Digital Subscriber Line
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DSL?
DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line, a technology that uses the existing copper telephone wires to deliver high-speed data services.
How fast is DSL?
Current DSL delivers speeds up to 12 Megabits per second (Mbps), which is up to 420 times faster than a standard 28.8 Kbps modem and up to 70 times faster than ISDN.
Why would I want DSL?
If you are tired of wasting time downloading files or Email attachments, DSL provides a very fast, always-on connection that takes that sluggish feeling out of the Internet.
For small to medium businesses that want to connect their offices to the Internet, DSL provides a dedicated connection at a fraction of previously available solutions such as T1 lines. DSL is an unmetered service, so there are no per-minute charges like ISDN. DSL can also make possible Internet services that require a high-speed or dedicated connection, such as video conferencing or putting your own web or Email servers on the Internet.
Where is DSL available?
BizACT's DSL service is currently available nationwide throughout USA. For specifics on our DSL you may email or call, or select DSL from the Service menu.
If DSL is new, is it reliable?
DSL has actually been around in private use for more than 15 years, used by phone companies to inter-connect their Offices. It has proven to be reliable and fast.
What are the different speed options?
BizACT provides ADSL services, or Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line, which is a DSL technology in which the downstream (your access to the Internet) is much faster than the upstream speeds. We typically start clients with a pretty fast speed of 1.5 mega bit per second, and clients can increase their speed if their need rises. This can be done with the original modem purchased. Just by changing settings on network components, rather than laying a completely new line, and purchasing new equipment.
BizACT currently provides ADSL at speeds of ranging from 384Kpbs to 7100kbps.
Aren't some DSL services faster?
There are a variety of DSL technologies being developed, but the speed of DSL depends on the length of the copper line from the phone company central office to the installation point. DSL varieties such as HDSL can deliver higher speeds at very short distances, but their limitations make them impractical for dedicated Internet access in most situations. For this reason, BizACT offers several speeds of ADSL that are appropriate solutions for most businesses and power-users. ADSL allows for greater distance while getting fast speeds.
What equipment do I need?
DSL requires a DSL modem/router. In addition, you will need an ethernet card in your PC or server, and an ethernet cable, in order to connect to the DSL modem.
What is included with my service?
BizACT's DSL services includes IP addresses and unlimited Internet access through BizACT's high-speed network, installation, setup, DSL router configuration, ping tests. Along with your DSL service, it is also possible to get a new phone line, and Inside Wiring, which often cost extra. Additional IP addresses, email, web space, and other services are available too.
Can I have a web site also?
Yes. BizACT offers a variety of web hosting and Email services. Complete packages which provide everything you need for a professional, engaging web presence. We have a variety of special DSL/Web hosting packages which provide you with a complete suite of Internet services at an excellent price.
What is the installation procedure?
Please give us a call to see if DSL is available in your area. If it is, BizACT will perform free tests on your lines to determine what speeds of DSL are available to you (this depends on the condition of the lines and your distance from the phone company central office).
Once your lines have been tested and you have decided on a DSL package, we will give you a date for installation (ranges from 2 to 10 days; normally within 7 days, and often within 2 days). On that day, a technician might come to your home or business to activate the DSL circuit, connect the DSL modem to the DSL wall jack, and perform any inside wiring necessary to connect the DSL wall jack to your computer system.
BizACT will have already assigned you IP addresses and set up any additional services such as a web site at your domain. The technician will test to make sure that the connection is functioning properly, and your DSL line will be up and running.
Can I convert an ISDN line to DSL?
Absolutely. ISDN lines are ideal for DSL, and can almost always be converted.
How does DSL compare to cable modems?
Cable modems are capable of high speed access, but they have drawbacks that do not make them ideal for dedicated Internet access. Internet access through cable is based on the broadcast model, where the same signal is shared through a large loop of subscribers in a geographical area. For this reason, the more subscribers that have cable modems in a particular area, the less bandwidth is available to each subscriber. DSL is a dedicated circuit from you to BizACT's high-speed network, resulting in faster, more reliable Internet connectivity.
What if I have other questions?
DSL is an exciting, next-generation technology for high speed Internet access that has now become popular and widely deployed, but you may have questions not covered in this FAQ. To learn more, please give us a call at our number on the Contact Page and we'll be glad to help you reach the Internet with DSL!