Asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) is a data transmission technology that utilizes existing copper telephone lines to deliver high-speed internet. It allocates a larger portion of the available frequency band to downstream traffic, reflecting typical user behavior where downloading data heavily outweighs uploading. This asymmetry allows for much faster web browsing and media consumption compared to symmetric connections on the same infrastructure.
We need to check the line attenuation, because the customer is only getting three megabits down on their asymmetric digital subscriber line.
While fiber has largely replaced it in urban areas, ADSL remains a critical fallback and primary service in rural locations where copper is the only medium available.
Also heard as
- ADSL
Related terms
DSL
A digital subscriber line is a technology that transmits high-bandwidth data over traditional copper telephone wires.
SDSL
Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line is a broadband technology that offers equal upload and download speeds over copper telephone wires.
Local loop
The physical wiring connecting a customer premises to the nearest telephone exchange.