Short for asymmetric digital subscriber line,
ADSL is a type of DSL broadband
communications technology used for connecting to the Internet. ADSL allows more
data to be sent over existing copper telephone lines (POTS),
when compared to traditional modem lines. A special filter, called a
microfilter, is installed on a subscriber's
telephone line to allow both ADSL and regular voice (telephone) services to be
used at the same time. ADSL requires a special ADSL modem and subscribers must
be in close geographical locations to the provider's central office to receive
ADSL service. Typically this distance is within a radius of 2 to 2.5 miles. ADSL
supports data rates of from 1.5 to 9 Mbps when receiving data (known as the
downstream rate) and from 16 to 640 Kbps when
sending data (known as the upstream rate).
See
Types
of Internet Connections in Webopedia's
Quick Reference section.
Also see
Cable vs. DSL in Webopedia's
"Did You Know...?"
section.