What is DSL?

DSL (digital subscriber line) technologies, often grouped under the term DSL, connect a computer to the Internet. DSL uses existing copper pair phone line wiring in conjunction with special hardware on the switch and user ends of the line. This special hardware allows for a continuous digital connection over the phone lines.

Since the connection is digital, DSL technology doesn't have a digital-to-analog conversion like traditional modems. It eludes voice audio spectrum frequency boundaries because it can use frequencies above the voice audio spectrum. This means you can use your phone while maintaining your Internet connection.

These different frequencies allow DSL to encode more data, and allow Internet connection speeds of up to 50 times faster than standard modems, and up to 12 times faster than an ISDN connection.

Much of the information found here comes from the following source: http://www.dslcenter.com