"Using Technology - The Hottest Link to the Internet

It’s the up and coming hot link to the Internet: DSL (Digital Subscriber Line).  Many companies cannot afford the high cost to have a T1 line installed ($1500/month), however need to have access to faster internet communications. Depending on the location of your office, this might be the answer for you.

What is DSL? (Digital Subscriber Line)  In plain English, it is a technology that uses copper pair wiring that already exists in almost every home and office.  Special hardware is then connected at both the user and the switch (telephone company) ends of the line.  This then splits your line into three channels for incoming data, outgoing data, and telephone calls. This allows data to transmit at far greater speeds than the standard phone wiring. There are two types of DSL:  ADSL (Asynchronous – download speed is faster than upload speed) and SDSL (Synchronous – upload and download speeds match).

What are the advantages of DSL? Super fast speed is the greatest advantage of DSL.  You do not have to “dial up” to access the Web with DSL. It offers a constant connection so that you have internet access 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. It also allows for Dual Use Lines. Telephone lines can be used for conversation at the same time as data transmissions are in progress.  With DSL, you would have dedicated access to your line – No Bandwidth Sharing.

What are the disadvantages of DSL?  ADSL is only available in certain markets in the United States.  SDSL is limited to Europe.   You must check with your local telephone company to see if or when this will be available in your area.  You must also own a PC that is equipped with a Network Interface Card (NIC). Because you are always connected to the Internet, your computer is more susceptible to computer hackers.  Running a security program (like BlackIce) will help protect your machine from internet attack.

I investigated my local telephone company to check on the cost and availability of DSL in my area.  DSL is not currently available, however the phone company assures me that it is not far off in the future.  Every day new cities are being added to their list of available areas.  The cost was based on a package price depending on how fast of a DSL line you wish to subscribe. I found the prices range anywhere from $50 to $450 monthly.

To find good information on DSL go to www.dslreports.com.