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Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) service is high-speed data transmission using existing copper telephone wires. With DSL technology, you can have broadband Internet access and multiple phone lines using a single copper telephone line. You pay for only one telephone line, but you get the benefit of many customizable virtual lines. These virtual lines can be used for voice, data, or (in the near future) video.
Digital Vs. Analog
DSL data transmission is so efficient because it uses digital rather than analog signals, and divides the single analog line into many different virtual digital lines. Instead of using an analog modem to translate digital signals into an analog signal, DSL transmits the digital signal directly. Digital transmission over DSL can exceed six megabits per second (Mbps), which is faster than a dedicated T1 Internet line.
Bandwidth Options
With DSL technology, you can buy as little or as much bandwidth as you need:
- At the low end, 128 kilobits per second (Kbps), similar to ISDN line
- At the high end, faster than a T2 Internet line
- In between, a range of speeds designed to meet different needs and budgets
Since it is possible to change the speed of a DSL line without installing new equipment, you can easily increase or decrease bandwidth as your needs change.
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