What is DSL?

Here is a basic primer on DSL technology. DSL is one of several popular broadband internet connectivity options. DSL allows users to connect with ISPs via phone company copper lines. A filter on the DSL converter protects internet data parcels from the voice signals carried on the PSTN network. In order to link up to the net, you need a modem on the user site and a technology called the DSL access multiplexer, DSLAM for short, to receive the signals from multiple telecom clients.

Although DSL shares “real estate” with PSTN voice traffic, the technology has evolved to the point that DSL is a very clean, stable, and effective way of getting bandwidth. Unlike cable, which can clog up due to mass volumes of traffic, DSL provides a steady, consistent stream of bandwidth. The closer you are to the so-called central office, the faster your DSL will run.

This means that if you are on the periphery of a DSL coverage area, you may get slower connectivity speeds. Also understand that with DSL, as with cable, your download times will generally be much faster than your upload times. This asymmetrical configuration of the network is inherent to the technology.

That said, since you can control your bandwidth at all hours of the day, DSL is great if you need to run a business or if you want to access huge parcels of information (MP4s, MP3s e. g) or if you need to run a video conferencing line.

Since DSL is run through copper phone lines, you don't have to worry nearly as much about radio frequency problems or weather related interference.

That said, since DSL leaves your Internet “always open,” there are some security risks inherent to connecting to the web with the technology. You can protect against those risks somewhat by installing top tier antivirus software, monitoring your computer for intrusions, and downloading and applying patches as they appear.

Finally, while “old school” DSL was hampered by competition from diverse and some times unreliable sources, the consolidation of DSL providers has in many senses remedied the “DSL uncertainty” problem.