What Is ADSL Broadband?

ADSL broadband is an Internet service that allows for an Internet connection via existing phone lines at much higher speeds than traditional dial up access. ADSL stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line, and this name refers to the fact that upload and download speeds are not the same (downloading is always faster). ADSL is used synonymously with DSL in the residential marketplace even though it differs at times, and almost all home DSL connections are ADSL.

ADSL differs from dial up n other respects as well. Almost all ADSL services are “always on”, meaning that if the computer is on it is connected to the Internet. ADSL broadband also allows streaming video, VoIP, and VPNs to function at a much faster rate than dial up.

ADSL competes with cable Internet in the broadband marketplace, and although it is slightly slower ADSL is picking up market share. As phone lines are periodically upgraded across the country ADSL will become available to more subscribers, and will offer higher quality connections.

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For more information about ADSL / SDSL connections, or to compare various ISPs that offer DSL service, check our listing of DSL Internet Providers to see what is available.