DSL Basics: How DSL Internet Connection Works

Understanding the Mechanics of DSL

DSL connections work by using bandwidth outside the range of our voiced calls. Through specially equipped telephone service boxes, the correct range of signals is allowed to come across your telephone lines and serve your internet needs. But how does this work without interfering when a telephone call comes in? How is it that you can be on the computer and the phone at the same time—through one telephone line?

The Technology Behind DSL

The DSL technology works by splitting your telephone line into useful sections. This is done in one of two ways. One way is the carrierless amplitude/phase method, or CAP. CAP splits the bandwidth into three sections, with the voice and internet connection separated by a middle range of frequencies. This 3-way split helps prevent interference by reserving the lower frequencies for voice communication. Until about 1996 this was the method of choice, but gave way to the DMT (discreet multitone) method.

What is DMT and How Does It Work?

DMT works by dividing available frequencies into 247 sections, or channels, with many different upstream and downstream channels. With this method, a user must plug filters into the telephone jacks to use the lower frequencies reserved for voice transmission.

The DSL Modem

You will also have what’s called a DSL modem to plug into your computer. This then plugs into the unfiltered telephone jack—you will using the higher frequencies of the phone line, so you don’t want to filter those out for your computer connection. The data packets can then travel between your computer, through the DSL modem and your local telephone box, to equipment at the phone company.

DSl Access is Not Universal

Because the distance from a central location is important to DSL connections, not everyone has access to it yet. Rural communities, where people are often a long way from their switch boxes, often don’t have DSL available yet. They are either limited to dial-up or have to use satellite, which is expensive.

Security Concerns and a DSL Connection

Although there are some security concerns with DSL—your connected 24/7 to the internet and open to hacker attacks—a simple firewall and other protection can be of benefit. It’s fast, and gamers are fond of high speed connections. Because of this speed, businesses also like it. It can handle some of their large files without bogging down, and is available in areas where cable is not.

Summary

By considering these factors, you will be in a better position to determine whether or not DSL is the correct choice for you when it comes to hooking you up to the Internet and World Wide Web. You will be able to determine whether or not a DSL connection will meet your Net needs.