What is DSL?

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

DSL is a high speed internet connection that uses your existing phone line to transfer data (Internet) traffic.

How does DSL work?

Your telephone line carries a wide range of frequencies, not all of these are used for voice (phone) traffic. DSL uses the excess frequencies to transmit data (Internet) traffic. When a DSL filter is connected to your phone jack, its function is to split the data (Internet) traffic from voice (phone) traffic, and route them separately. This makes it possible for you to use the phone and the internet at the same time.

Can I talk on the phone at the same time I am surfing the web?

Yes

How fast is DSL?

Connection speeds range from 768Kbps download /128Kbps upload to 6.0Mbps download /768Kbps upload. 6 to 25 times faster than Dialup.

What affects my connection speed?

When you connect to the Internet using a DSL modem, the speeds that you will experience will vary based on a variety of factors, including the following:

• Distance of your telephone line from a Verizon Central Office.
• Condition of telephone wiring inside and outside your location
• Computer configuration
• Network or Internet congestion
• Server and router speeds of the Web sites you access
• Other factors

Why is the connection always on?

With dial up service you have to actually dial an access number to open a connection. DSL is directly connected to the phone line so the connection is always open.

Does the service ever become interrupted or slower?

It does not happen often but DSL can be interrupted or become slower. This can be caused by a variety of things; network maintenance, an alarm, satellite, fax, 900 MHz device, internal phone system, phone line issues may interfere with service. Services will be automatically restored after the interference is gone.

Does it matter what type of DSL service I have?

There are different types of DSL service, most homes and small business users are connected to an asymmetric DSL (ADSL) line. This is the type of DSL we will be offering.

Will I need to switch my Local Phone Service?

Yes, to subscribe to CloseCall's DSL service you will need to have our Local Phone Service.

How secure is my DSL connection?

From a security perspective, DSL networks are not very different from dial-up networks. However, DSL connections are more attractive than dial-up connections to hackers for the same reasons that make them more attractive to customers. The constant connection of these networks often results in customers staying online much longer, making them more vulnerable to attack attempts. Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to improve the security of your DSL connection, such as firewall software. We strongly recommend that you install a commercially available firewall (and anti-virus) product. To find out more about such products, check with your local computer store.

Advantages of DSL:

• You can leave your Internet connection open and still use the phone line for voice calls.
• The speed is much higher than a regular modem (768 Kbps vs. 56 Kbps)
• DSL doesn't necessarily require new wiring; it can use the phone line you already have.

Disadvantages of DSL:

• A DSL connection works better when you are closer to the provider's central office.
• The connection is faster for receiving (downloading) data than it is for sending (uploading) data over the Internet.
• The service is not available everywhere.