Distance
DSL is a direct connection from the phone company’s switching stations to the house. The line is not shared in any capacity, which can be a significant benefit to heavy users who require no other use on the lines that may slow down data transfers. Due to the architecture of DSL, a house that subscribes to the service must be within 1.25 miles of a DSLAM. A DSLAM is a switching facility where the connection to the phone company extends to the house. Distances greater of 1.25 miles have significantly lower speeds than promised.
Packages
In early 2010 Verizon offered multiple tiers of DSL packages to customers, each with varying speeds and prices. The three tiers were set up to allow the user to decide which speed and price worked best. The starter package featured download speeds of 1 Mbps and 384 Kbps upload speed for $19.99 per month. The middle package bumped the download speed to 3 Mbps while doubling the upload speed for a $29.99 package. The highest tier offered for Verizon DSL are download speeds of 7.1 Mbps with the same 768 Mbps upload speed for $39.99 per month. (Prices are as of 2010.)
Synchronous Speeds
As DSL matures, different speeds and systems have come into play. Alternate DSL technologies came into the game where speeds could go higher than originally offered and often those came from resellers. ADSL is the normal DSL offered by Verizon where the “A” stands for asynchronous, meaning the upload and download do not match. HDSL is a secondary form of DSL, where the technology uses a higher frequency to transmit data much faster than normal DSL. Depending on where a home needs DSL and the companies offering service, these technologies may be able for purchase.
Comparisons
Companies offering DSL differ based on where the location needing the DSL is located. Alternate providers to Verizon may be in the area and offer competition. Depending on the competition, a subscriber may use the competition to get a better deal from a DSL company and even extra perks such as free promotional gifts and discounts. Verizon’s speeds are matched with AT&T DSL, while Qwest DSL offers downloads of 1.5 Mbps. Checking for all available options in your area will get the best deal on service.
Wiring
Once DSL is installed, wiring in the house will be key to making sure the service works properly. DSL works through existing telephone lines. Due to noise and interference it produces on the lines, every telephone in the house will need to be equipped with a DSL filter. These are small, plastic dongles that connect in between a telephone and the jack in the wall. The filter will eliminate all DSL noise on the line and allow for normal voice calls. If a filter is removed or fails, a phone cannot be used since the DSL noise will drown out all other use of the line. Most DSL companies provide DSL filters at no charge.