Definition 1. - A method for moving data over regular phone lines. A DSL circuit is much faster than a regular phone connection, and the wires coming into the subscriber’s premises are the same (copper) wires used for regular phone service. A commonly discussed configuration of DSL allows downloads at speeds of up to 1.5 megabits per second. This arrangement is called an ADSL: Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line.

Definition 2. - Technology that dramatically increases the digital capacity of ordinary telephone lines. The distance from the customer to the telco central office determines DSL speeds. Asymmetric DSL (ADSL) is for Internet access, where fast downstream is required, but slow upstream is acceptable. Symmetric DSL (SDSL) is best for connections that need high speed in both directions. DSL provides "always-on" operation. At the Central Office, DSL traffic is aggregated in a unit called the DSL Access Multiplexor (DSLAM) and forwarded to the appropriate ISP or data network. DSL can compete with cable modems in bringing multimedia and 3-D to homes and small businesses.

Definition 3. - This is technology that uses ordinary copper telephone lines to provide Internet speeds ranging from 1.5 to 9 Mbps--speeds that are 30 to 50 times faster than a regular 56-kbps dial-up modem. DSL also allows users to receive voice and data simultaneously, since the signal is carried on a higher frequency than normal telephone communications. xDSL refers to all types of Digital Subscriber Lines, including: ADSL: Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Lines SDSL: single-line digital subscriber lines HDSL: high-data-rate digital subscriber lines VDSL: very-high-data-rate digital subscriber lines.

Definition 4. - Short for Digital Subscriber Line, DSL technologies use sophisticated modulation schemes to send data over the copper wire used for your phone connection and is considered high speed or broadband Internet access.

DSL Nevada, - Ever wonder how fast your connection is? Are you really getting the 1.5Mbps that was promised to you? Me neither! The fact is, DSL is highly over subscribed. Oversubscription means that many people are pulling from the same resource. This results in slowdowns and it means you and I aren't getting the speed we signed up for. The best way to confirm this is through DSL Speed Test.

A DSL Speed Test is a great way to find out what kind of speed you're really getting. Is your connection really slow or is it just the fast that you're working with an old, slow, or over tasked computer? Simply find the DSL Speed Test by performing a search on Google and you'll quickly be on your way to finding out what you're really getting. You'll have to shut down your programs that are accessing the net and then perform the test which takes 30 seconds or so. It's very important to shut down programs accessing the net because these will impair the test and will cause your connection to appear slower than it actually is since some of it is being used.

When you find your speed is not what you signed up for you may want to try a few "tweaks". DSL Reports has a free downloads of DSL Tweaks that will allow you to modify your settings and some of your software to be faster on the net. What the DSL Speed Test will likely tell you, however is that you're not getting the speed you signed up for and unfortunately there's not much you can do about it. You can certainly call your provider and let them know you're not pleased but the reduction in speed can be caused by your distance from the CO or bad wiring in the area.