Difference Between DSL and Wireless Internet

DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. It is a form of high-speed Internet access that uses your phone line. There is also "wireless Internet," which can refer to one of two schemes of computer communication.

DSL Basics

Since DSL uses a phone line, it is not a wireless technology. Like wireless Internet, however, it can move at speeds of up to 8 megabits per second, which is dozens of times faster than a dial-up modem.

Clarifying Terms

You may connect wirelessly to your DSL modem, but the modem itself is physically attached to the Internet. Sometimes a person using this connection will refer to this setup informally as "wireless Internet."

Official Standards

Formally, however, "wireless Internet" describes a method where the computer connects to a high-speed cell phone network. This is popular for laptops, but you may see it in desktop computers as well.

Wireless Internet Functionality

This service is generally not as fast as a physical Internet connection. A customer may receive their wireless communication adapter (called a "modem") for free along with the subscription, and they may also have to sign a contract of one or two years.

Bundling

Some Internet service providers offer to bundle this service with their physical Internet connection, often with a discount. With this scheme, your wireless Internet device usage is billed with your physical Internet service, instead of separately.

References

• Indiana University: DSL Overview
• Digital Landing: Wireless Internet