What is DSL?DSL stands for Digital
Subscriber Line, a technology that uses the existing copper telephone wires to deliver
high-speed data services.
How fast is DSL?
Current DSL delivers speeds up to 12 Megabits per second (Mbps), which is up to 420
times faster than a standard 28.8 Kbps modem and up to 70 times faster than ISDN.
Why would I want DSL?
If you are tired of wasting time downloading files or Email attachments, DSL provides a
very fast, always-on connection that takes that sluggish feeling out of the Internet.
For small to medium businesses that want to connect their offices to the Internet, DSL
provides a dedicated connection at a fraction of previously available solutions such as T1
lines. DSL is an unmetered service, so there are no per-minute charges like ISDN.
DSL can also make possible Internet services that require a high-speed or dedicated
connection, such as video conferencing or putting your own web or Email servers on the
Internet.
Where is DSL available?
BizACT's DSL service is currently available nationwide throughout USA. For
specifics on our DSL you may email or call, or
select DSL from the Service menu.
If DSL is new, is it reliable?
DSL has actually been around in private use for roughly 10 years, used by phone
companies to inter-connect their Offices. It has proven to be reliable and fast.
What are the different speed options?
BizACT provides SDSL services, or Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line, which is a DSL
technology in which the downstream and upstream DSL speeds are the same. Customers
may start with a low speed DSL and ramp up their speed as their need arises. This
can be done with the original modem purchased. Just by changing settings on network
components, rather than laying a completely new line, and purchasing new equipment.
BizACT currently provides SDSL at speeds of 144K, 160K, 200K, 320K, 416K, 784K, 1.04M,
and 1.56M.
Aren't some DSL services faster?
There are a variety of DSL technologies being developed, but the speed of DSL depends
on the length of the copper line from the phone company central office to the installation
point. DSL varieties such as HDSL can deliver higher speeds at very short distances, but
their limitations make them impractical for dedicated Internet access in most situations.
For this reason, BizACT offers several speeds of SDSL that are appropriate solutions for
most businesses and power-users. Another advantage of SDSL is that you get the same
speed both up and down stream.
What equipment do I need?
DSL requires a DSL modem/router. In addition, you will need an ethernet card in your PC
or server, and an ethernet cable, in order to connect to the DSL modem.
What is included with my service?
BizACT's DSL services includes IP addresses, email boxes, web hosting, and unlimited
Internet access through BizACT's high-speed network, new phone line, installation, setup,
DSL router configuration, Inside Wiring, ping tests, and dialup to access your network
from outside. Additional IP addresses, email, web space, and other services are available.
Can I have a web site also?
Yes. BizACT offers a variety of web hosting and Email services. Complete packages
which provide everything you need for a professional, engaging web presence. We have a
variety of special DSL/Web hosting packages which provide you with a complete suite of
Internet services at an excellent price.
What is the installation procedure?
Please give us a call to see if DSL is available in your area. If it is, BizACT will
perform free tests on your lines to determine what speeds of DSL are available to you
(this depends on the condition of the lines and your distance from the phone company
central office).
Once your lines have been tested and you have decided on a DSL package, we will give
you a date for installation (ranges from 20-45 days; normally 30 days). On that day, a
technician will come to your home or business to activate the DSL circuit, connect the DSL
modem to the DSL wall jack, and perform any inside wiring necessary to connect the DSL
wall jack to your computer system.
BizACT will have already assigned you IP addresses and set up any additional services
such as a web site at your domain. The technician will test to make sure that the
connection is functioning properly, and your DSL line will be up and running.
Can I convert an ISDN line to DSL?
Absolutely. ISDN lines are ideal for DSL, and can almost always be converted.
How does DSL compare to cable modems?
Cable modems are capable of high speed access, but they have drawbacks that do not make
them ideal for dedicated Internet access. Internet access through cable is based on the
broadcast model, where the same signal is shared through a large loop of subscribers in a
geographical area. For this reason, the more subscribers that have cable modems in a
particular area, the less bandwidth is available to each subscriber. DSL is a dedicated
circuit from you to BizACT's high-speed network, resulting in faster, more reliable
Internet connectivity.
What if I have other questions?
DSL is an exciting, next-generation technology for high speed Internet access that is
just starting to be widely deployed, so you may have questions not covered in this FAQ. To
learn more, please give us a call at 800-942-3366 and we'll be glad to
help you reach the Internet with DSL!
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