Looking For A Good ADSL Service Provider

There are so many terms which are used today in business and communications, that for someone who does not know what they mean, it can be confusing. One of the things which I had to recently learn about was ADSL lines and ADSL installation. This was when I found that there are so many websites committed to providing you with information and support, that things became very clear in a short time.  Broadband provides faster internet speeds to homes at rates that are at least ten times faster than standard dial-up. With prices for broadband packages now as low as standard dial-up, the choice between the two is relatively easy. However, there are also different types of broadband connection to choose between and these are broadly split into two categories – ADSL and cable.

What is ADSL?

ADSL is an abbreviation of asymmetric digital subscriber line and unlike dial-up, which uses the phone line to make a connection, ADSL actually works alongside the frequencies used for voice telephone calling, therefore allowing you to continue to make phone calls while using the internet. It enables faster data transmission through a single connection, but allows users to download data and make voice calls at the same time.

The distinguishing factor of ADSL is that the flow of data is greater in one direction than it is in the other – hence the name ‘asymmetric’. This is why download speeds are far greater than upload speeds. Consequently, ADSL broadband is usually marketed towards passive internet customers who rely on downloads but have little emphasis on uploads. The top speeds for downloads are usually 8Mb, and the top speeds for uploads are usually below 1Mb.To make your ADSL connection work effectively you will need an ADSL modem and micro-filters. The micro-filters, which should be supplied by your internet service provider, prevent crackling on your phone line while you are using the internet. If you require more than one or two, they are usually available for just a few pounds.

ADSL deployment on an existing plain old telephone service (POTS) telephone line presents some problems because the ADSL is within a frequency band that might interact unfavourably with existing equipment connected to the line. Therefore, it is necessary to install appropriate frequency filters at the customer’s premises to avoid interference between the DSL, voice services, and any other connections to the line.

The only times you can receive an ADSL connection without a BT phone line is through a process called local loop unbundling in which providers offer an ADSL service without using a BT exchange, thus allowing them to be more competitive with the prices and services they offer. Though you will generally require a BT phone line to use ADSL broadband, there are many different providers offering competitive packages to choose from. You will need to shop around to find the best ADSL service provider for you and most of this can be done on the internet, which will save you both time and money.