This article contains an overview of DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) technology, a way to provide inexpensive high-speed Internet access that is now available in many urban and suburban areas in the .

When 56k modems hit the scene in 1997, many assumed that this was the fastest they would ever connect to the Internet. ISDN offered 128k speeds, but at a cost of over $100/month, it was out of reach for most small organizations. Higher speed connections via frame relay or T-1 lines, cost even more. It seemed that nonprofits would never be able to have the fast, "always-on" connections that make using the Internet as seamless as using a word processor--what corporate and university users take for granted.

Boy, how times have changed!

Beginning in late 1998--but exploding onto the scene in 1999--is DSL, a new technology that offers inexpensive, fast Internet access over existing, ordinary phone lines. DSL (short for "Digital Subscriber Line") is now widely available in most major urban areas, and is rapidly becoming the technology of choice for connecting a small office (or even a single "power user") to the Internet.

What is DSL?

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is a technology for providing permanent, inexpensive, high-speed Internet connections over ordinary phone lines.

How fast is DSL?

Most DSL providers offer 256kbps speeds and higher. 256kbps is approximately 10 times faster than a 28.8kbps modem--and it seems much faster than that, because there is less latency in the connection. DSL speeds can increase all the way up to 7mbps incoming and 1mbps outgoing--comparable to a T-1 connection.

How cheap is DSL?

DSL service consists of two parts: DSL service on your phone line--usually from Qwest or GTE/Verizaon--and the Internet connection itself--from the Internet Service Provider of your choice. Qwest's monthly charge for 640k downstream/256k upstream DSL service is about $30 per month.  The Internet access part of the connection generally costs around $20 per month, bringing the total for DSL service to roughly $50 per month.  Not bad when you consider that this will also free up the phone line you're currently using for Internet use!

DSL generally costs a few hundred dollars to set up. Fees seem to be changing regularly, as Qwest offers various installation and equipment specials.  Qwest's Cisco 675 external DSL modem costs $295, but this cost may vary depending on your telco provider.

The cost of DSL from alternative DSL providers can be somewhat higher, but is generally under $100/mo, and will continue to fall as competition increases.

Why is DSL better than a regular dialup connection?

DSL is better than a 56k dialup (even a shared 56k dialup) in three important ways

1) Speed. DSL is fast. And if it's fast, it's convenient. And if it's convenient to use, then you'll use it. And using the Internet regularly is the first step towards harnessing its power to advance your work.

2) Permanency. Unlike an ordinary dialup connection, DSL is literally always on. No dialing up, no waiting for an answer, no busy signals. You're a fixed point on the Internet, which makes using the Internet as convenient as firing up your word processor or picking up the telephone. For the technically-inclined, it's possible to host Web and email servers on a DSL connection--something you just can't do with dialup.

3) Cheap. DSL costs about $50/month. And it frees up a phone line for other uses. Depending on how much you're currently paying for dialup access and a phone line, it could even save you money. But even if it's slightly more than you're paying now, the increase in quality-of-service is HUGE, and well worth the small monthly cost.

What if I can't get DSL in my area?

DSL is available only in major urban/suburban areas, and requirse that you be within about 5 miles of the phone company's switchbox.  In other words, DSL is not likely to become available in rural areas or to folks with substandard phone services.  However, there are now other high speed Internet access technologies that may be available in places where DSL is not.  

The first and most attractive of these is cable modem technology.  Offer similar speeds to DSL, cable modem Internet access uses existing cable television wiring.  While primarily marketed to residential customers, it is also available to businesses in some areas, most notably Alaska.  Talk to your local cable company for more information on cable modem availability in your area.  Be aware that cable operators geared towards residential customers may flinch at the idea of connecting a small office network to the Internet, but it is generally possible.

While it's not quite as fast and cheap as DSL or cable modem, ISDN digital phone lines are an "old standby" technology than can offer speeds up to 128k, and is available in many areas where DSL/cable are not.  ISDN services are generally provided by your local phone company; check with them for more information.

An emerging technology with great potential for rural areas is satellite-based Internet access.  While it's not ready for prime-time just yet, there will be a lot of development in this area over the next 12-24 months.  Eventually, high-speed Internet via satellite is likely to become available virtually everywhere in the continental US for about $60/month.  If you're interested in this technology for your organization, and are willing and able to bear the frustrations that come with "bleeding edge" technology, let's talk about whether satellite is right for you.

 

What do I need to get DSL?

Before you take the plunge into DSL, you should make sure you've got the necessary infrastructure in your office. Specifically, you need a functioning Ethernet LAN (local area network) that connects your machines. 

You'll probably need to purchase a small "DSL router" to allow your DSL connection to work with your entire LAN.  The router also serves as a firewall to protect your network from unwanted intruders.  DSL routers are inexpensive; a recommended model is the NetGear RT311/314 cable/DSL router ($90-130).

More DSL information 

Qwest DSL information

http://www.uswest.com/products/data/dsl/index.html

GTE/Verizon DSL information

http://dsl.gte.net/pands/business/dslpricing.html

 

Telus.net DSL information (BC)

http://www.telus.net/highspeed.html

 

GCI Cable modem information (AK)

http://www.gci.com/

 

NetGear Cable/DSL router products

http://www.netgear.com/categories.asp?xrp=4&yrp=12

We recommend using these devices to share and secure a DSL connection for a small office network.  Depending on your DSL provider, this may or may not be necessary.

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