What is ADSL Broadband?

ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is a way of getting more information down your existing telephone line.
It virtually cuts you telephone line in half - one half carries data from your computer to the local telephone exchange, and the other half lets you use your phone as normal.
At the moment in the UK most ADSL users use 512Kb (just over 9 times the speed of an ordinary 'dial-up' modem) to connect to the internet, this is normally the cheapest option. If needed an ADSL line can carry up to 2 Megabits per second (almost 38 times the speed of a modem) this is normally expensive compared to 512Kb and is often chosen by small businesses and anyone running an office from their home.

ADSL2
A new Broadband offering is ADSL2 which boasts speeds of up to 24 Megabits per second, and upload speeds of up to 1Mbps. As with all newly emerging Broadband technology ADSL2 will be distributed nationwide gradually.

How Much ADSL Costs - (per month approximately)

Why choose ADSL?

ADSL offers many advantages over traditional dial up internet -

• You can use the phone while surfing the web.
• Web pages will load much quicker, images load in a fraction of a second.
• Perfect for gaming online, play against people all over the world without any delays.
• It's not just for PCs, you can also link up games consoles such as the XBOX and PS2 to begin using their multiplayer features.
• Watch live video over the internet in much higher quality than dialup internet.
• Most broadband providers will give you free equipment to get you started.

Can I get ADSL?
Please enter at least one of the following inputs and click "Check".

(This Checker is provided by www.samknows.com)

This Graph shows the expected range of and ADSL or ADSL2+ signal from your local Telephone Exchange

The map above shows the current reach of ADSL Broadband in the UK

How do I get ADSL?

Since 26 November 2004 everyone in Bishopston can get ADSL although some lines may need to be looked at by an engineer before installation of ADSL can go ahead.
To enable you to get broadband you will need a piece of hardware called an ADSL modem this is different from an ordinary modem as is can run at much higher speeds and won't make strange noises when it's connecting.
There are usually provided by the company you decide to get broadband from but in the rare case that it isn't included or you are going to buy you own as an upgrade then this is what you will need -

---

For one Computer -

A single ADSL modem -

External Modem

Thomson SpeedTouch, the most common ADSL modem, used by most providers. Connects to your computer by a connection on the outside of it's case. This type of modem is also suitable for laptop computers with a USB connection.

Internal Modems

This type of card goes inside your computer and works in the same way as the one above.These are not suitable for laptop computers.

---

2.For Multiple Computers

An Ethernet ADSL Modem -

This type of modem allows multiple computers to broadband simultaneously using a network, this type of modem is useful when using a Wireless router.

---

3.For Wireless Computers -

A Wireless setup allows you to share a broadband connection between as many computers as you like without wires, this saves on clutter from cables and allows you to move you computers around as much as you like as long as they stay within range of the Wireless Router. You could use your laptop and high speed internet anywhere in the house and even in the garden!
To share your broadband wirelessly firstly you will need a computer that is already connected to a Broadband line.
A wireless router or wireless gateway.
A wireless enabled laptop or desktop.

---

Micro Filters -

Once you telephone line has been converted to receive ADSL you will need on of these filters on ALL sockets that you will be using telephones from, and you will also need one on the phone socket that you want to connect your ADSL modem to. You will need one because the way you telephone line works will change to allow you to use the phone and internet simultaneously. When you sign up with a Broadband provider you will be supplied with a couple of these, if you need any others you will probably be charged a small cost (around £7).