| ADSL or 'asymmetric digital subscriber line' is one | | | | speeds that are anywhere between 10 and 140 |
| form of broadband service offered in many parts of | | | | times faster that the most efficient dial-up |
| the country. Available as both a residential and | | | | connection. |
| business broadband solution, this type of high-speed | | | | As with many other types of broadband contracts, |
| connection is distinguished by its use of existing | | | | ADSL is configured to allow the subscriber to still |
| copper wired telephone networks to deliver the | | | | have full use of his or her telephone line to make and |
| service to subscribers. This approach is considered | | | | receive calls. Even though the two services are |
| asymmetric, because the downstream and upstream | | | | sharing a common wire into the home or business, |
| flow of data is accomplished at different speeds. This | | | | there is no degradation of quality. Telephone calls |
| is different from other forms of broadband, where | | | | remain crisp and clear and there is no background |
| the upstream and downstream speeds are relatively | | | | noise to interfere with the efficiency of the |
| similar. | | | | connection to the Internet. |
| While ADSL makes use of older copper wiring to | | | | ADSL is only one of several different forms of DSL |
| deliver the service, it does not mean it is inferior to | | | | broadband services that are commonly available. |
| other options. In fact, different broadband providers | | | | Depending on the structure of the telephone system |
| use a wide range of frequencies to make the | | | | set up in your area, ADSL may or may not be |
| connection. This allows them to offer connection | | | | included in the list of available options. |