DSL Internet Service
DSL service is second only to cable as the leading broadband Internet source. Although DSL has been largely criticized on TV for slow connection speeds and download speeds, DSL is still quite competitive in the Internet service provider market, thanks in part to its lower cost, tiered service plans, and award-winning customer service.
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DSL Basics
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DSL service works by connecting a computer network to a Direct Service Line (DSL) phone line. These lines are dedicated to the service and will not interfere with traditional phone lines. The signals transmitted by the DSL lines are provided by central office hubs, and DSL connection speeds are greatly influenced by proximity to these hubs.
History
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DSL service was first created in the late 1990s using ADSL technology developed in the late 1980s. It was originally used for transmitting video content across shared networks, but the evolving DSL technology was quickly found to be more useful in the realm of home computing. DSL modems rose in popularity in the wake of dial-up modems, but has waned in recent years due to cable's wider availability and intense marketing.
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Types
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DSL comes in three varieties: ADSL, SDSL, and IDSL. ADSL is most common and is optimized for casual home or professional users. ADSL service supports a single network or connection and provides consistent download speeds, making it perfect for small businesses or home users who do not need extra connection features. However, one of the major drawbacks of ADSL is that uploads are much slower, and networked computers can lead to severe slow-downs. SDSL is designed for more business or professional users, and can multiple networks without slowing down. SDSL also provides consistent connection rates for downloading/uploading and is able to handle many more processes than ADSL. IDSL is a low-performance form of DSL that is available to people who are out of range of a DSL connection office.
Considerations
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If you are considering DSL service, it is important to think about the advantages and disadvantages of the service. While cable Internet service is widely available, if you are close to a central office service tower, you may save money by going with DSL. It is also important to consider your internet needs, as a basic IDSL plan could fit your needs and budget if you only go online a few times per week.
Misconceptions
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Although cable internet service often outperforms DSL service in speed tests, it is important to note that while cable might technically run faster if it is optimized, congested networks and service caps may prevent it from running as fast as some tests might indicate. Since DSL service has a dedicated line and networks outside the home are not shared, it will not slow down when other subscribers use it.
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