D-Link DSL-300 manual Introduction, What is ADSL?

DSL-300 ADSL Ethernet Modem User’s Guide

Introduction

ADSL technology is a relatively new technology and may be unfamiliar to the reader. In this section, we introduce you to ADSL technology and give a brief description of its key attributes. We also give a general description of the D-Link DSL-300 Modem and its main features.

What is ADSL?

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) is an access technology that utilizes ordinary copper telephone lines to enable broadband high-speed digital data transmission and interactive multimedia applications for business and residential customers. Using existing phone lines means there is no need to add expensive new fiber-optic cable or line conditioning.

ADSL modems greatly increase the signal carrying capacity of copper telephone lines without interfering with regular telephone services. For the ADSL user, this means much faster data communications and interactive multimedia capabilities. ADSL devices make it possible to enjoy benefits such as high-speed Internet access, telecommuting (remote LAN access), collaborative computing, distance learning, movies on demand and multiplayer video gaming without experiencing any loss of quality or disruption of voice/fax telephone capabilities.

ADSL provides a dedicated service over a single telephone line operating at speeds of up to 8 Mbps downstream and up to 640 Kbps upstream, depending on local telephone line conditions. These conditions are ideal for many user applications. A secure point-to-point connection is established between the user and the central office of the local telephone service provider. The user is always connected thus eliminating dial-up time and simplifying connectivity issues.

D-Link ADSL devices incorporate the recommendations of the ADSL Forum regarding framing, data format, and upper layer protocols.

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