What speed does DSL Internet offer and how does DSL work?

Matthew Harrington
Internet Provider Comparisons

With more and more people requiring internet services to stay connected for work, school or socialising - having a steady and stable internet connection has become essential.

There are several types of internet types that internet users choose from, with the main connection types being DSL, cable, fiber and satellite.

HomeLinkd digs deeper into one of the oldest and most common internet types - DSL technology. We take a better look at everything there is to know about DSL to help you make a more informed decision about whether it's the right internet service is right for you.

What Is DSL Internet?

DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line, and is a type of connection that uses copper telephone lines to deliver high-speed internet service.

DSL technology was first introduced in the late 1980s as a way to provide higher-speed data services over traditional copper telephone lines.

While the speeds offered by DSL internet are not as fast as those offered by other types of broadband connection - such as cable and fiber - it is still a reliable and affordable option for many people looking for home internet service.

How Does DSL Work?

DSL works by using the same copper telephone lines that are used to deliver traditional phone service into your home.

However, instead of using these lines to carry an analog signal - as is the case with traditional phone service - DSL uses these same lines to carry a digital signal.

This digital signal is then used to provide high-speed internet service to your home.

In order to take advantage of DSL service, you will need to have a DSL modem - which can be provided by your DSL internet service provider - connected to your computer.

Once this modem is connected, you will be able to access the internet at high speeds.

What Equipment Do I Need To Use DSL?

To take advantage of DSL service, you will need to have a DSL modem - which can be provided by your DSL internet service provider - connected to your computer.

DSL modems are typically easy to set up and use.

However, if you are having trouble setting up or using your DSL modem, you can contact your DSL internet provider for help.

How Can I Get DSL?

If you are interested in getting DSL service, the first step is to check and see if it is available in your area.

DSL service is only available in areas that have access to copper telephone lines - which means that it may not be available in all areas.

To find out if DSL is available in your area, you can contact your local phone company or check online to see if there are any DSL service providers in your area.

Or choose the more convenient choice and visit HomeLinkd. By using our Coverage Map, you'll be able to use your zip code to find the best DSL deals and providers in your area.

Can You Use Your Phone Line And The Internet At The Same Time With DSL?

Yes, you can use your telephone and internet at the same time with DSL.

DSL uses a different frequency than voice calls, so you will not experience any interference when using both services at the same time - meaning you will still be able to get high-speed internet access and a steady internet signal if your home phone rings.

Asymmetric DSL (ADSL) and Symmetric DSL: What's The Difference?

One type of DSL that you may see mentioned is Asymmetrical DSL, or ADSL.

ADSL is a type of DSL technology that offers different speeds for download and upload - with the download speed being much higher than the upload speed.

This connection type is often used by people who do a lot of downloading - such as people who download movies or music - but do not do a lot of uploading.

With ADSL, you will notice that DSL providers often advertise their DSL services with different speeds to differentiate between their download and upload speeds.

While ADSL is a type of DSL, it is important to note that not all types of DSL offer asymmetric speeds.

Symmetrical DSL, on the other hand, offers the same speeds for both downloading and uploading.

What Are The Download And Upload Speeds Of DSL?

DSL speeds can vary depending on the type of DSL technology being used as well as the distance between your home and the telephone company's central office.

However, in general, most types of DSL offer download speeds of around 3 Mbps to 25 Mbps - with some types of DSL offering speeds as high as 1115 Mbps, although DSL speeds vary depending on your location and the providers available in your area.

As for upload speeds, most types of DSL offer upload speeds of around 768 Kbps to 1.5 Mbps.

Who Are Some Of The Best DSL Internet Providers?

There are a number of different DSL internet providers available - both nationwide and regional.

Some of the best DSL providers include EarthLink, CenturyLink, and Frontier.

These providers generally offer a choice of DSL services and plans.

EarthLink

Speeds offered: 3 Mbps - 45 Mbps

Price range: $50 - $70 per month

Contract: Yes

CenturyLink

Speeds offered: 15 Mbps - 140 Mbps

Price range: Starting from $50 per month

Contract: No

Frontier

Speeds offered: 6 Mbps - 115 Mbps

Price range: $28 - $45 per month

Contract: No

To find the best provider for your needs, it is important to compare the prices and the speed of the connection offered by each provider in your area.

You can use HomeLinkd's Compare tool to easily compare the prices and speeds of different providers in your area.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Using DSL?

One of the main disadvantages of using DSL is that the speed of your connection can be affected by the distance between your home and the telephone company's central office.

The further away you are from the central office, the slower your connection will be.

Another disadvantage of using DSL is that it is not available in all areas.

While you can get high-speed DSL internet speeds, your DSL line can be much slower during "peak hours" of internet use.

DSL is only available in areas that have access to copper telephone lines - which means that it may not be available in all areas. And if the length of the phone line between the residence and the phone company is longer, speeds may drop.

Depending on the provider you choose, the speed of your internet plan can experience throttling - where the provider will limit the DSL speed.

Your connection is also susceptible to dropping if your service provider has technical difficulties.

What Are The Advantages Of Using DSL?

There are a number of benefits to using DSL - including the fact that it is a reliable and affordable option for many people looking for home internet service.

DSL is also a relatively fast type of connection - with most types of DSL offering download speeds of around 3 Mbps to 25 Mbps.

In addition, DSL is widely available in many areas - making it a convenient option for many people.

Depending on how close you are to your telephone company, you can get faster DSL speeds.

If you live in a neighborhood with better copper wiring, you can achieve somewhat faster DSL speeds.

Comparing DSL With Other Internet Options

DSL vs Cable Internet

Cable internet is a type of broadband connection that uses the same cables as your cable TV service.

Cable internet is generally faster than DSL - with most types of cable internet offering download speeds of around 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps.

However, it is important to note that the speed of your connection can be affected by the number of people using your connection at the same time.

For example, if you live in an apartment complex where many people are using the same cable line, your connection may be slower during peak times.

Cable internet is also more expensive than DSL - with most providers charging around $50 per month for service.

DSL vs Fiber Internet

Fiber internet is a type of connection that uses fiber-optic cables to deliver service.

Fiber internet offers the fastest speeds available at the moment - with most types of fiber internet offering download speeds of around 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps.

However, it is important to note that the speed of your connection can be affected by the distance between your home and the telephone company's central office.

Fiber internet is also more expensive than DSL - with most providers charging around $70 per month for service.

DSL vs Satellite Internet

Satellite internet is a type of internet connection that uses satellites to deliver service.

Satellite internet is widely available - making it a convenient option for many people.

However, it is important to note that the speed of your connection can be affected by the number of people using your connection at the same time.

In addition, satellite internet is more expensive than DSL - with most providers charging around $100 per month for service.

Is DSL The Same As Dial-Up Internet?

No, DSL is not the same as dial-up internet.

DSL is a type of high-speed internet connection that uses copper telephone lines to deliver service.

Dial-up internet is a type of low-speed internet connection that uses your phone line to connect to the internet.

Dial-up speeds are generally around 56 Kbps - which is much slower than most types of DSL.

Is DSL Going Extinct?

DSL is not going extinct, but the US has seen a decline in the number of residents choosing a DSL internet connection. While fiber internet is the fastest type of internet connection, it is not available in all areas.

DSL is still a reliable and affordable option for many people looking for home internet service. In addition, it is widely available in many areas - making it a convenient option for many people.

Get Access To The Best DSL Providers and Plans With HomeLinkd

While residential DSL services may not be ideal for heavy internet users, such as online gamers or small business owners, this connection type is still a great option for many people who use the internet for casual streaming and surfing the internet.

Finding the right provider is easy with HomeLinkd. Simply enter your zip code into our site and we'll show you a list of providers and plans available in your area. You can then compare pricing, features, and more to find the perfect DSL plan for your needs. So what are you waiting for?

Start your search today for high-speed DSL connection!

Written by:
Matthew Harrington

I’m Matthew, your go-to tech enthusiast who loves diving deep into the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of all things technology. My day job? Breaking down complex systems so you don’t have to! When I’m not geeking out over the latest gadgets, you’ll find me exploring new coding languages or reading about future tech trends. I believe every technical problem has a solution, and I’m here to guide you through them, step by step.

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