Many high-speed Internet users are still unaware of an affordable connection that is faster than Asymmetric Digital Service Line (ADSL), cable, or even the commonly used fiber lines.
Another type of DSL called Symmetric Digital Service Line (SDSL) is fairly unknown to those who are not very Internet savvy, however it can be used to transmit and receive large amounts of data at higher speeds. SDSL can receive or transmit up to 3 megabits per second, while ADSL can receive data at a rate of 1.5 Mbps and can only send data at a rate of 16 to 640 kilobits per second.
Other benefits of SDSL include the lack of equipment required to set it up, as it does not require a coaxial or optical cable network. Instead, it uses the standard twisted-pair copper cables used by landlines. And while some Internet users may not be aware of SDSL, the service is now available in many areas and is becoming an affordable alternative to more expensive forms of high-speed Internet.
SDSL is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses, but consumers who need a cost-effective way to achieve high bandwidth may also find SDSL the perfect solution for homes. For example, people who use many Internet applications that require large volumes of data to be sent or received, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), advanced computer games, video conferencing, or live webcasts, may find that SDSL supports high-speed data transfers. – both for sending and receiving – it is superior to other forms of the Internet for only a slight increase in cost.
An SDSL connection requires a special modem that connects the phone line to a router or directly to a computer. This modem converts the digital signals from the phone and exchanges them into a format that the computer can understand. The modem can be rented or purchased depending on the needs of the consumer.
An SDSL connection has many advantages over its cousin, the ADSL connection, and for many businesses it will soon replace ADSL due to its ability to transfer such large amounts of data for only a slight increase in price.
