ADSL

ADSL Broadband

Using a normal phone line to access the internet, whilst still being able to make phone calls, is achieved using a broadband service known as ADSL, which stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. In order to get online and make calls at the same time ADSL providers give users a device called a splitter, which separates voice communications from the digital data communications required to get onto the internet. An ADSL modem will still be required to convert the signal into something your computer can understand in the same way that dial-up connections do.

How is ADSL broadband accessed?

A regular phone line is all that is required to enable you to get access to high-speed broadband access using an ADSL connection, which makes this available to a wide range of people throughout Australia. With access to ADSL services so simple the number of providers' now offering ADSL plans has risen dramatically and because of this finding an ADSL plan can often be quite difficult. Finding the most suitable provider is usually a matter of either checking through computer magazines or looking online, although there are comparison sites available that make looking much easier. When the best ADSL provider has been found and signed up with, all that is required is a modem or a router. Users generally have the choice of either getting a modem or router from their provider or buying one, either from an IT retailer, online or from a magazine. Both of these options are fine although the benefits will suit the needs of different types of ADSL user.

Opting for the ADSL provider router is great for users that are new to ADSL broadband as it offers pre-configured modems or routers that are easy to install and setup and usually come with support from the provider included.

Users who choose to purchase a router or modem themselves are generally the more knowledgeable users who can configure the modem or router themselves and will be able to resolve problems and faults with minimal or no help from their provider. Users who take the ADSL provider route will benefit from a fast and easy way to get online but the devices provided are often quite basic and don't have all the features of devices that can be bought. Alternatively buying an ADSL router is more complicated and requires an understanding of how the devices work but offer users far more features to play with.

What type of user will use ADSL broadband?

ADSL broadband services are geared mainly towards either light or mid-range users, with speeds of up to 12Mbps offered. This covers the majority of the Australian population. Light users who will only be accessing the internet occasionally but are looking for faster connection speeds than their existing dial up service are one type of user that will find ADSL ideal for them. Mid-range users will find that these speeds are ideal for streaming audio and video and downloading data and are cheaper than the 24Mbps ADSL2+ services. Home based business users, casual gamers and students are just a few of the types of users that will benefit from the features offered by ADSL broadband services.