D-Link DSL-210 manual Introduction, What is ADSL?, Modem Description and Operation

DSL-210 USB ADSL Modem User’s Guide

Chapter 1 - Introduction

ADSL modem 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-210 USB ADSL 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 avoids the need for adding expensive new cable.

ADSL modems use digital coding techniques that greatly increase the bandwidth capacity of telephone lines without interfering with regular telephone services. For the ADSL modem user, this means much faster data communications. ADSL modems make it possible to enjoy benefits such as high-speed Internet access, telecommuting, collaborative computing, distance learning, movies on demand and multi-player 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 (to the user) and up to 640 Kbps upstream, depending on the type of service and local telephone line conditions. These conditions are ideal for many user applications. A secure point-topoint connection is established between the user and the central office of the local telephone company. 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 (www.adsl.com) regarding framing, data format, and upper layer protocols.

Modem Description and Operation

The DSL-210 USB ADSL Modem is easy to install and use. Please note that you must first install the software driver for the device by following the instructions in Chapter 3. Once the driver has been installed you can connect the Modem to your computer. The Modem connects directly to any functional USB port on a PC with standard USB cable.

Software drivers for D-Link ADSL USB Modems can be fully upgraded by simply loading newer versions onto your PC. This will allow you to update the modem and use new features and enhancements as they are developed and standardized. Online information regarding the latest downloadable software and improvements can be found at http://tsd.dlink.com.tw.

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