ADSL is an asymmetric Internet access technology. In its structure, it is an asymmetric system and allows you to work with connections at speeds up to 8 Mbit / s. ADSL-technology, the transfer rate of which is calculated up to 1 Mbps, operates on average at a distance of more than 5 km. Today we look at what type of connection it is and how it works.
Appearance story
Before answering the question: “ADSL - what is it?”, We offer you some historical data. For the first time, they started talking about creating high-speed connections in the late 80s, when even the Internet in its modern guise was just an obsession. His main task in 1989 was to improve and modernize the technology for transmitting data over copper telephone wires. The analog-to-digital conversion was created mainly for the rapid transfer of information between various interactive services, video games, video files, as well as for instant remote access to the LAN and other network systems.
Advanced ADSL technology: how it works
The network is built on the digital line of the subscriber, which through telephone channels provides access to the Internet. But telephone lines use an analog signal to transmit voice messages. The ADSL connection is designed to convert the analog signal to digital and transmit it directly to the computer. At the same time, unlike the already outdated Dial-up modems, ADSL-based devices do not block the telephone line and allow the use of digital and analog signals simultaneously.
The essence of the technology (asymmetry) is that the subscriber receives a huge amount of data - incoming traffic, and from himself transfers a minimum of information - downstream traffic. As an incoming, various kinds of content are meant: video and media files, applications, programs, graphic objects. The top-down sends only important technical information - various commands and requests, emails and other minor elements. Asymmetry consists in the fact that the speed from the network to the subscriber is several times higher than the speed from the user.
The most important advantage that ADSL-technology has is its budget and economy. The fact is that the same copper telephone wires are used to operate the system . The number of twisted pairs in them, of course, significantly exceeds the number of similar elements in cable modems. But at the same time, no modernization of switching equipment and complex reconstruction is necessary. ADSL connects quickly, and modern types of modems are intuitive to manage and configure.
What equipment is used for this connection?
In order for the technology to work, special types of modems are used that differ in their structure, design, type of connection:
- PCI modems (internal computer devices).
- External modems with USB connection type.
- Devices with an Ethernet interface.
- Router, routers with Ethernet circuit.
- Profile types of modems (for security companies, private telephone lines).
- A router with internal Wi-Fi access points.
Additional equipment: splitters and microfilters
We must not forget that to connect a gadget such as an ADSL modem, you will need splitters and microfilters. Devices are selected in accordance with the design of the telephone cable. In the situation when the cable is tapped (or it can be done), to split the channel of the modem and phone, a splitter is used. In another case, the purchase of a microfilter is required, which is installed on each telephone present in the room.
The main task of the splitter is the separation of frequencies - voice (0.3-3.4 KHz) and applied directly by the modem (25 KHz-1.5 MHz). It is in this way that the modem and the telephone are simultaneously operational, which do not interfere with each other and do not interfere. Splitters are compact and will not cause unnecessary inconvenience. The miniature box is equipped with three connectors and has a small weight.
ADSL - what is it? High Speed Internet Connection Steps
- The choice of provider. At present, every provider offers the use of this technology. Different types and tariffs depend on the region, as well as on the technical capabilities of the company, the coverage area of which may be limited.
- Purchase of equipment. Currently, it is not necessary to buy a modem, router, router, splitters and microfilters. When concluding a connection agreement, the provider offers to rent the necessary equipment, including an ADSL modem. Subsequently, upon termination of the document, the equipment is returned back. The client pays exclusively for the Internet connection. Modern ADSL Internet - what is it? This is a fast, cheap and high-quality way to connect.
- Account activation. For each client, the provider reserves an account, the activation of which can take up to 12 days. However, in most cases, with normal network coverage, the procedure does not require more than a few hours. Previously, the provider checks the phone number for ADSL connectivity. If the technology’s access area is not enough, then high-speed Internet will not work.
- Equipment setup. At this stage, the devices are connected to the telephone line, the splitters and microfilters are installed, the modem drivers are installed on the computer, and the network parameters of the modem are set in the Internet browser.
pros
What are the advantages of ADSL technology? Here are a few of them:
- High speed data transfer. ADSL allows you to easily transfer files of any size without a long wait. The technology is constantly being improved, and speeds are increasing, greatly expanding the capabilities of the subscriber.
- Wireless connection. To use the ADSL system, you do not need to pull the cable to the subscriber and install a large amount of equipment. The reliability, quality and functionality of the network increases.
- No interference on the telephone line. The ADSL router works in independent mode and does not create any problems for the phone. Calling and traveling through virtual space is completely free.
- Permanent ADSL Internet Access. What it is? This means that during operation, the network will not fail. The technology does not require reconnection. The user gets Internet access constantly and can be online around the clock.
- Reliability and stability. Today ADSL is the most reliable type of Internet connection.
- Profitability. The cost of connecting ADSL and installing a modem with a router is minimal and will not hit the family budget.
disadvantages
- Lack of protection against crosstalk. If several dozens of clients are connected to one channel, you won’t have to rely on high speed. The more subscribers on one ADSL, the lower the quality of data transfer.
- ADSL technology, although it has drawbacks, is not numerous. This also includes the minimum speed from the subscriber. The asymmetry of ADSL has an obvious minus - file transfer from a subscriber will be long and inconvenient. But the technology is intended, first of all, for quick access to the Internet, for surfing. In addition, the information transmitted from the subscriber takes up a minimum of space and does not require a large resource.
Speed and factors influencing it
ADSL is a high-speed Internet technology, but there is no universal value or formula. For each individual subscriber, the speed is individual and is determined by a whole set of factors. Including some of them can affect the reliability and quality of equipment. Therefore, it is best for professionals to install modems and routers.
The main reason for the low speed of the ADSL connection is the quality of the subscriber line. We are talking about the availability of cable taps, their condition, wire diameter and length. Signal attenuation is a direct result of increasing the length of the subscriber line, and interference can be reduced by expanding the diameter of the wire. The standard ADSL channel length does not exceed 5 km - the optimal range for high-speed data transmission.
Speed characteristics
Compared to other Internet connection technologies, ADSL is significantly faster. An analog modem will give a maximum of up to 56 Kbps, while ADSL at the dawn of its appearance already allowed transmitting information at speeds up to 144 Kbps.
ADSL technology, the maximum speed of which is also determined by the characteristics of the modem and can reach 2048 Mbit / s, optimizes the information transfer process. Digital lines significantly increase the capabilities of the user, taking him beyond the limits even with several connected computers, mobile phones, tablets and other gadgets.
Technology outlook
The capabilities and resources of ADSL technology are far from exhausted. Even the ADSL2 and ADSL2 + standards, introduced in the mid-2000s, still retain their relevance and capabilities. This, in fact, is the only technology that can provide wide Internet access without crashes and software problems, therefore, it is a competitor for many other methods of connecting to the Internet.
Minimum technical equipment is complemented by modern types of modems. Manufacturers annually release new devices designed for continuous operation without the need for maintenance. In addition, ADSL speed is constantly growing and is not limited to megabits. The connection is becoming relevant both for the home and for the whole office company with several dozen computer clients.
Conclusion
So, we found out what is ADSL technology, what is its essence and principle of operation. As you can see, this is one of those technologies that practically does not fail at work (even if several dozens of users are connected to the network). However, it does not require constant reconnections and speed limits.