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General DSL Information
- What is DSL?
- DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. It is an ultrafast, always-on Internet connection that uses existing copper wire telephone lines. Unlike dial-up modems, DSL doesn't use any dial or connect/disconnect process and can deliver data at speeds of 8 Mbps (depending on the location and the network infrastructure). A file that takes minutes to download using the fastest dial-up modem takes only seconds to download using a DSL modem.
Although DSL uses existing telephone lines, it uses a different frequency range on that telephone line. This means you can talk on the telephone and use the Internet simultaneously.
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- How fast is DSL?
- The Zoom ADSL modem is capable of 8 Mbps throughput; however, the maximum speed is determined by your DSL provider's level of service. Most providers impose a 1.5 Mbps limit for residential users and use "tiered" limits for business users. Environmental factors such as the quality of the telephone lines and the distance to the central office may also adversely affect throughput.
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- Why is distance important with DSL?
- You must be within 18,000 feet of your telephone company's central office to use DSL. Beyond 18,000 feet, the signal loses its strength.
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- If I have DSL service, do I still need my dial-up (analog) modem?
- You do not need to use a dial-up modem alongside your DSL service, unless you want to use your computer for faxing, voice messaging, or as a dial-in server. With DSL, you can access the same e-mail accounts, newsgroups, FTP/web hosting facilities, etc., as you can with a dial-up modem.
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- Can I send and receive faxes with a DSL modem?
- No. Regular faxing operates over the voice frequency range and therefore requires a dial-up (analog) modem. However, there are Internet sites such as eFax.com (www.efax.com) that offer Internet-based faxing.
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- Will DSL interfere with my telephone or any other devices connected to the same line?
- No. DSL uses a different frequency range and will not affect voice or fax calls, as long as you attach a filter to every telephone jack you use. The filter blocks noise or possible interference between the data and voice frequency range. In rare instances, there may be noise or interference even with filters attached; if so, your telephone company may have to install a splitter to completely separate the data and voice frequencies.
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- Does the telephone company have to install an additional line for DSL?
- Maybe, but not usually. Typically the DSL and telephone service can operate over the same line. It depends on your location and the telephone company's and/or DSL provider's technology and infrastructure. In some areas, a DSL provider may need to install a dedicated data line due to technical or regulatory issues.
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- Will DSL work with a Macintosh computer?
- Yes. DSL works with Mac, Windows, Linux, or any platform that supports the TCP/IP protocol. Depending on the type of DSL modem you have, you may need to install an Ethernet card and DSL setup software.
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- Do I need an Ethernet card installed in my computer to use DSL?
- It depends on your type of DSL modem. You do not need an Ethernet card for a PCI DSL modem or a USB DSL modem. You do need one for an Ethernet DSL modem.
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- What is a splitter?
- A splitter is an alternative means of accommodating DSL and voice in the same household. A splitter is installed at the entry point of the line into the premises, and splits off the data portion of the signal from the voice signal.
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- Should I install a splitter rather than use filters?
- A splitter should be installed if you have a home alarm system wired into the phone lines, or if you have a telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD) installed.
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- Should I be concerned that DSL will result in a noisy phone line?
- No, it won't if it is installed properly. With line sharing technology, voice and DSL share the same copper pair but they use two different frequency ranges that aren't close together enough to cause a noisy phone line. If a splitter is installed at your house or if you use filters, the signals are separated, either to the phone or the DSL modem.
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- Suddenly my computer is offline and I cannot access the Internet. What should I do?
- The first thing to check is the power, lights and connections. Refer to your manual for lights or status information if necessary. If you're running Windows, a restart is often the best thing to try.
Another thing is to 'ping' a known server, such as Zoom. Open the MS-DOS prompt, type ping www.zoom.com and press Return. (Note: Make sure the server you attempt to ping responds to ping; many servers do not any longer, and you should not mistake this for a network problem.) If you cannot ping the name of an IP address (it might hang or fail with cannot resolve hostname errors), ping a known, valid IP address. The IP address of your local ISP is a logical start. If you can ping one of your ISP's IP addresses, then you know it is not your DSL line. If it is your DSL line, call your ISP.
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- How can I ensure clean lines for my DSL connection?
- Call your local telephone company and have them test your phone lines. You can also request that someone come out to your location to check the lines as well.
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- Why is it that when I try to use my phone, I get static feedback while the modem syncs up?
- If you are using ADSL (voice over data lines only) and hear screeching feedback (the same sound you would hear on a phone line when using a dial-up modem), you need to use filters. You should attach a filter on every phone jack, except for the jack that the DSL modem is plugged into. Filters are readily available at computer retail store. Be aware, if you have a wall-mounted phone or an older rotary phone, you must buy a different type of filter.
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- Is it okay to use a 900 MHz phone and DSL?
- We do not recommend connecting cordless phones of any type near your ADSL modem. The filters available from most service providers are designed to filter out higher frequencies, blocking the ADSL frequencies but not the voice frequencies. Many cordless phones have the same sort of filters built into them to cut down on interference. In fact, any devices connected to the phone line, such as alarm systems, satellite dishes, game console systems, and fax machines, have the potential to cause interference. If you suspect that there may be a problem, remove the device and see if your connection improves.
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