Before broadband and fiber optic internet entered the market and took over it, it was the DSL internet technology that prevailed in almost every household that subscribed to an internet connection. DSL internet, that stands for Digital Subscriber Line was earlier known as the Digital Subscriber Loop that was consisted of a family of technologies that helped in transmitting digital data through telephone lines. In the sphere of telecommunications marketing, we commonly get to hear the term DSL that is also coupled to the term ADSL that stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. It is one of the most commonly installed technology used so far that provides easy internet access. Only a few years back, it was the DSL internet that was offered as the latest service offered by each reputed internet provider.
How it Works
DSL service of internet can be delivered at a time through wired telephone line on the same telephone connection since the DSL technology uses high frequency bands for transmitting data. At the premises of the user, a DSL filter is fitted on each side of the non-DSL outlets to block any high-frequency interference. This is to enable and maintain the simultaneous usage of both voice and data for the users who are subscribed to DSL services.
On the other hand, the ADSL uses the data in the upstream direction throughput in a low pitch, hence it is given the name of an asymmetric service. so, in comparison, the DSL internet is more preferred by the users because of several advantages that we would discuss below. However, there are some disadvantages of this technology as well, that prompted the latest internet technologies evolve in quick succession.
Advantages of DSL Internet
The basic advantage of using a DSL connection is its speed. Every DSL line measure it’s speed in megabits per second, which returns at least 20 times of the speed users could get from a dial-up connection. Moreover, DSL connections would generally be constantly running which is indicative of the fact that the users stay connected to the Internet constantly and would not need to reconnect whenever they are sitting at the computer.
The other advantage of DSL is that, since it uses the existing phone wiring, it won’t tie up the phone line and so you can use the telephone for making and receiving calls while you are connected to the internet.
Disadvantages of DSL Internet
Like any other technology, the DSL internet connectivity too has its own drawbacks.
The first is the requirement of buying a special phone connection from a company who offers this service, for which you will need to pay a fee to setup the connection and for the modem.
The other disadvantage is its unavailability. DSL can only work from a relatively close distance from its central office. Usually, the range can extend up to 18,000 feet, or 3.4 miles, meaning that you can get a DSL connection only if your place is within that range from the telephone company you want to subscribe to. So, if all the above said conditions are not a constraint for you, a DSL internet can provide you a smooth internet surfing experience.
