If you have been using the Internet, you will have heard of ADSL2+. ADSL2+ is an offshoot of the basic ADSL. With the constant and increasing demand for speed from computer users, ADSL2+ was developed. It has been introduced in Australia since 2008 and is now offered by big telecommunications company. But no matter how fast ADSL2+ is, it is still wise to take a closer look at this new innovation to determine if this is really for you or not. You have to discern whether it is worth shedding a few of your precious dollars to get this service, or if the broadband speed of ADSL is perfect for your needs already.
A Closer Look at ADSL2+
ADSL2+ is the common name of the new technology in broadband internet which is technically known as ITU G.992.5. The ITU stands for International Telecommunication Union. ADSL2+ broadband internet is similar to ADSL just much faster. In theory, ADSL2+ can reach a maximum download speed of 24Mbps. It is then double the amount of the download speed of ADSL. Moreover, the upstream or upload speed of ADSL2+ is 1.4Mbps per second; however, this depends on its distance from the DSLAM or the hub.
Another feature that ADSL2+ broadband has is port bonding. This means a number of ports are physically provisioned to the end user which has a total bandwidth of all the provisioned ports. So for example, if two lines capable of 24 Mbps per second were bonded, the result would be a connection capable of 48 Mbps per second download and twice the original upload speed. However, not all internet service providers have made this function available.
Difference Between ADSL and ADSL2+
Now, the big question is – is there any difference between ADSL and ADSL2+ broadband? You might be disappointed if you are expecting a long list of differences between these two technologies; because the only difference between them is speed. With an impressive 24Mbps speed, ADSL2+ has a great potential to change the world of communication.
In actual fact, however, the advertised maximum bandwidth of ADSL2+ is not consistently offered to the customers by ISPs all the time. The physical link quality can be different, and internet service providers usually accept more subscribers than their network can handle, thinking that their subscribers would not really avail the full connection capacity they offer anyway. This mass strategy works more often than not, so users can naturally use up the full bandwidth most of the time. However, peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing systems, which often require prolonged periods of high bandwidth usage, push these rules causing a lot of problems for broadband internet service providers.
Internet service providers have come up with the solution using the contention ratio. Some providers stipulate in their terms and conditions that users and businesses who need a lower contention ratio or un-contended service will be charged more than those who use contended service.
ADSL2+ Pros and Cons
Like other forms of technology, ADSL2+ broadband has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most obvious advantage of ADSL2+ is speed. Next in the list is that it has greater signal and reliability. ADSL2+ can reach a location where it is impossible for ADSL to reach. It will also allow you uninterrupted service.
The disadvantages of ADSL2+ can be found in its price. Since it offers top speed, ISPs will naturally charge you more. Other bad news, ADSL2+ is not offered by some internet service providers in some areas, so we could say that there is still limited coverage for this type of service.
Is ADSL2+ For Me?
With a download speed that could reach up to 20Mbps, ADSL2+ allows faster data transfer. You can download any data, no matter how large the files are, faster, and stream any movies or music with better quality. ADSL2+ makes the various online applications we are familiar with faster and better. Take the latest media addition on BBC’s website for example, the iPlayer. With ADSL2+, you get better quality programs using the iPlayer.
But even though ADSL2+ improved the speed of broadband internet, the 20Mbps maximum speed cannot really be achieved because of some factors. Some of these factors are listed below:
- Bad weather, such as typhoons, can greatly affect the broadband speed.
- The quality of the copper lines used to transfer data can also affect the speed of ADSL2+ broadband.
- The increased demand during peak hours, and
- The distance of your location from the local hub
So, if you are one who enjoys using the Internet most of the time, or a business person looking for a reliable and uninterrupted service, you can upgrade your ADSL broadband to ADSL2+ for an extra fee. Ask your local internet service provider if this service is available to your home, remembering just because your neighbour can get ADSL2+ that doesn’t mean your house will be on the grid. Once it is confirmed, have your router or modem checked for compatibility. Though some modems are compatible with ADSL2+, some still need an upgrade. Most manufacturers would provide you the information on how to upgrade your old router or modem to be able to work with ADSL2+. Some routers and modems that are compatible or can be upgraded for compatibility with ADSL2+ are Prestige 660H, D-Link 2640B, and Thomson 585v7.
