DSL FAQ's

Telephone conversations and fax signals (voice traffic) go through the phone or the fax machine, while your computer uses the DSL modem to browse web sites and download files, etc. (data traffic), thus allowing you to use both the phone line and the modem at the same time.

DSL is a type of modem technology that turns your existing phone line into a three-channel data delivery system. The first channel transmits voice services, so normal phone and fax usage continues whether or not you are accessing the Internet. The second channel transmits data downstream at high speeds, and the third bi-directional channel transmits data upstream. The downstream and upstream channels carry information to and from the Internet. Therefore, a phone or fax call occurring on the first channel is not affected by your online activity. On your phone line, there is a modem connected to your computer, which connects to a modem at your Internet service provider’s office. Working together, these modems provide a dedicated or “always on” connection that avoids the need to dial-up for access to the Internet. The modem in the Internet service provider’s office points your data traffic to the DSL network and on to the Internet. With DSL, you do not have to compete for bandwidth with other users in your service area, as with a cable modem.

What Is The Difference Between DSL And Cable Modems?
Cable modems offer service over a shared cable. Multiple users may be connected to the same local cable line. DSL provides a dedicated, or “always on” connection to the office of your Internet service provider, so that you do not have to compete with other users for access to the server. There is upside and downside to both types of connections. Cable Broadband can have much higher upload speeds vs. DSL. But again, Cable is a “shared” type of Broadband, so when anyone else on your “local cable line loop” connects to the Internet it tends to affect you overall connectivity speed.

Is DSL really faster?
DSL is an innovative, high-speed connection that loads data, music and images at an impressive pace. For approximate download times, please see the table below. By decreasing download time, DSL service will enable you complete your work more quickly, leaving more time to do the things you enjoy. Use the easy reference table below to compare the differences between download speeds.
 

What Might Affect My Connection Speed?

Connection speed is the speed at which data is transferred between your computer and the office of your Internet service provider during your initial connection to their DSL network. Throughput speed (may also be called download speed) refers to the rate at which data is transferred from the Internet to your computer. Some examples of receiving or downloading are reading a Web page, downloading files, or receiving e-mail. Send speed (also called upload speed) refers to the rate that information is transferred from your computer to the Internet. Examples of sending or uploading are sending e-mail or sending files. When you are connected to the Internet using a DSL modem, the speeds that you experience may fluctuate based on a variety of factors, including the following:

• Your computer configuration.

• Congestion on the Network or Internet.

• The condition of telephone wiring inside and/or outside your service location.

• The distance of your telephone line from your Internet service providers central office.

• The server and router speeds of Web sites you access.

Does My Telephone Line Qualify For DSL?

To find out if you qualify for DSL, please use our DSL availability tool. Please note that we only use this information to see if you qualify for DSL. This will allow us to see if your line is equipped with DSL. If it is, the next step is to see if DSL is available and who is the best Internet service provider for you.

My Neighbor Has DSL, But My Phone Line Doesn't Qualify. Why?

DSL is a distance-sensitive technology that works solely over copper phone lines. At this time, DSL is only available to customers residing within 3 "wire-run" miles (up to 18,000 feet) from their Internet service providers’ office. In addition, customers must be served over copper wires. Some wires may be capable of handling DSL and others may not, even in the same neighborhood. Most certainly, Internet service providers are working hard to overcome distance limitations to make DSL more widely available. Even though you may not qualify for DSL today, it is a very real possibility that you will be able to receive it in the near future as improvements are made to the technology.

If I Change Numbers, Will My New Number Qualify For DSL?
Unfortunately, changing your telephone number does not change the condition of your telephone wires.

I Have More Than One Telephone Number. Can Another Number At The Same Location Qualify For DSL?
If you have more than one telephone number, please use the qualify page for all of your existing telephone numbers. Sometimes a customer location has more than one telephone line, so one telephone line might qualify while another telephone line does not.

Do I Need Additional Equipment To Get DSL?
You will need DSL filters installed on your phone line and a DSL modem installed on your computer. You will also need a 10Base-T Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC). A NIC probably will not be included in the installation kit, however, your computer may already be equipped with one. If not, you can get a NIC at most computer stores rather cheaply

Is a DSL Connection More Secure Than a Dial-Up Connection?
From a security standpoint, DSL and cable modem networks are not very different from dial-up networks. They all connect customers to ISPs and the Internet using IP as their network protocol. DSL and cable modems are more attractive than dial-up connections to hackers for the same reasons that make them more attractive to customers. Because it is much easier to connect to the Internet and the available bandwidth is much greater, many customers remain online longer, which makes them more vulnerable to attacks. Fortunately, you can improve the security of your Broadband connection, using software such as a firewall, spyware blocker, Antivirus programs and pop-up blocker. We cannot recommend strongly enough that you install these products. For more information about protecting your computer, and to see a listing of DSL-Experts approved software, please visit our Downloads section.

Can I hook up more than one computer with a DSL connection?
Yes as most Internet Service Providers offer networking solutions.

If I get DSL, will I have to install an additional telephone line?
No, you will not need an additional phone line. DSL technology allows simultaneous analog (voice or fax) and DSL (data) transmission over the same telephone line. You will be able to use your phone as you do now.

Will I be able to use my fax machine and be connected to the Internet at the same time?
Yes. DSL technology allows simultaneous analog voice or fax and DSL data transmission over the same telephone line.

Will my current telephone features, such as call waiting, work with DSL?
Yes. Adding DSL to your telephone line does not affect your other phone services and features. DSL will not affect Caller ID, voice mail, call waiting, or other calling features.

If my DSL modem loses power, will I lose telephone service?
No. A DSL modem is designed so that normal telephone service will operate even if the modem is unplugged or disabled.