What is ADSL? ADSL ("Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line") is a broadband connection technology which utilises existing copper wired telephone networks. ADSL uses a wide range of frequencies over an existing telephone line to deliver much higher speeds than your standard 56k modem (between 10 and 40 times faster). It is also possible to use your phone while online. How does it work? It works by splitting your existing telephone line signal into two, one for voice and the other for data. ADSL technology can work at up to 8Mbps download. The most popular services in the UK at the moment are running at speeds of 512Kbps (approx. 9 times faster than a modem), although speeds of up to 2Mbps can be obtained. Upload speeds are 256Kbps on all products and hence this is why it is "asymmetric", because the download speed is different to the upload speed. Broadband's high-speed connection lets you access websites, download music, play games, watch movies - all faster than before. And because it uses a separate line, you (or someone else) will be able to talk on the phone at the same time as being online. For businesses broadband enables you to communicate more effectively with customers, partners and suppliers. Less time spent downloading files and emails means you can turn work around more quickly. What do I need to get online? BT Telephone Line Also, it has to be within 3.5 to 5.5 kilometres of an ADSL enabled exchange Your line must pass a number of tests before installation can go ahead. An ADSL Modem or Router Most ISPs will supply you with a modem or router either free of charge or at additional cost. A Micro-Filter for each Phone Socket A micro-filter is designed to plug into your phone socket (similar to a standard splitter used to connect multiple telephones). Its purpose is to separate voice from data and must be connected to each phone socket in your house. If you do not have a telephone, or any device which uses the phone line, a micro-filter isn't required. Most ISPs and retailers sell micro filters. Do I still have to pay BT line rental if I get ADSL? Yes. BT's telephone billing (line rental and call charges) are unrelated to your ADSL. You will however not have to make any calls to the Internet as the ADSL is an always-on connection. What can I do with it? A simple answer to this would be: Anything you already do with your 56k connection just much faster. However, you can do things that wouldn't be viable on a dialup connection: Play games with much lower latency. Multitask - download a file, browse the web, check email at the same time - all still much quicker than using a dial up connection. Streaming media - You can now watch high quality streaming media on your PC such as music videos, movie trailers, concerts, and even space shuttle launches! Some users now leave their systems running 24/7 and operate their pc remotely. What does contention mean? Contention is basically sharing. If you live in a house with teenage girls then you contend the bathroom with them - which can mean waiting hours to get in. Your electricity is contended - normally not a problem as there's more than enough to go around. Everything in life is contended - it's an effective way to utilise a shared resource. Regarding ADSL - there are two levels of contention 50:1 for the home user 20:1 for the business user If you take the worst case scenario for the home user then that means you're sharing your 500kbs with 49 other people. If you are all downloading at the same time then you'll get 10kbs - about a quarter of the speed of a normal dial-up analogue modem. What speed should I order my ADSL line? The majority of residential users order 512Kbps (0.5Mbps) ADSL connections. Unless you have a specific technical reason and understanding, it's unlikely you'll need anything faster at present. If you're not worried about cost, or wish to download large files a little quicker, 1 or 2Mbps services should be considered. Many businesses of up to 10 employees operate quite happily on 512Kbps products with an Ethernet router (either self-install or engineer assisted). Depending upon the number of users and the nature of business, faster services may be required. If you're unsure, obtain some 3rd party professional advice. What is a micro-filter? A micro-filter is a special adaptor that you need to use on your phone line, so that your telephones do not interfere with your ADSL connection. Some people call them a 'splitter', the naming is interchangeable. Where do I need a micro-filter? Micro-filters must be used to separate the two different frequency bands used over your telephone line (voice and data) and prevent your analogue devices from interfering with the Broadband frequency ranges used by your modem/router. Simple method: Walk around your house and count how phones are plugged into a phone socket (on the same line) and order the same number of micro-filters. Simply unplug each phone, plug them into the splitter and reconnect to the phone line. Can I use a normal phone extension? If you are going to put in a new extension, then a normal phone extension kit will be sufficient. There is no need to buy expensive extra high speed type cabling.