SDSL (Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line) Broadband provides high speed internet access over ordinary copper telephone wires. It is primarily used by small to medium businesses. With SDLS there are low contention rates and identical uploading and downloading speeds. This type of broadband is the ideal mid-point between ADSL (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line) and a Leased Line. The service is also especially useful if you have home-workers needing faster upload speeds.



If this is a new installation, you will probably want to purchase an integrated DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) modem and router. If you already have an existing router in place, then a stand alone DSL modem will do. If you do not currently have networked computers, then you will need to run something that is known as a CAT5 cable (a Cable and Telephone cable) from the location of your modem or router to each of the computers. You may also consider installing a wireless router if cabling is a problem, but generally a wireless router is not very secure and is limited to about 50 feet. Some providers may have limitations on Customer Provided Equipment (CPE) being connected to their network, and it may require you to install specific types of equipment to allow for the provider to properly manage and maintain their network.

The most obvious choice for ordering SDSL Broadband is always the local incumbent phone company, because these companies own the copper wire that already runs into the user's location they have an advantage over any other service provider. You can also have DSL provisioned through a third party provider.

There are a number of other companies that market and resell SDSL Broadband services. The third party DSL providers rent the copper circuit from the local incumbent phone company and then will provide the path to the internet along with ISP (Internet service provider) services, such as Email, web space, DNS and newsgroups. Traditional ISPs may also sell SDSL, however they tend to offer the service only in the local market they serve or are marketing access bundled with their ISP services.

Although costs vary widely, there are a few standard expenses. If the user had no previous DSL installation, there is usually a onetime cost for the installation, setup and the hardware. The hardware includes a router or modem both are provided by the SDSL Broadband provider. The monthly recurring charge will vary based on who is providing the service and whether any special offers are in place. To give you an idea, usually prices will start from a monthly cost of ?209.99 (around $420 US Dollars) for a 512kb connection and up to ?249.99 ($450 US Dollars) for a 2 Mb connection.

Exact ordering details about this broadband connection details depend on the SDSL Broadband connection provider, be it the Phone Company, a third party or an ISP. Also the location of the provider and the user play key roles in the connectivity, installation and price. For most small business the ordering and installation process is easy, quick, and worthwhile in the end.