Most DSL subscribers don't know - and likely won't care - how the technology works. That said, it's worth spending a few minutes to explore the type of equipment involved and how it contributes to delivering fast internet access. Below, we'll take a quick tour through the technology and follow the transmission of data as it makes its way from a server to your computer.
What Is POTS?
A digital subscriber line uses an antiquated infrastructure called POTS, an acronym for "Plain Old Telephone Service." POTS sends and receives voice data through analog signals. These signals travel along the copper wires through a jumble of switches, transmitters, and other equipment. It does so at a frequency of 3400 Hertz.
The key that allows DSL to work on the same infrastructure as your telephone is that the 3400 Hertz frequency range is only what is available for voice data. In reality, the true range of frequencies available on the copper wire is far greater. The extra "space" is what supports the transmission of digital - or non-voice - data (i.e. web pages, video, etc.).
Frequencies And Channels
The digital information is transmitted through the DMT or CAP systems. If it goes through DMT (or, Discrete Multi-tone), the information is split into 247 different channels. If it goes through CAP (or, Carrierless Amplitude/Phase), the information is split across three different frequencies, depending upon the intent. One of those frequencies is specifically for voice data. Another is for moving packets from the customer to a server. The last of the three is allocated for packets traveling from a server to a customer's computer.
Additional Equipment Needed
In order for DSL to work, the connection must have access to two more pieces of equipment. The first is the modem or transceiver. It is located at the customer's residence and functions as the liaison between the user's computer, or local area network, and the digital subscriber line.
The second piece of equipment is the digital subscriber line access multiplexer (more commonly called the DSLAM). The DSLAM is located at the provider's central hub. Its function is to aggregate all of the signals produced or triggered by the provider's customers into a single pipe. That pipe forms the online connection. The DSLAM can also perform the duties of a router as well as handle the assignment of IP addresses to customers.
The DSLAM represents the difference between a DSL connection and cable access. Even though it aggregates all customer data into one pipe, it maintains an exclusive connection for each. Contrast that to a cable connection in which the rate of data transmission is reduced each time a new user joins the network.
Even though DSL uses an older technological infrastructure, many subscribers consider the experience of using it superior to newer technologies.
What Is POTS?
A digital subscriber line uses an antiquated infrastructure called POTS, an acronym for "Plain Old Telephone Service." POTS sends and receives voice data through analog signals. These signals travel along the copper wires through a jumble of switches, transmitters, and other equipment. It does so at a frequency of 3400 Hertz.
The key that allows DSL to work on the same infrastructure as your telephone is that the 3400 Hertz frequency range is only what is available for voice data. In reality, the true range of frequencies available on the copper wire is far greater. The extra "space" is what supports the transmission of digital - or non-voice - data (i.e. web pages, video, etc.).
Frequencies And Channels
The digital information is transmitted through the DMT or CAP systems. If it goes through DMT (or, Discrete Multi-tone), the information is split into 247 different channels. If it goes through CAP (or, Carrierless Amplitude/Phase), the information is split across three different frequencies, depending upon the intent. One of those frequencies is specifically for voice data. Another is for moving packets from the customer to a server. The last of the three is allocated for packets traveling from a server to a customer's computer.
Additional Equipment Needed
In order for DSL to work, the connection must have access to two more pieces of equipment. The first is the modem or transceiver. It is located at the customer's residence and functions as the liaison between the user's computer, or local area network, and the digital subscriber line.
The second piece of equipment is the digital subscriber line access multiplexer (more commonly called the DSLAM). The DSLAM is located at the provider's central hub. Its function is to aggregate all of the signals produced or triggered by the provider's customers into a single pipe. That pipe forms the online connection. The DSLAM can also perform the duties of a router as well as handle the assignment of IP addresses to customers.
The DSLAM represents the difference between a DSL connection and cable access. Even though it aggregates all customer data into one pipe, it maintains an exclusive connection for each. Contrast that to a cable connection in which the rate of data transmission is reduced each time a new user joins the network.
Even though DSL uses an older technological infrastructure, many subscribers consider the experience of using it superior to newer technologies.
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