ADSL Broadband

Broadband ADSL

ADSL is short for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line and put simply allows you to use your standard phone line to receive digital information on the same line you use to make phone calls. To do this ADSL broadband normally requires a splitter to allow for data and voice to be sent and received at the same time. In the same way as a dial up connection, you will still need a modem to allow your computer to make sense of the data it receives.

How do you access ADSL broadband?

Gaining access to ADSL broadband is far easier these days with more companies offering access to this high-speed internet service and your only requirement is to have a BT phone line. Finding a provider is quite a lengthy process as there are huge numbers of them offering a vast range of package either on the internet or through magazines. Once you have found a provider you will have the option of them supplying you with a modem or router, or you can buy one yourself depending on your level of computer knowledge. If you get your modem from the ADSL broadband provider it will usually come pre-configured so all you need to do is plug in the various cables and possibly install the software provided and you are ready to go. On the other hand if you buy your own you may need to configure it yourself but you will find details on how the do this on the ADSL broadband providers’ website.

Who will use ADSL broadband?

With speeds of up to 12Mbps, the target audience for ADSL broadband falls into the low to midrange user and this covers a large proportion of the UK. The kind of people ADSL broadband is suitable for are those that don’t use the internet much, but use it enough to warrant moving away from the old and much slower dialup connections. It also covers those users that like to download files or stream audio and video over the internet but not enough to warrant going for the more expensive ADSL2+ option that offers up to 24Mbps. There are many other types of users that will benefit from ADSL broadband, like casual gamers, students, and business users that need to take their work home with them.

The pros and cons of getting ADSL Broadband

The great thing about ADSL broadband is that with all the competition you are almost guaranteed to find a package to meet even the tightest budget. It has also become very easy to set up, with just a few cables plugged in you are up and ready to surf the net and start downloading. The downside is that with ADSL broadband you are tied to where you installed your modem or router and with the cost of mobile broadband getting cheaper and cheaper it makes it a much more interesting proposition. However, main rival to ADSL broadband, Cable, is also offering very competitive deals, which may be a better choice for those that would be considering ADSL broadband.