DSL INTERNET SERVICES
OVERVIEW
DSL Internet Services, or (Digital Subscriber
Line Internet Services) are usually available
in metropolitan areas. These Internet access companies
are generally the local phone service providers since phone lines asre used to provide this type of high speed service. Although DSL
uses phone lines, it does not interfere
with regular phone service. You can browse
at high speeds while still talking on the
phone.
PERFORMANCE
DSL services provide downloads ranging from 768 Kbps
to 6000 Kbps (Kilobytes per second) or about
15 to 120 times faster than a 56K dial-up
service. Uploads are generally 128 - 384
Kbps as service providers purposely throttle
back uploads to prevent customers from running
high load servers on their lines. This type
of high speed service is technically called Asynchronous
(ADSL), and is the most common type of service
offered. With DSL you must "logon"
each time you use it, but no dial-up is required.
INSTALLATION
DSL Internet Services can be installed using
existing phone lines, but the provider's
technician will often install a new line for the service since many houses have older
phone line wiring that is incompatible with newer broadband technologies. Your provider's equipment
connects to your phone jack and to
your computer using an Ethernet or USB cable.
Most newer computers can accommodate these
types of connections, but if yours cannot
the technician can usually supply and install
an ethernet card into your computer. If your
new high speed internet service uses existing phone lines, the
technician may install a small electronic
filter on the lines connecting to your regular
phones in order to prevent interference between
your high speed internet and your regular phone.
COST
Generally $25.00 to $35.00 per month depending on the maximum speed offered.
"Lite" services can also be found in the
$15.00- $20.00 range. They are slower, but fast enough for many, if not most,
consumers. Some Internet access companies will ask you to
buy the equipment (a high speed "modem"
and ethernet card, if necessary). Some will
ask you to rent it. Some will simply give
it to you (returned to them if you cancel).
Some providers offer to buy back the equipment
if you cancel - some do not. Confused yet?
Be sure to ask the provider when
you call or read the fine print when applying
online.
TIPS
Performance is dependent on your
physical distance from the high speed internet provider.
If your home is on the edge of the the serviceable
area, performance may be poor or reduced.
Be sure to fully test your service before
the service provider's technician leaves.
Be sure to evaluate all options
before choosing a High Speed Internet Service
Broadband Provider.
