Types of Digital Subscriber Lines
Today, there exist six types of digital subscriber lines. They are as follows:
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Asymmetric DSL
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High-bit-rate DSL
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Very high-bit-rate DSL
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Symmetric DSL
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Single-pair, high-speed DSL
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Very-high-bit-rate DSL 2
Let us learn more about these six Digital Subscriber Lines in detail-
Asymmetric DSL
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) offers a transmission rate of 9 Mbps to 640 Kbps downstream/upstream. ADSL provides a wide frequency range as most consumers download more data in comparison to uploading data. Sometimes, the downloading speed reaches up to 20Mbps.
High-bit-rate DSL
High-Bit-Rate Digital Subscriber Line (HDSL) was standardised in 1994. It uses two sets of 24 AWG(American Wire Gauge) copper wires. HDSL offers symmetric download speed at lengths of more than 3500 metres.
Very high-bit-rate DSL
Very High-Bit-Rate Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL) offers up to 50Mbps download/upload speed. It allows the simultaneous transmission of speech, text, media, and high-quality video calls.
Symmetric DSL
Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL) was the replacement for HDSL. Also known as HDSL2, it provides 1.50 Mbps over distances ranging across 3000 metres and is typically utilised in corporate networks.
Single-pair, high-speed DSL
Single-Pair, High-Speed Digital Subscriber Line (SHDSL) is the fastest transmitting type of DSL compared to all the previous versions. Also intended for business purposes, SHDSL is mainly incorporated by organisations using secured connections, hosting web pages, and other services.
Very-high-bit-rate DSL 2
Very-High-Bit-Rate Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL2) was standardised in 2006 and has the highest capability to transmit data with speeds crossing 100Mbps. All this transmission over a large spread area makes VDSL2 the best fit for home communication and entertainment.
How Does Digital Subscriber Line Work?
Digital Subscriber Lines use old and existing copper wires to transmit high-speed digital data along with conventional phone signals. But it works differently than phone signals. Both operate over different frequencies.
Currently, DSL makes use of telephone lines to gather signals and transfer them into high-speed data according to the consumer's needs; wired or wirelessly. Since the existing copper telephone lines are spread across cities, towns and villages, DSL is accessible to all. The main reason why existing telephone lines are being used for DSL is very simple- the telephone lines carry more capacity than is necessary for communication. Hence, Digital Subscriber Lines join the flow.
For the receiver's end, devices like modems and routers are used to connect to DSL and smart gadgets.
Features of Digital Subscriber Line
Here are some of the salient features of the Digital Subscriber Line:
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DSL provides high-speed internet, even faster than Dial-Up connections.
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DSL is the type of internet of choice in remote areas as it runs along existing telephone lines.
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DSL only transmits encrypted data. Hence the internet being supplied is secure and private.
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Fibre internet is sometimes on the expensive side. Hence, DSL is the perfect fit for affordable and cost-effective means of the internet.
- A lot of compatibility accompanies DSL. It connects well with all smart gadgets and devices.
Importance of Digital Subscriber Line
Digital Subscriber Line is a vital element in the network infrastructure. Let us see how:
- DSL delivers the optimum internet rate for downloads. DSL modems and routers support Ethernet connection, and it is the best option for maximum internet speeds.
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It is cost-effective and easily adaptable. In addition to that, it saves you a lot of money as it uses existing telephone lines. This helps to avoid the installation of expensive additional cables/lines.
- DSL provides high transparency to the customers. Usually, there is only one single service provider and no other middlemen.
- And most important of all, DSL provides a secure connection. Your privacy is at risk as other computer users typically share the same cable-led networks.
Advantages of Digital Subscriber Lines
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The first advantage of DSL is that a DSL connection provides high-speed data transmission allowing users fast downloads and streaming from different devices.
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A DSL comes with no added wiring as it operates on the existing telephonic cables. This also saves your pockets from cable upgrades.
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The utilisation of DSL goes both ways, as the users can use telephone lines and internet lines simultaneously.
- The installation and setup of the DSL connections are easy and require very few instruments.
Disadvantages of Digital Subscriber Lines
Although DSL holds its importance and advantages, it also has some drawbacks. Let us get in depth about the disadvantages of the Digital Subscriber Line.
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DSL only works over a limited range. The connectivity and speed decrease along with an increase in distance.
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The internet speed depends heavily on the material and quality of the copper wire used for connections. If you have a cheap wire connection installed, you may experience inconsistency in internet speed.
- Telephone companies are responsible for providing DSL connections to consumers. Even though many companies exist in towns and cities, villages may need more viable options to choose from.
Properties of DSL
The properties of DSL are:
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High-Speed Internet Access: DSL provides high-speed internet access over traditional copper telephone lines, offering faster data transmission compared to dial-up connections.
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Asymmetric Bandwidth: DSL often provides asymmetric bandwidth, meaning the download speed is higher than the upload speed. This is suitable for typical internet usage where more data is downloaded than uploaded.
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Dedicated Connection: DSL provides a dedicated connection, allowing users to be connected to the internet continuously without tying up the phone line.
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Simultaneous Voice and Data: DSL enables simultaneous voice and data transmission over the same telephone line, allowing users to make phone calls while using the internet.
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Distance Limitations: The speed and quality of DSL are affected by the distance between the user's location and the central office or DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer).
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Different Variants: DSL has various variants, including ADSL (Asymmetric DSL), SDSL (Symmetric DSL), and VDSL (Very High Bitrate DSL), catering to different user needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a digital subscriber line?
A Digital Subscriber Line is a technology that provides high-speed internet access over traditional copper telephone lines, enabling faster data transmission.
What is DSL number?
DSL number might refer to a phone number associated with a DSL service or be context-specific.
What is the full form of DSL line?
The full form of DSL is "Digital Subscriber Line."
Conclusion
This article explores the depths of the Digital Subscriber Line. We covered the types, working, importance, advantages and disadvantages of the Digital Subscriber Line.
Hope this article helped you in your learning journey.
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