About DSL Modems

DSL modems are second only to cable as the leading high-speed Internet connectivity source. While DSL has been criticized for slow connection speeds and even slower download speeds, DSL has remained very competitive in the Internet service provider market, in part to its lower cost and continued success in customer service.

Function

DSL modems work by connecting a computer network to a DSL service phone line. The DSL phone lines are dedicated to the service and do not interfere with traditional phone lines. The signal from the DSL lines is provided by central DSL hubs, and user speed relies greatly on proximity to these hubs.

History

DSL modems first stated appearing in the late 1990s and were created on ADSL technology developed in the late 1980s. This technology was originally used for sharing networked video content, but the same technology was found to be more useful in the home computing realm. DSL modems caught fire in the wake of dial-up modems, but their popularity has waned due to cable's faster speeds and intense marketing.

Types

There are three different types of DSL: ADSL, SDSL, and IDSL. ADSL is the most common form of DSL and is designed for the casual home user. ADSL only supports a single network or connection but provides consistent download speeds. However, upload speeds are generally much slower over ADSL, and networked computer have been known to bring down overall speed. SDSL is a more business-centric DSL service and is designed to support multiple networks. This type of DSL provides consistent connection rates for downloading and uploading and can handle many simultaneous actions. IDSL is a type of low-performance DSL that is available for people who are not close enough to a phone service tower for regular DSL and do not want to pay extra phone charges.

Considerations

When considering buying a DSL modem and service, it is important to think about the advantages and disadvantages of the service in relation to cable modems. While cable modems generally provide faster speeds, DSL modems are often cheaper and come with less-expensive service plans. You should also consider how far away you are from a service tower, as this will directly affect your DSL modem's speed.

Misconceptions

Although cable modems often outperform DSL modems in terms of speed in densely populated areas, the reverse is sometimes true. Because cable services are shared, major slowdowns and even denials of service can occur. Because DSL service is tied to a dedicated line, this type of situation can never occur while using a DSL modem.