What is ADSL?
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) is a modem technology that transforms ordinary phone lines into high-speed digital lines for ultra-fast Internet access. ADSL client products encompass the Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) chipset and PC driver solutions that are optimised to address this growing demand. Find out more...

ADSL ("Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line") is a type of DSL. It works by splitting your existing telephone line signal into two, one for voice and the other for data. ADSL technology can work at up to 8Mbps download. The most popular services in the UK at the moment are running at speeds of 512Kbps (approx. 9 times faster than a modem), although speeds of up to 2Mbps can be obtained. Upload speeds are 256Kbps on all products and hence this is why it is "asymmetric", because the download speed is different to the upload speed. ADSL client products encompass the CPE chipset and PC driver solutions that are optimised to address this growing demand. Conexant is a member of the DSL Forum which supports interoperability.

How does ADSL operate in the UK?
The majority of services are available through a broad range of ISPs who are reselling products from network operators such as British Telecommunications ("BT Wholesale") and Kingston Communications. It is the responsibility of the network operator to deliver your data (whether it be transmitted using a standard modem, ADSL or some other means) to and from your ISP of choice. It is a common misconception that "BT Openworld" is the only source of DSL service - in fact, "BT Openworld" is just one of many ISPs competing for your business.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of ADSL?
A non-exhaustive list is as follows:

Advantages
High speed "always on" connection
Fixed monthly cost
Great value for money
Competitive modem & router prices
Disadvantages
Not available to everybody
Contended service could result in variable speeds depending upon time of day
Possible teething troubles for new or inexperienced customers.