- DSL, or digital subscriber line, is a type of Internet service provided by an Internet provider that is connected through a telephone line as opposed to a cable. From the main server, a satellite beams information through the line and transmits the information to the DSL modem. The computer is linked to the DSL modem through a USB line and the transmission then takes place to access Internet service. The difference between DSL and dial-up is that DSL runs continually through a separate phone line that connects to a DSL modem. A dial-up Internet connection also runs through a telephone line, but it has to dial in and call the server and then connect. DSL is often compared to cable Internet. The difference between the two is that for cable, the Internet signal is produced through cable television. One station is designated as the router of information and is linked through the cable to provide the flow and access of information. DSL uses a telephone line to transmit its signal, and if the telephone line is down or out of service, the Internet service will be also. DSL service comes in different bandwidths. The higher the bandwidth, the faster the Internet connection will be. Often, higher bandwidth is more expensive than lower bandwidth connections and can mean a higher bill than dial-up Internet.
- Once the DSL internet service is enabled by the provider, a technician will likely come out and install the service through a DSL modem. If two or more computers need to access the Internet, a router will also be installed. The DSL line is directed to the back of the router to provide the Internet signal. If one of the computers being shared by the router is a desktop, a USB cable with a direct connection can be inserted into the modem on the computer. Once the DSL line has been activated and inserted into the router, the router than needs to be activated by turning the power on. Laptop or wireless computers can then pick up an Internet signal from the wireless internet router. The stronger the range on the router, the further away a laptop or wireless computer will be able to pick up the signal. If more than one desktop needs to connect to the DSL modem, the computer will need to have a wireless modem to pick up wireless signal. If not, an additional USB cord will need to be connected from the router to the computer.
- Having two or more computers accessing the Internet at the same time is beneficial for those with small businesses as well as those with large families who need to gain access to the Internet simultaneously. The high bandwidth of a DSL modem should not be affected if more than one computer is using the connection at the same time.
