ADSL Broadband Speed: How Fast is ADSL
Are you someone who relies on the internet a lot to accomplish a job? Jobs like downloading and uploading huge media files for advertisement on different social media sites, or simply enjoying an online game requires speed to do all these things. Fortunately, ADSL internet was introduced.
Although not a new technology, ADSL broadband can still be considered young since its development in 1989 by John Cioffi, now a Stanford professor. Since its inception, ADSL or broadband internet has become popular because it is faster than a regular dial up phone connection; although the copper lines used in ADSL and a regular phone service are similar. ADSL needs an ISP or internet service provider and ADSL modem.
ADSL Defined and Explained
ADSL is the acronym for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. The term was coined because a DSL circuit is configured and then connected to two different locations, which has two different speeds for downloading and uploading data. When DSL is configured, the usual speed for download is around 1.5 megabits for downloads, and 128 kilobits for uploading. This method added the word “asymmetric” to DSL. The common download speed for ADSL is around 9 megabits per second, while upload speed could run up to 640 kilobits per second. However, you can’t acquire this broadband speed all the time. It would depend on the quality or grade of the ADSL you have.
ADSL hardware designers use two kinds of techniques to transmit data. The first technique is called CAP or Carrierless Amplitude and Phase Modulation which was widely used at the beginning stages of ADSL broadband development. The second one is the Discrete Multi Tone which is now widely used. This technique employs a number of sub-carriers shared over the frequency band used by the system.
ADSL was primarily designed for video, because of the high downstream rates needed for video streaming. ADSL was also the telephone companies’ scheme to compete with cable providers and to introduce a new technology called Video on Demand or VOD. However, the Internet was introduced and personal computers become hugely popular. Users began to demand a faster speed, and the whole idea of VOD was shelved. Instead, a new market was born, and phone companies shifted their attention to this new market, and introduced the domestic residential use of ADSL broadband.
ADSL can be found in technologies which carry TV/video in digital format such as, MPEG using a phone connection. However, no matter how popular and present in various technologies ADSL is, the service is not available for everyone. There are still certain places in Australia where some phone companies do not offer broadband internet thus, people cannot enjoy the fast broadband speed of ADSL. Furthermore, ADSL broadband speed may vary depending on how far or near you are from the local hubs. Ask your phone company or internet provider about this service.
Who Is ADSL Suited To?
With its fast speed, ADSL broadband is especially suitable for people like gamers who really want to enjoy and feel the whole gaming experience – right now! With ADSL, they don’t have to worry about cancelling a game or waiting for it to load because of a very slow connection. Newly developed online games, especially MMORPG (massively multi-player online role playing games) require fast broadband speed. It also ensures gamers experience fewer interruptions, faster loading between each level, and clearer images. Other people who could benefit from ADSL are engineers, architects, and designers who use computer-aided design or CAD. CAD data files are large, thus storing and uploading them requires a high speed. With ADSL broadband, it is easier for designers and engineers to share files quickly saving a lot of precious time. ADSL, however, is not just for professionals or businessmen. It is also ideal for people who always upload large media files and stream multimedia. ADSL saves you from getting bored and annoyed from waiting too much for your download.
ADSL is a service that is constantly present. It means that you are automatically connected to the Internet as long as your computer is on. Therefore, it is the best option for business owners who need to remain in touch with their clients at any time, send important documents over the internet, and conduct online conferences and seminars.
A Comparison
Compared to other technologies on the Internet, ADSL is much faster and less costly than an ISDN or a Leased Line. However, with the constant evolution of the Internet and of technology, ADSL is fast becoming replaced by its cousins, ADSL 2 and ADSL2+. ADSL 2+ is much the same as ADSL except that it has a faster broadband speed. Compared to ADSL which has a maximum speed of 8Mbps, ADSL 2 reaches a maximum speed of 12Mbps. Another advantage of ADSL2 is that it can cover more distance and a wider area coverage. Moreover, ADSL2 has an improved resistance against noise. This means better and faster transmission.
Internet technology has truly made our lives better by giving us easier access to a lot of information at a faster speed. No matter what our occupation or our status is, we need the Internet. However, our needs would still determine if ADSL is really for us or not. So if you are considering getting ADSL, try to assess what your needs are to get the most out of this amazing technology.
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