What is xDSL?

xDSL is a generic abbreviation for the many flavors of DSL or Digital Subscriber Line technology. xDSL is the newest breakthrough in high-speed Internet access. It is used to connect a customer and the telephone company over the same existing copper wiring that is used by current home and office telephone service.

How Do Other Residential and Broadband Technologies Compare?

Cable Modems -- Cable modems are devices that attach to the cable TV network connection in a home. Broadband cable Internet service offers high-speed bandwidth comparable to a T1. But there are a number of challenges faced by this industry, including return path capabilities, customer service issues and standards. Cable networks are inherently different in design than telephone networks. Cable networks are broadcast oriented, which means that your connection is placed on a shared network with others. xDSL is circuit oriented so that each connection is independent of all others. Cable Internet service is not widely available with business-oriented features like subnet routing or web site hosting.

Wireless -- There are a growing number of different wireless Internet schemes proposed, planned and implemented throughout the world. Wireless access technology comes in a number of different forms, such as via a satellite TV service provider or wireless phone network. Wireless Internet systems can provide access to a large number of subscribers in a relatively large area. Bandwidth can range from a few kilobits a second to many megabits and be either symmetrical or asymmetrical. Wireless is an unproven technology at this time. It is not widely available. It is currently not suitable for mission-critical business services.

Analog Modems -- Analog modems use a telephone network as is. Analog modems simply allow digital data to flow over the telephone company's analog network by performing a digital to analog conversion for transmission onto the network and vice versa on the receiving end. The only necessity for analog modems is that each end of the call must have a compatible modem. However, analog modems are limited by the telephone company's voice bandwidth service. Current analog modems are struggling to achieve rates of only 56 Kbps. With only a bandwidth of about 3,000 Hz, there is a extremely small limit on the amount of data that may be encoded and sent reliably through this network. User requirements, especially those of business users, far outstrip what analog modems can obtain today.

ISDN -- ISDN is a phone company technology that provides digital service typically in increments of 64Kbps channels. ISDN requires the phone company to install services within their phone switches to support this digitally switched connection service. Rollout of this service initially got off to a slow start and was stalled by high costs, lack of standards and low acceptance rate by consumers. ISDN is widely available and is a useful service for those who want high-speed service, but are not eligible for xDSL.

xDSL -- xDSL is technology backed by telephone companies to provide next-generation high bandwidth services to the home and business using the existing telephone wiring infrastructure. xDSL runs into the home or office. xDSL technologies use a greater range of frequencies over the copper wiring than traditional telephone services. This allows for greater bandwidth with which to send and receive information.

Should I Get xDSL?

That depends on a number of answers to questions which you'll need to ask yourself. First, you need to determine if DSL is available in your area. You may not have a choice. By reading this FAQ, you can hopefully learn enough about xDSL and how to get more information to make an informed decision. To find out if DSL is available to you, contact PRIMUS Sales at 888-899-9900.

How Does xDSL Work?

xDSL utilizes more of the bandwidth on copper phone lines than what is currently used for plain old telephone service (POTS). By utilizing frequencies above the telephone bandwidth (300Hz to 3,200Hz), xDSL can encode more data to achieve higher data rates than would otherwise be possible in the restricted frequency range of a POTS network. In order to utilize the frequencies above the voice audio spectrum, xDSL equipment must be installed on both ends and the copper wire in between must be able to sustain the higher frequencies for the entire route.

What are the Various Types of xDSL?

There are several forms of PRIMUS xDSL, each designed around specific goals and needs of the customer. Below is a brief summary of some of the types of xDSL technologies used by PRIMUS.

SDSL -- Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line. SDSL provides bandwidth of up to 1.1 Mbps in both directions over a single copper phone wire. However, the bandwidth speed can be achieved only if the customer is less than 8,000 feet from the local phone company central office, though slower speeds are available out to 18,000 feet (3.5 miles). This central office must be DSL capable.
IDSL -- ISDN-based DSL. IDSL is DSL service run over existing ISDN lines. IDSL is often available where other DSL services are not available.

How Much Does xDSL Cost?

To find out more about PRIMUS xDSL service, contact a PRIMUS sales representative to discuss the different packages available to you.

Is xDSL Available in My Area?

You can check with PRIMUS Sales at 888-899-9900. They would be happy to pre-qualify your address over the phone or you may send a request via our quote form.

What is the Local Loop?

The local loop is a pair of twisted copper wires that runs from the user premises to the telco central office and brings phone service to your home or business. These wires are bi-directional, so it is referred to as a loop. This loop provides a user with access to the local telecommunications infrastructure that interconnected with the global telephone network. The two-pair local loop has been historically designed to provide voice-grade audio service.

What is a bridge tap?

A bridge tap is a spliced connection of another local loop to the primary local loop. Generally it behaves as an open circuit at DC, but becomes a transmission line stub with adverse effects at high frequency. It is generally harmful to xDSL connections and should be removed. Verizon will remove any bridge taps if necessary, though it will mean delays.

What are load coils?

Load coils are used to extend the range of a local loop for voice grade communications. They are inductors added in series with the phone line which improve voice service. Unfortunately, they do not allow any signals above the voice range to pass through them. Since all types of xDSL (as well as ISDN) use frequencies well above the voice range, the load coils prohibit their use. This has been the case with xDSL deployments, however Verizon will remove any load coils if possible, though it will mean delays.

How Do I Determine How Far I am From My Central Office?

Contact PRIMUS Sales and give them your address and the nearest cross street. They can find out if your address is close enough to the central office to qualify for xDSL service.

What Do People Mean by a "Truck Roll"?

Anytime a service technician needs to be dispatched in order to install, configure or troubleshoot a line installation, it is referred to as a "truck roll." The significance of this term implies a real cost to the service provider whenever a technician's time is required. The term derives from the scene of a technician driving the familiar "company truck" and pulling up to the curb of your premises with the intention to install, configure or troubleshoot a line.

What Hardware Does My Home Computer Need to Support xDSL?

Although it depends on your provider and the equipment they use, typically you will need an Ethernet adapter, with which to connect to the external DSL device. Typically the customer DSL device is implemented as a bridge, router or both.