What is the Difference between High Speed DSL and just regular DSL? Is high speed DSL really any better, and how much more does it cost?
by 
Littlemisswallflower
ANSWERS: 3
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"High Speed DSL" just gives the service a better name. All DSL is "high speed", though there are levels of speed availible. For example, some companies offer 768 kbps download speeds while others offer up to 20 mbps. 1 mbps is equal to 1000 kbps (bits, not bytes for anyone questioning the 1000). 20mbps DSL is aDSL2+. Standard aDSL can offer up to 3 or 8(before overhead) megabits per second. The same equipment that runs 1.5 mbps can offer 3 mbps after some adjustment. The only equipment at home that would need to change for the 20 mbps upgrade (assuming your loop lenght is short enough to get it) is an applicable DSL modem; One that supports the aDSL 2+ technology. Or, if the wiring in your home is bad, a "home-run" may be needed to avoid signal loss from the NID to the modem.
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There is a difference assuming that your ISP is calling regular DSL the 1.5mbps speed of connection and high speed DSL the faster one(s). The regular type of DSL uses technology (DSL modem at your house and DSLAM at the neighbourhood CO) that's been around 8 years or more. It tops out at 1.5mbps. Since then, faster versions of DSL have arrived on the scene that make it possible to get speeds up to 20mbps, even faster in certain conditions. But these faster speeds require new hardware both at your house and at the CO. They may also require you to be even closer to the CO than for regular DSL. So, it is better because you can get speeds that rival cable, making it possible for your ISP to offer you TV channels just like the cable company. How much they charge for this faster connection depends on the ISP. In Canada, Telus offers 4 different speeds: 256kbps for $16/mo; 1.5mbps for $31/mo; 3.0mbps for $41/mo; 6.0mbps for $46/mo.
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To be sure, check on the ISPs site. They usually label the service by what it provides. High Speed Lite (1mb), High Speed (2mb), High Speed Ultra (5mb). They like the rod "high speed" as it's good for marketing.
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