What is ADSL?

ADSL ("Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line")
Is a type of DSL. It works by splitting your existing telephone line signal into two, one for voice and the other for data. ADSL technology can work at up to 8Mbps download. The most popular services in the UK at the moment are running at speeds of 512Kbps (approx. 9 times faster than a modem), although speeds of up to 2Mbps can be obtained. Upload speeds are 256Kbps on all products and hence this is why it is "asymmetric", because the download speed is different to the upload speed.
 
How does ADSL operate in the UK?
The majority of services are available through a broad range of ISPs who are reselling products from network operators such as British Telecommunications ("BT Wholesale") and Kingston Communications. It is the responsibility of the network operator to deliver your data (whether it be transmitted using a standard modem, ADSL or some other means) to and from your ISP of choice. It is a common misconception that "BT Openworld" is the only source of DSL service - in fact, "BT Openworld" is just one of many ISPs competing for your business. A good source of ISP Providers is the Web site www.adslguide.org

What are the advantages and disadvantages of ADSL?   
A non-exhaustive list is as follows:

Advantages
·                 High speed "always on" connection
·                 Fixed monthly cost
·                 Great value for money
Competitive modem & router prices

Disadvantages

Not available to everybody (approx. 70% household coverage - August 2002)
Contended service could result in variable speeds depending upon time of day
Possible teething troubles for new or inexperienced customers

What do I need to get online?

A BT Analogue Telephone Line connection, which has to be within 3.5 to 5.5 kilometres of an ADSL enabled exchange and your line must pass a number of tests before installation can go ahead.. Kingston Communications customers may also be able to receive ADSL without the need for a BT telephone line.

An ADSL Modem or Router

Most ISPs will supply you with a modem or router at additional cost. A number of online retailers are also competing to sell you their products. Connection equipment can be broken down into 3 basic categories:
PCI Internal ADSL Modems   Single user
External ADSL Modems     Single user
ADSL Routers                    Network users

Do I need ADSL?

If your business needs internet access to receive email or to access web pages on the internet and the amount you spend is over £30 per month, then it would pay you to transfer  to ADSL. If you wish to connect two, or more, offices together, or to enable connection by  home or mobile users; ADSL is by far the best option.

Information about ADSL

When you think of the Internet most will think of accessing web pages using Internet Explorer or email or chat rooms, but these are only programs that receive information over the Internet. In fact the Internet is a network exactly the same as the network in your office. Anything you can do on a business network you can also do on the Internet. The only difference is the speed of the connections. The normal office network runs at 10-100 million bits per second. The Internet connection to your office runs at different speeds depending on the connection type. A modem connection is 36-56 thousand bits per second, ISDN connection is 64-128 thousand bits per second. ADSL has two speeds the upload and download.  Upload connection is 256 thousand bits pre second and the download can range from 512-2000 thousand bits per second. When connected to the Internet you need to be aware that outside access from the Internet into your network is possible. This can happen no matter what the connection type. To stop this you use a piece of hardware or software called a firewall. This blocks all access from outside and only allows access that has been requested from inside your network in. It is possible to allow certain access from outside by configuring the firewall.

What else you can do with ADSL

When your network is permanently connected to the Internet; branch offices can be linked  to your head office and  information and data exchanged between authorised personnel, who can also access the network from home, or from anywhere in the world through a computer that has an  Internet connection; e.mails can be checked; databases accessed; and faxes sent and received.

The method used to achieve this is called VPN technology. VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, and uses data encryption to ensure the secure the transfer of data. By installing ADSL you can get all these facilities.

Galip Systems can offer a complete package for your company network to connect to the internet.  The package has all the necessary hardware and software needed to get started and includes the following: