When you connect to the Internet, you might connect through a regular modem, through a local-area network connection in your office, through a cable modem or through a digital subscriber line (DSL) connection. DSL is a very high-speed connection that uses the same wires as a regular telephone line.

Here are some advantages of DSL:

• You can leave your Internet connection open and still use the phone line for voice calls.
• The speed is much higher than a regular modem (1.5 Mbps vs. 56 Kbps)
• DSL doesn't necessarily require new wiring; it can use the phone line you already have.
• The company that offers DSL will usually provide the modem as part of the installation.

But there are disadvantages:

• ADSL connection works better when you are closer to the provider's central office.
• The connection is faster for receiving data than it is for sending data over the Internet.
• The service is not available everywhere.

In this edition, we explain how a DSL connection manages to squeeze more information through a standard phone line -- and lets you make regulartelephone calls even when you're online!

Introduction

Skinny Voice, Broad Band

Voice and Data

Splitting the Signal

DSL Equipment

DSL Transceiver

DSLAM

DSL Future

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