ADSL FAQ's back
What does it stand for? Back to Top
ADSL stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. That sounds rather complicated! What is it?
It is a much faster, flat rate charged service for access to the Internet - not really complicated at all!
So no call charges? Back to Top
No, with ADSL you simply pay for installation and then a monthly subscription rate but there are no traditional call charges. It is a permanent, high speed connection to the Internet.
Will I really notice the increase in speed over my current connection? Back to Top
In theory yes, ADSL can deliver from 512 Kilobits per second to download web pages compared to ISDN, which runs at either 64 k (an eight of the speed of ADSL) or 128 k (a quarter of the speed of ADSL) or a regular analogue modem which runs at a maximum of 56 k (almost a tenth of the speed of ADSL). Versions of ADSL up to 2 Megabit per second are also available.
What no buts?
Well actually there are some limitations. Firstly, ADSL moves data more quickly from the exchange to you than vice versa. This makes it ideal for web surfing and downloading emails. However, it is not ideal for traffic going the other way, so for example, if you wanted to host your own website, this product is not necessarily ideal.
Secondly, the bandwidth is shared between a number of other users in your area. This could be up to 20 users and so the maximum speed could drop dramatically. It is however unlikely, even if all the other users are connected, that they will all be using the maximum bandwidth that they can. As such, plenty of bandwidth should still be available.
Does this mean that I am on the same computer network as those that I share the bandwidth with?
No, it is only up-stream from your local telephone exchange where the bandwidth is shared. These other users are as remote from you as any other users on the Internet
So do I have to have a special ADSL phone line fitted? Back to Top
No, believe it or not, ADSL works using regular copper phone lines. BT converts an existing phone line by putting a special piece of equipment at your end and at the telephone exchange.
Does this mean I’ll lose the use of one of my phone lines? Back to Top
No, for normal voice calls it will carry on working alongside ADSL, but some special services such as alarm monitoring may not work as they would on a normal analogue line.
If I’m permanently on the Internet does that leave my computer system vulnerable to intruders? Back to To
ADSL is slightly more risky than a regular dial-up connection because you are connected all the time, so we recommend a firewall as a small extra piece of hardware to sit between your computer network and the outside world. This will make it a great deal harder for intruders to access your computer network. Remember however that any computer on the Internet is never 100% secure from intrusion.
Is it expensive? Back to Top
No not really, in many cases it will be cheaper than the price that you spend on your current Internet line in terms of line rental and call charges. With Plusnet Internet, it will cost £150 (+ VAT) to install. Monthly charges will be £30 for their 512 KB connection, £40 for their 1MB connection, or £75 for the 2 MB version.
Will this include all the traditional services that my Internet Service Provide offers?
Yes, included in this price are the Internet, mail and news service that any Internet service provider would offer.
Does this mean that I will need to change my Internet Service Provider? Back to Top
If you are not with Plusnet, you may find that you can get an ADSL service from your current Internet provider. However, we are recommending Plusnet as they were heavily involved in the ADSL trials, have a great deal of experience of this product, and have an excellent reputation compared to BT or some of the smaller suppliers.
Are there any other costs? Back to Top
Well, as mentioned we do recommend using a small hardware firewall. There are various models available at varying prices - they start from about £200. The only other cost you need to allow for is a few hours of our time reconfiguring your system to utilise ADSL.
When can I have it? Back to Top
On completion of the appropriate forms, it should be installed in about seven to ten days, however, the service is proving extremely popular and installation times may lengthen. Simply send us an email using the following link: Contact us and we’ll get the ball rolling for you immediately.
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