What Is DSL?

DSL is an abbreviated form for Digital Subscriber Line. The two main groups of DSL technologies are ADSL and SDSL. Both form a part of the new technology, DSL that involves sending data over existing copper telephone lines. While the ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) primarily for Internet access requires fast downstream, the SDSL (Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line) requires high speed in both the directions.

DSL technologies make use of modern modulation schemes to bunch data onto copper wires. They are occasionally called as last-mile technologies because they are applied mainly for linking a telephone switching station to an office or a home. It is not used between switching stations.