The OLD

ADSL

(Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line)

ADSL technology enables transmission of data over existing copper wiring at data rates several hundred times faster than today's analog modems. ADSL was specifically developed for the simultaneous delivery of voice, video, and data to the home, which requires a higher downstream bandwidth than upstream bandwidth. Downstream ADSL data rates are as high as 8 Mbps, while upstream data rates can reach 1 Mbps. Fully Symmetric data rates of up to 1 Mbps are also possible.

ADSL technology also has the benefit of coexisting with Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS). This means that the same copper wire that delivers POTS to your home or office can be used to deliver ADSL at the same time. In addition, filters that split the ADSL signal from the POTS signal ensure that POTS will not be interrupted if the ADSL line or equipment should fail.

Applications that benefit from ADSL performance include Internet access, video-on-demand (VOD), remote LAN access, and video conferencing. In addition, emerging applications such as telemedicine, distance learning, and home shopping can become both a reality and a necessity through ADSL products and technology.

The NEW

Three of the high technology's most influential companies, as well as a host of partners, will converge in Washington to outline a strategy for jump-starting high-speed Internet access on the existing telephone infrastructure.

Intel, Microsoft, Compaq, and a consortium of telephone providers are expected to broadly outline a plan for installing and implementing "splitterless" digital subscriber line (DSL) technology at Comnet, a telecommunications conference.

Communication chip vendors such as Texas Instruments and modem manufacturers are additionally expected to announce product strategies to implement DSL.

DSL technology essentially accelerates the rate at which data can travel across copper phone lines. With DSL, data can be delivered to a user at home at a rate of 1.5 megabits per second (mbps), which is around 30 times faster than can be delivered through 56-kbps modem technology. DSL also allows users to receive voice and data simultaneously, which means that small offices can leave computers plugged into the Net without interrupting phone connections.

Unfortunately, it is also currently expensive because carriers have to send out service teams to install specialized equipment called a splitter at a subscriber's location. Some of the telcos charge close to $150 US per month for DSL service that runs at 384-kbps service, sources say, while the charge for 1.5-mbps/384-kbps receive/send capability is around $250 US a month.

Enter splitterless DSL, or DSL lite. Under this technology, the service call is eliminated. Instead, the user merely has to buy a DSL modem and select a provider that has incrementally upgraded its infrastructure for DSL service. Because of the lower installation and service costs, monthly DSL service is expected to run $30 to $35 US . Modems for either will run in the $200 US -plus range.