What is DSL (digital subscriber line)?

DSL is a type of wired internet connection that uses your preexisting telephone lines to carry information and data. It allows users to surf the internet and make phone calls at the same time, which is an upgrade from dial-up internet.  

 DSL is a great option for users who may not have access to other broadband options like cable or fiber, or for whom wireless 5G service is not yet available. 

Let’s explore the benefits of DSL and how it works.

How does DSL internet work?

DSL is a high-speed internet connection that uses regular telephone lines to transmit data.  

Think of it like a high-speed train on tracks already laid down for older, slower trains. The “tracks” are the copper wires of your landline phone service, already installed in most homes. 

When you use DSL, data is sent over these phone lines at frequencies higher than voice calls. This means that, unlike the old dial-up internet, you can use the internet and make phone calls at the same time without interrupting the other. 

DSL is an excellent option for people who may not have access to other types of broadband internet connections. But how does it really compare to other high-speed options, and are there benefits to choosing it? 

DSL Internet vs. Other Internet Types

Shopping for internet providers usually means weighing the pros and cons of multiple options. Depending on where you live, you may have access to DSL, dial-up internet, cable, fiber, 5G, or satellite service.   

DSL internet typically offers moderate speeds that are suitable for browsing and standard videos. It’s usually affordable and often less expensive than cable or fiber. DSL’s biggest drawback is that its speeds can’t compare with some of the fastest offerings, especially as you move farther from the provider’s central office. The good news, however, is that it’s widely available due to our extensive telephone network infrastructure.

Cable and fiber internet are the two most popular broadband options, and for good reason. Cable, like cable TV, uses coaxial cables to deliver service. Fiber internet uses fiber-optic lines that transmit data as light signals. These transmission methods offer fast and reliable internet, ideal for heavy streaming and gaming. While cable is widely available in urban areas, fiber is still expanding its availability. 

For those who do not have access to hardwired broadband internet, like DSL, 5G coverage offers mobile options by using advanced cellular networks to offer high-speed wireless internet. While those speeds are comparable to fiber, they’re not as reliable in areas with poor cell signal. Obstacles and distance from towers can also impact coverage. 

Satellite internet offers wider availability, especially in rural areas, but generally has higher latency and costs compared to DSL. DSL typically provides faster speeds, lower latency, and more affordable pricing. 

Benefits of DSL Internet

DSL might not be as fast as cable or fiber, but there are still plenty of benefits that make it a compelling option, especially for people on a limited budget: 

• Affordability: DSL internet is generally affordable, with prices falling between $39.99 and $55, depending on the provider. 

• Availability: DSL is widely available throughout much of the United States. Much like phone providers, different carriers serve different parts of the country. 

• No interference with phone service: For those who don’t have access to high-speed cable or fiber internet, the biggest benefit of DSL is that it doesn’t interfere with phone service. You can make calls and surf the web at the same time. For those of a certain age (who remember dial-up), that’s a big deal. 

• Connection stability: DSL connections are quite often stable, allowing for longer internet use over time. 

Types of DSL

There are actually several different types of DSL internet, and each one has unique features that make it better for specific use cases.  

• Asymmetric DSL (ADSL): ADSL offers higher download speeds than upload speeds, which makes it ideal for users who stream videos, browse the web, or download content.  

• Symmetric DSL (SDSL): SDSL provides equal upload and download speeds, which is beneficial for businesses or users who frequently upload large files or engage in video conferencing. 

• Very High-Bit-Rate DSL (VDSL): VDSL offers breakneck internet speeds over short distances. That makes it great for HD video streaming or online gaming. It’s best for users who live close to the service provider’s central office. 

• High-Bit-Rate DSL (HDSL): HDSL’s high-speed connections work over multiple phone lines. It’s a good fit for households that need consistent, reliable bandwidth for data-intensive operations. 

• Rate-Adaptive DSL (RADSL): RADSL automatically adjusts its speed based on line quality, making it versatile for different environmental conditions. Users who need a stable connection but not the highest speeds often benefit from it. 

• ADSL Lite (G.lite): ADSL Lite offers moderate speeds. It is a good option for casual home users who need an easy, cost-effective setup for basic internet tasks. 

• ISDN DSL (IDSL): IDSL combines DSL technology with ISDN lines to provide a reliable, albeit slower, connection than other DSL types. It works best for users and locations where different services aren’t available. 

• Bonded DSL: Using a secondary pair of telephone wires to provide twice the amount of bandwidth. This is compatible with both ADSL and VDSL frequencies, and a practice that most providers (including Kinetic) implement today to deliver greater bandwidth over DSL. 

 The DSL options available to you will likely vary by provider. Before you commit to a service, ensure you know which type you’re getting. 

Is DSL right for you?

Who best benefits from DSL? The answer is complicated. Because it’s not as fast as cable or fiber internet, it probably won’t work for users who need those speeds for 4K streaming or online gaming. Browsing social media, productivity tasks, and moderate file downloads/uploads are likely the best use cases.  

In addition, DSL is a typical service in rural or more exurban areas. But that doesn’t mean all rural users can benefit.   

Remember, DSL speed and reliability are significantly impacted by your distance from the service provider's central office. For those users in more far-flung areas, a wireless option like satellite or 5G may make more sense. 

What’s the future of DSL?

While DSL currently has a place in broadband internet infrastructure, many providers—including Kinetic—are investing and upgrading technologies to rely on fiber-optic cables instead. Those investments are excellent for consumers, who can reap the benefits of faster, more reliable service that can handle the most intense demands and use cases. 

Still, DSL isn’t going away anytime soon. It’s the backbone of high-speed internet access for rural communities and small towns.   

Find fast, reliable DSL internet today.

DSL internet offers reliable internet connectivity for customers throughout the United States, and Kinetic is proud to provide DSL service to customers in select states.   

As we continue to grow our fiber internet availability to offer the best connectivity to our customers, Kinetic invites you to check out what internet options are available for your home or business. 

What does DSL mean?

DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line, a type of internet connection that uses your existing phone line to deliver higher internet speeds without interruption. 

What is the difference between Wi-Fi and DSL?

DSL is a physical connection that enables your household to access the internet. Wi-Fi is the wireless availability of that internet signal within and around your home, enabling wireless devices to access the connection. 

What are the benefits of DSL?

Because it relies on existing copper phone lines, DSL is widely available in many parts of the country, especially rural and exurban areas. It provides a stable connection and allows internet users to make voice calls at the same time, a significant advantage over dial-up internet. 

What are the disadvantages of using DSL?

DSL is not as fast as other types of broadband internet service, such as cable or fiber. Its limited bandwidth can make high-speed tasks, such as online gaming, videoconferencing, or 4K streaming, difficult to do. 

Is DSL the slowest internet?

DSL speeds can vary. In many cases, cable and fiber internet are faster than DSL service, but it largely depends on factors like your proximity to the DSL provider’s central office, type of DSL service you have, and more. 

Is DSL good for streaming?

Some DSL connections like VDSL or bonded DSL can easily support streaming video. But other more limited DSL connections such as ADSL or those further away from the central office may not be able to provide enough bandwidth for tasks like HD streaming.