116#assymetric digital subscriber line

ABSTRACT

ADSL can practically transform the existing public information network from one limited to voice, text and low resolution graphics to a powerful, ubiquitous system capable of carrying multimedia, including full motion video, to everyone's home.

ADSL works by splitting the phone line into two frequency ranges. The frequencies below 4 kHz are reserved for voice, and the range above that is used for data.

ADSL provides always-on high-speed Internet access over a single dedicated telephone line; cable modems offer always-on high-speed Internet access over a shared cable television line. While cable modems have greater downstream (from the Internet into the home) bandwidth capabilities, that bandwidth is shared among all users in a neighbourhood, and will therefore vary, perhaps dramatically, as more users in a neighbourhood get online at the same time to compete for bandwidth.

With ADSL, even though both the computer and phone require the same line, both can still operate at the same time as the other. This means that users can leave their Internet connection open, and still use the phone line for voice calls.

Speed is one of the main reasons for upgrading from a slower dial up connection. ADSL can reach speeds that are 25 times faster than a dial-up Modem. This means faster surfing, faster downloads, and faster games.

ADSL is a distance-sensitive technology.

A connection that's up to 25x times faster will let you use the Internet as it was meant to be. Web pages will snap up on your screen right away, files will download with amazing speed, and you'll be able to play network games smoothly. The DSL connection is a dedicated link. Unlike ISDN and analogue modem connections the DSL connection is up 24 hours a day. This gives you some additional options like running servers.

On March 6, 2002, it was announced that DSL deployment reached 18.7 million subscribers worldwide at the end of 2001.

DSL will not become outdated for quite some time. As long as copper telephone wires are used for transporting data, and voice, DSL will be a viable technology. ADSL is competing with technologies such as cable-modem access for high-speed connections from consumers to the Internet.