How Does Wireless DSL Work?

Requirements

A fast broadband internet connection is used with DSL. An access point transfers the local area network signal wirelessly to one or more computers. Access points are wireless routers or antennas that broadcast a signal. A wireless card or adapter is needed for receiving the signal to a computer (although a new laptop may already have a wireless card built in to the hardware). If the computer comes with a built in wireless card, there will be a switch located on the exterior of the computer which can be turned on and off for wireless internet.

Signals and Connections

The strength of the DSL signal is relative to the distance between the DSL provider's location and the location of the customer's modem. A direct connection to the provider is established through DSL (whereas, cable users are set up on an underground network of cables--often slowing down as more connections are made). Wireless internet operates on a frequency shared by cell phones (2.4 gigahertz for cell phones. 2.4 to 5 gigahertz for wireless DSL). The wireless DSL signal downloads and receives information faster than it uploads or transmits data. The DSL line itself is connected from the phone outlet directly to the back of the transceiver (DSL modem). The DSL signal is carried to the wireless router either by USB cord or an ethernet cable. Performances vary over a wireless DSL network depending on how many computers are sharing the wireless signal. The bandwidth decreases with more uses, which in turn will slow down internet speed.

Filters and Splitters

DSL packages come with filters that allow a regular phone line to be converted to the DSL signal. The filter blocks signals above 4 KHz, which would otherwise disrupt telephone calls while on the internet. A splitter is used when the phone and the internet router need to share the same phone line. By connecting a splitter into the outlet, the user is able to connect two phone cords into the phone jack. Where additional phone cords are plugged in (different rooms), a phone call will temporarily interrupt the DSL signal, causing internet access to become temporarily unavailable (until the phone is hung up). This is why a splitter is used to divide the phone and internet conveyors.