CyberLogic Blog

One of the most popular options for Internet connectivity is the ADSL line. ADSL lines are relatively inexpensive and can provide an excellent high-speed Internet connection provided the telecom infrastructure in your area is provisioned for this.

ADSL technology allows you to use your telephone line for voice and data, at the same time. Think of it as splitting your phone line into two separate channels; one for data (Internet access, for example) and the other for voice (phone calls/fax). This means that you can talk on the phone and be connected to the Internet at the same time, via the same physical line.

What many people don’t realise, however, is the significance of the ‘A’ in ‘ADSL’. ADSL is an acronym for Asymmetric Digital Subscribers Line. As the name implies, ADSL lines offer assymetric connectivity. In other words, the upload and download speeds on ADSL lines are not the same. For example, below are some of the more common ADSL line configurations:

• 512Kbps/128Kbps
• 1Mbps/384Kbps
• 4Mbps/512Kbps
• 10Mbps/1Mbps

In each case, the first figure states the download speed and the second figure is the maximum upload speed. So the 10Mbps ADSL line, for example, only actually offers a maximum upload speed of 1Mbpbs. Most home users are consumers of data, so they mainly interested in the download speed, as this will determine how long it takes to view a web page, watch a video, or download a file.

However, an increasing number of businesses are using ADSL lines for inter-branch VPN connectivity, and that involves sending a lot more data than the average home user. While ADSL VPNs can be effective, it’s important to keep in mind that such connections rely on the “thin”, outoing side of the ADSL line. As a result, inter-branch VPN bandwidth is limited.

Contact us now for more information on the options available for your business Internet connectivity!