid service deployment while allowing lower costs for the client. Different existing services and applications are supported through PPPoE and you can control your internet connection without having to take out a wire from your computer or doing a software change.
3. DSL vs modem connections One of the most common DSL questions is linked to the speed that is offered when compared with other internet connection opportunities. No matter how we look at it and what services we compare, DSL is a lot faster than modem connections. The typical modem will connect at 48 Kbps. A low 1 MB DSL connection would this be over 20 times faster than the regular modem connection.
4. Differences between DSL and cable internet The cable services will use analogue or digital signals that are transmitted through the coaxial cable that is regularly used to offer cable television. DSL technology will use the phone line in order to send out digital signals towards a DSL modem. The difference that you are mainly interested in is linked to the bandwidth that you have access to. Cable internet connection is faster but DSL has the advantage of you not having to share a line to a central office. This means that when many people are connected to the cable network, you will be faced with slower speeds. DSL has a constant feed and latency is lower.
5. Using phone and internet at the same time A common misconception is that you cannot use the phone line and the internet at the same time. This is something that was reality with regular computer modem connections. With DSL you can be connected to the internet while using your phone line since the technology uses other frequencies for data delivery.
6. DSL’s dedicated line DSL offers you a completely dedicated line. This will automatically reduce many possible problems you would need to face if the line is shared. Cable lines, as mentioned above, are shared and this automatically slows down the connection. Even if the potential connection speed is a lot higher with cable, it is really hard to reach that maximum. With DSL you basically receive what you are promised since you are the only one using the connection that is established.
7. DSL is always on Contrary to what many believe, DSL connections are always on. Once your computer is connected through the PPPoE connection, you can simply browse as much as you want. It is not the same as with dial-up, when you would sometimes need to wait a lot until the connection is established. However, this continuous connection does raise some security concerns.
8. DSL requires firewall protection You need to make sure that you have a firewall active since when you are constantly connected, intruders will find it easier to get inside the computer. The same thing can be said about cable internet and is especially important in the event that you use a wireless switch to connect to the internet through PPPoE.
9. DSL availability We noticed that many think that DSL is available wherever a phone line is installed. That is not actually the case. Not all phone service providers will also have internet services. You need to check with the different ISPs to see what options are available where you live. In the event that you live in a really remote location, you will not be able to get DSL services because installation costs would be very high. Remember that you need the phone line to reach your home / office in order to actually connect to the internet. For instance, if you live in rural America, satellite internet might be the only option that is available.
10. Should you get DSL? In the event that you have a phone line in your office or at home and the service provider also offers internet connection packages, you should seriously consider DSL. This is because the installation process is really fast and you do not need extra cables to be added.
11. DSL is perfect for businesses We can say that DSL is particularly useful for offices and businesses. However, it is also great for gaming because of the low latency factor mentioned above. The problem is that the people that need a really fast download speed will most likely want to turn towards faster options like cable internet. In this case you would gain better speed unless faced with really high traffic. Most internet connections can be slower based on different factors.
12. Choosing DSL is all about you At the end of the day the choice is all up to you but DSL is perfect for all business users since you can also use your phone line while using the internet and the speeds that are offered are more than enough at prices that are usually lower than the other available options.