Definition 1. - 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 2. - 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.

Definition 3. - 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 4. - 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.

DSL Wyoming, - DSL has been hailed as a great solution for residential broadband needs. You may have heard this term from friends and neighbors when talking about their fast internet connection. It's true, DSL is much faster then a dial-up internet connection, but is it all it's cracked up to be?

With speeds of up to 140 times faster than dial up internet access its definitely fast but the problem is you don't always get the advertised speed. You DSL connection is highly dependant on your distance from the phone company. If you're over 5,000 feet your signal will begin to drop off and your connection will be degraded, i.e. slower speed. At about 15,000 feet from the phone company (3 miles) your signal will completely cut off.

The second problem with DSL is the fact that it's highly over subscribed. Oversubscription means that many people are pulling from the same resource. During the afternoon when people are at work there may be plenty of bandwidth to have, but in the evening when everyone is looking up the news, going through e-mail, or shopping online, access tends to be strained. Many people pulling from the same limited resource will find that there's only so much to go around. What does this mean to you? Slow speeds! It's interesting to note that DSL companies lampooned cable internet access as being shared by the neighborhood. Commercials displayed neighbors at each others throats for overusing the connection because it affected other's use. The irony of the commercials is that DSL users suffer from the same problem of common access. It's a great solution, but don't let them fool you….It's not perfect!