ADSL - what is it? Principle of operation, maximum speed, advantages and disadvantages of ADSL technology

ADSL is an unbalanced Internet access technology. It is by its structure an asymmetric system and allows you to work with connections at speeds up to 8 Mb / s. ADSL-technology, the transmission speed of which is calculated up to 1 Mbit / s, operates on average at a distance of more than 5 km. Today we will consider what kind of connection it is and how it works.

History of appearance

Before answering the question: "ADSL - what is it?", We offer you some historical data. The first to create high-speed connections began talking in the late 80's, when even the Internet in its modern guise was just an obsession. Its main task in 1989 was to improve and modernize the technology of data transmission over copper telephone wires. Analog-to-digital conversion was mainly created for the rapid transfer of information between various interactive services, video games, video files, as well as for instant remote access to LANs and other network systems.

Modern ADSL-technology: the principle of operation

The network is built on a subscriber's digital line, which provides access to the Internet via telephone communication channels. But telephone lines use an analog signal to transmit voice messages. ADSL-connection is designed to convert the analog signal to digital and transmit it directly to the computer. In this case, unlike the already outdated Dial-up modems, devices based on ADSL do not block the telephone line and allow the use of digital and analog signals simultaneously.

The essence of technology (asymmetry) is that the subscriber receives a huge amount of data - incoming traffic, and from himself transmits a minimum of information - downstream traffic. As the input means different kinds of content: video and media files, applications, programs, graphic objects. The descendant sends only important technical information - various commands and requests, emails and other secondary elements. The asymmetry is that the speed from the network to the subscriber is several times higher than the speed from the user.

The most important plus of ADSL technology 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 there is no need to upgrade the switching equipment and complex reconstruction. ADSL connects quickly, and modern types of modems are intuitive in management and configuration.

What equipment is used for this connection?

In order for the technology to work, special types of modems are used, differing in structure, design, type of connection:

• PCI-modems (internal devices of the computer).
• External modems with USB connection type.
• Devices with an Ethernet interface.
• Router, routers with Ethernet scheme.
• 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 ADSL-modem, you need splitters and microfilters. The devices are selected in accordance with the design of the telephone cable. In the situation where a cable outlet is made (or it can be implemented), to split the channel of the modem and the phone, a splitter is used. In another case, you need to purchase a microfilter, which is installed on each phone that is present in the room.

The main task of the splitter is the separation of frequencies - voice (0.3-3.4 KHz) and used directly by the modem itself (25 KHz-1.5 MHz). It is in this way that the modem and the phone work simultaneously, 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? Stages of connection of high-speed Internet

1. Select the provider. To use this technology to date, each provider offers. 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.
2. Purchase of equipment. Currently, there is no need to buy a modem, router, router, splitters and microfilters. When registering a contract for connection, the provider offers to take necessary equipment for rent, including the ADSL-modem. In the future, if the document is terminated, the equipment is returned back. The customer pays only for the Internet connection. Modern ADSL Internet - what is it? This is a fast, cheap and high-quality way to connect.
3. Account activation. For each client, the provider reserves an account, 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. Pre-provider checks the phone number for the possibility of connecting ADSL. If the access zone of technology is not enough, then it will not be possible to conduct high-speed Internet.
4. Setting up the equipment. At this stage, devices are connected to the telephone line, assembling splitters and microfilters, installing modem drivers on the computer, and setting the network parameters of the modem in an Internet browser.

pros

Which ADSL technology has advantages? Here are a few of them:

• High speed data transfer. ADSL allows you to easily transfer files of any size without long waiting. The technology is constantly being improved, and the speeds are growing, greatly expanding the subscriber's capabilities.
• Wireless connection. To use the ADSL system, you do not need to extend the cable to the subscriber and install a large amount of equipment. Increases the reliability, quality and functionality of the network.
• No interference on the telephone line. The ADSL router works in an independent mode and does not create any problems for the phone. Call and travel through the virtual space can be completely free.
• Permanent access to the Internet ADSL. What it is? This means that the network will not fail during operation. The technology does not require reconnection. The user accesses the Internet constantly and can be online all day and night.
• Reliability and stability. To date, 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 affect the family budget.

disadvantages

1. Lack of protection from crosstalk. If several dozen clients are connected to the same channel, you will not have to count on high speed. The more subscribers on one ADSL, the lower the quality of data transfer.
2. ADSL-technology has disadvantages though it has, but they are few. This also includes minimum speed from the subscriber. Asymmetric ADSL has an obvious minus - from the subscriber file transfer will be long and uncomfortable. But the technology is designed, 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 affecting it

ADSL is a high-speed Internet technology, but the universal value and formula does not exist. 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, the installation of modems and routers is best for professionals.

The main reason for the low speed of the ADSL connection is the quality of the subscriber line. We are talking about the presence of cable bends, their condition, the diameter of the wires and the extent. Signal attenuation is a direct consequence of increasing the length of the subscriber line, and interference can be reduced by expanding the diameter of the wire. The standard length of the ADSL-channel does not exceed 5 km - the optimal range for high-speed data transmission.

Speed characteristics

If compared with other technologies of Internet connections, ADSL significantly wins in speed. The analog modem will give a maximum of 56 Kbit / s, while ADSL at the dawn of its appearance already allowed to transmit 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 transfer of information. Digital lines significantly increase the user's capabilities, taking it beyond the limits even if there are several connected computers, mobile phones, tablets and other gadgets.

Technology Perspectives

Opportunities and resources of ADSL technology are far from exhausted. Even the ADSL2 and ADSL2 + standards introduced in the middle of 2000 still retain their relevance and capabilities. This, in fact, is the only technology that can provide broad access to the Internet without disruptions and software problems, so it is a competitor for many other methods of connecting to the Internet.

Minimal technical equipment is complemented by modern types of modems. Manufacturers annually produce new devices designed for continuous operation without the need for maintenance and service. In addition, the speed of ADSL is constantly growing and is not limited to megabits. The connection becomes relevant both for the home and for the whole office company with several dozen computer customers.

Conclusion

So, we found out what ADSL-technology is, what is its essence and principle of operation. As you can see, this is one of those technologies that practically does not cause failures at work (even if several dozen users are connected to the network). At the same time, it does not require permanent reconnections and a speed limit.