DSL, or Digital Subscriber Line, is the technology that allows for data to be uploaded and downloaded over a phone line. DSL is what makes the Internet possible as it allows for everyone to stay connected to each other with cables that are already installed. DSL is found in the majority of suburban homes in the continental United States and many more in Europe, Australia, and Canada while finding its roots in Asia and developing nations. In this article, we will go over what DSL does and the various types and versions of DSL that have been introduced to the market over the years.
Voice and Data
DSL works by separating signals into low frequencies and high frequencies. Voices are transmitted in the lower frequencies and data is transmitted in the higher frequencies. Because of this technology, we are able to enjoy Internet access while using the telephone at the same time. DSL can be installed easily and work alongside any existing equipment for your standard phone line.
Regular DSL
Regular DSL is the standard form of DSL that requires an existing landline for data and voice to be transferred through. In regular DSL, customers generally bundle phone and Internet together and have access to both simultaneously. Voice signals are passed through the wires at a much lower frequency than data signals and thus allow for data to be transferred while not interfering with voice signals over the same line.
Naked DSL
In naked DSL, customers are not required to have an existing landline connected to have access to the Internet. This allows for customers to drop the extra fees associated with landline phones and switch primarily to their cell phone plan. There has been much controversy over naked DSL but inevitably, many telephone providers have been forced to offer it as part of their packaged plans.
Versions
There have been many versions of DSL as it has been upgraded so many times over the years. The following is a full list of DSL versions and types that have become available to the public.
ISDN Digital Subscriber Line
ISDN Digital Subscriber Line was one of the first forms of DSL and used a technology known as ISDN to transfer signals.
High Data Rate Digital Subscriber Line
High Data Rate Digital Subscriber Line was the first DSL device that used twisted copper cables to transfer signals in a high frequency spectrum.
Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line
In Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line, equal amounts of data are uploaded and downloaded at any given time.
Symmetric High Speed Digital Subscriber Line
Symmetric High Speed Digital Subscriber Line was created to serve as a faster replacement for Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line.
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
In Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line, more information is downloaded than is uploaded at any given time.
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line 2
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line 2 provided quality that its predecessor lacked.
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line 2 Plus
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line 2 Plus increased the data transfer speeds of DSL by 200%.
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line Plus Plus
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line Plus Plus was created in Japan and increased the data transfer speeds of DSL to 50 megabits per second and increased the spectrum used to 3.75 megahertz.
Rate-Adaptive Digital Subscriber Line
Rate-Adaptive Digital Subscriber Line is used to decrease speed while increasing range and performance of the signal.
Very High Speed Digital Subscriber Line
Very High Speed Digital Subscriber Line was simply a faster version of previous models.
Very High Speed Digital Subscriber Line 2
Very High Speed Digital Subscriber Line 2 was invented to replace the already enhanced speeds of Very High Speed Digital Subscriber Line.
Etherloop
Etherloop is the technology that allows for Ethernet cable to be used in transmitting data and voice over a phone line.
Uni-DSL
Uni-DSL is a system introduced by Texas Instruments that works with all forms of DMT, which is the method in which frequencies are separated into high and low signals, allowing for data and voice to be transferred over the same wire at the same time.
Gigabit Digital Subscriber Line
Gigabit Digital Subscriber Line offers speeds never before seen before in the DSL community, capable of transferring data at roughly 128 mbps.
Universal High Bit Rate Digital Subscriber Line
Universal High Bit Rate Digital Subscriber Line is the newest version of DSL and is an example of fiber optic technology. Universal High Bit Rate Digital Subscriber Line offers extremely fast speeds and reliable service when installed properly.
