DSL FAQs

DSL means Digital Subscriber Line. In basic terms, it is a high-speed, connection to the Internet utilizing regular telephone wire. When your computer is on, you are connected. The is no dialup process, and no disconnects. DSL can reduce the time you spend waiting, taking seconds instead of minutes to download web pages and files.

What is the difference between ADSL DL, ADSL LS, ADSL BP, SDSL, IDSL and IP Broadband ?

ADSL DL: (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line - Dedicated Line) , the upload speed and download speeds are different. Primary use would be in a residence or home office where web page and file downloads are done more than uploading files. DSL service is provided on it's own copper line at the customers location. No telephone line is required. Speeds are available from 768k to 6Mbps.

ADSL LS: (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line - Line Sharing) , the upload speed and download speeds are different. Primary use would be in a residence or home office where web page and file downloads are done more than uploading files. DSL service piggybacks onto an existing telephone line and is split from the line using filters at the customers location. Customer can use DSL and Telephone at the same time. Speeds are available from 768k to 6Mbps.

ADSL BP: (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line - Bonded Pair), the upload speed and download speeds are different. By bonding multiple DSL circuits together, Attitude Online's ADSL BP Service can provide higher download speeds that ADSL LS, up to 24 Mbps and faster uploads too, up to 3 Mbps. Since multiple DSL circuits are used, failure of one circuit will affect speed, but service will continue, giving built in redundancy.

SDSL: (Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line) , the upload and download speed are the same. Recommended for businesses due to increased upload speeds are needed to support multiple users and for connecting separate offices together. Also for Residences/Home Offices where file transfers up to the web are frequently performed. Speeds are available from 384k to 1.5Mbps.

IDSL: (ISDN  Digital Subscriber Line), combines the technology of ISDN and DSL to provide DSL to users where other types of DSL are not available, by using repeaters to boost signal strength to reach long distances. Upload and Download Speeds are the same. Speed are available at either 128Kbps or 144Kbps.

IP Broadband: Is the latest available DSL type technology usually provided using fiber to the node (FTTN) and then copper to the premises. This allows for faster speeds. Attitude Online's IP Broadband Service can provide higher download speeds than standard ADSL, up to 75 Mbps and faster uploads too, up to 8 Mbps.

Can I get DSL ?

DSL is not available in all areas. To see if DSL is available to you and which speeds are available, please fill out one of our availability forms under the "More Information Section" of one of our DSL products and we will provide you with this information.

What equipment do I need to get DSL ?

Most of the equipment you will need to connect your computer to DSL will be provided to you by Attitude Online. However, your computer will need to have a network adapter (NIC) installed in it to connect to the DSL equipment.

Can I still access Attitude Online while traveling ?

Yes, each Attitude Online DSL account comes with one dialup account for use while traveling within Attitude Online's coverage area. For a list of which areas are covered, and the phone numbers to use, check our dialup coverage page.

What are the advantages of DSL over Cable or Dialup connections ?

The advantages of DSL are listed on our Technology Comparison page.

How much of a speed difference does DSL provide over Cable or Dialup connections ?

This information is show in our DSL Speed Comparison table.