Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

Digital Subscriber Line, or DSL, is a technology for bringing high-bandwidth connectivity to homes and small businesses over ordinary copper telephone lines. xDSL refers to the family of digital subscriber line technologies, such as ADSL, HDSL, VDSL, IDSL and RADSL. Connection speeds for DSL typically range from 256Kbps to 1.544Mbps downstream and around 128 Kbps upstream. In addition, a DSL line allows for one line to carry both voice and data signals, and for the data part of the line to be continuously connected.

DSL is the acronym for Digital Subscriber Line technology. DSL is a relatively new technology that makes use of the old copper phone lines to significantly increase bandwidth between the phone companies and their customers. DSL is a service that everyone should have if they are using a standard dial-up connection and want faster internet. Remember DSL uses your existing phone line and does not require an additional phone line. This gives you 24 hour access and does not tie up your line and cause it to have a busy signal if you’re on the web. In its various forms -- DSL offers users a choice of speeds ranging from 32 Kbps to more than 50 Mbps. These digital services can and will be used to deliver bandwidth-intensive applications like video on demand and distance learning. Today DSL is putting high-speed Internet access within the reach of homes, small and medium-size businesses. DSL takes existing voice cables and turns them into a high-speed digital link. Over any given link, the maximum DSL speed is determined by the distance between the customer site and the Central Office. Most ISPs offer a range of speeds so customers can choose the rate that meets their specific business needs. At the customer premises, a DSL modem connects the DSL line to a local-area network (LAN) or an individual computer. Once installed, the DSL modem provides the customer site with continuous connection to the Internet.

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) is the most popular form of xDSL technology. The key to ADSL is that the upstream and downstream bandwidth is asymmetric, or uneven. In practice, the bandwidth from the provider to the user (downstream) will be the higher speed path. This is in part due to the limitation of the telephone cabling system and the desire to accommodate the typical Internet usage pattern where the majority of data is being sent to the user (programs, graphics, sounds and video) with minimal upload capacity required (keystrokes and mouse clicks). Downstream speeds typically range from 256Kbps to 9Mbps. Upstream speeds typically range from 64Kbps to 1.5Mbps.

Livingston Telephone Company and Telcom Supply offer a variety of services that utilize the DSL technology. We are currently offering the High Speed Internet access via DSL. Another use would be to sign up for our Cable TV services that are available over the DSL lines. Keep in mind that with just one DSL line you can have one person on the internet and another on the phone. It is a great service and keeps the whole family happy. For more information on our High Speed Internet prices please call 328-1108. If you would like information on our Cable TV services then please call 328-1162.

DSL Service opens your computer up to the outside world. It is strongly suggested that you put into place a local firewall and add passwords to your computer to prevent hackers from accessing your files. Livingston Telephone Company and Telcom Supply are not responsible for any outside attacks on your system.