The speed and accessibility of the Internet has greatly increased due in no small part to DSL technology. Only cable can claim faster speeds in the consumer market, and not in all circumstances. User can now access the Internet at incredible speeds at affordable prices that in the recent past would have simply been impossible.
As is often the case, the more advanced a technology becomes, the more easily it breaks down. Although a great Internet service, DSL is subject to this problem as well. It doesn't take a great deal to cause a serious DSL slowdown, and they can be difficult to fix.
When dial up Internet access was the only Internet service available, slowdowns were less obvious. Since everything was equally slow it would usually take a dropped connection before a dial-up users perceived a problem. Now customers are used to a higher level of service, and slowdowns can be painfully obvious. The most common areas where DSL Internet access slowdowns occur are the phone line and the computer.
Phone Line Slowdowns:
Distance from the local phone company exchange is a factor in how fast a DSL connection can get. The further away a user is, the lower the transfer rate. Although there are signal amplifiers and filters that can mitigate this problem, it has not completely gone away. It is possible to be so far away from the exchange that service is impossible.
It seems now that the direct line that feeds a users house is more often a DSL Internet issue in an area where access is available. Load coils, resistive crosses, and line taps can all create line noise. Line noise will slow a DSL connection, if not prevent a connection all together. The consumer can do little to correct most line noise, and it should e recommended that the user's phone company be notified and request a line test. FCC regulations require a certain level of line quality, and is that is not met it is the phone company's responsibility to fix this problem.
External devices can also cause line noise. Phones, televisions, fax machines and other devices can cause disruptions in DSL service. Although these devices create only a small amount of noise, it is cumulative. If one of these devices is defective or old the noise can get bad fast. If you are having trouble with a DSL connection and believe it might be noise from external devices, unplug everything from the phone lines except the DSL modem and try your download speeds. Be sure to use the line filters that came with the DSL modem, as these are designed to help decrease line noise.
Computer Issues
The computer itself is the most likely problem area of any DSL connection. Hardware and software configurations are limitless, and among them are set ups that simply wont work. Add the possibility of spyware, viruses and worms and you have a multitude of possible issues.
It is likely that very old computers cannot process information at the speeds DSL connections can serve it up. This can really slowdown a fast download, and cause a severe bottleneck. This can be identified by the severe slowing down of all computer processes when downloading files.
Worms, viruses, and spyware cab all slow down a DSL Internet connection. This problem can be easily fixed with a good anti-virus product like Norton or McAfee. Both of these packages have Auto-Protect features that scan anything stored on the computer. Although Auto-Protect can cause slight slowdowns, it is well worth it.
Dsl Internet (digital subscriber line) technology uses copper phone wires to deliver data at high speeds to your pc/laptop. To get DSL, you'll need a phone line (your primary home phone line can work; you don't necessarily need a second line); a DSL modem, an Ethernet card and a company that's willing to sell the service to you at your current location.
Choosing a dsl internet service today is less complicated than you think. Simply search on-line for a broadband comparison site. By using a comparison site you are able to quickly locate dsl internet suppliers. Now you can quickly compare prices services offered and availability from one site. When you locate a supplier you are interested in do not sign up immediately got their website and use the list and table below as a check-list to assist you in matching a service to your needs
What To Look For in a Dsl Internet Service Supplier *Ability to check dsl internet availability on-site by entering your phone number *Free set-up (usually a disk with instructions) *Look for dsl internet companies offering Freebies i.e. modem, web space, antiviral/anti spam software *Do they have any customer testimonials on-site to give you an idea on the quality of service *How much does it cost to call the dsl internet help desk and are they open 24/7 *Is there an address and policy given on-line to where you can quickly lodge a complaint or dissatisfaction with service *What speeds do they offer and are there limits on your download and uploads
For those eager to have high speed dsl internet read on before you splash your cash and be sure you buy a service that fits what you will use it for. Many of us have a desire for high speed dsl. There are companies offering speeds up to 24 meg. Keep in mind that this will not be available in all areas and that each offer states up to that speed. The reason being speeds vary depending on your location to the telephone exchange,wiring in your home and the quality of your equipment such as router etc. etc.
If you are unsure about what speed you will need here are a few tips to assist you. *Surfing the internet and using e-mail use 2MB *Downloading music track, downloading/uploading and e-mailing photos - Use 4MB *Downloading music albums, streaming video and TV - Use 8MB and upwards
If you are unsure on whether to select a dsl internet service that caps internet usage lets take a look at a typical limits and see exactly what you can do with it. This is important to examine as the money you spend should be used cost effectively to get you a service that fits your needs and your budget.
Monthly Data Usage Examples *1MG Allowance- Surf 4 hours daily, 15 weekly emails with attachments, 100 weekly emails, 10 media downloads weekly *3MG Allowance- surf 12 hours daily, 45 weekly emails with attachments, 300 weekly emails, 30 media downloads weekly *6MG Allowance- surf 24 hours daily, 90 weekly emails with attachments, 600 weekly emails, 60 media downloads weekly *9MG Allowance- surf 24 hours daily, 135 weekly emails with attachments, 900 weekly emails, 90 media downloads weekly
As you can see you do not need to always pay for packages offering unlimited access. You can do quite a lot with the most basic allowance. Just be sure to check what they charge for each extra MG you use.
Now choosing a dsl internet service should be streamlined and hassle free. Use an on-line service to locate providers, check availability, services offered and prices. When you have refined your search, visit each site and use the lists above to assist you in selecting a dsl internet provider and level of service to suit your needs and budget.
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