ANSWERS: 1
  • When you are shopping for an Internet connection, you will encounter a wide variety of options. DSL stands for digital subscriber line and uses your phone line, but it is always active, unlike a dial-up connection.

    DSL Basics

    This is a high-speed Internet connection you can get in your home or business. It does not have speeds as high as cable Internet, but DSL costs less than cable service.

    DSL Speeds

    DSL can range from 256 kilobits per second to multiple megabits per second. You purchase a specific speed and pay for it every month. Your rated speed will not be as high as your real-world speed because of network overhead.

    Network Overhead

    Data is sent over the Internet in packets. The network needs to check that the packet has been correctly assembled, where the packet is coming from, and where it's going. This overhead creates its own traffic that slightly slows down your transfer speeds.

    DSL Filtering

    Since DSL comes through your phone line, your phones need to have filters plugged into them so that you can still make and receive phone calls. These filters are usually included with your DSL modem at no additional cost.

    DSL Contracts

    DSL also usually requires a contract of one year that comes with a cancellation fee. You may be able to obtain month-to-month DSL instead and a connection without an active phone line for an additional fee.

    Source:

    IU.edu: DSL explained

    Tamos.net: network overhead

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