
452 Networking Explained, Second Edition
15. Let’s move on to xDSL service. What is it?
DSL, which stands for digital subscriber line, is a technology that enables data, voice,
and video to be mixed and carried over standard analog, (copper) telephone lines. This is
accomplished by using the unused frequencies that are available on a telephone line. DSL
can deliver data services without interfering with voice transmissions. Since DSL supports
digital data transmissions, there is no need for any analog-to-digital or digital-to-analog
conversions, as is the case with conventional dialup lines that employ analog modems.
Furthermore, a DSL signal can ...