What is DSL?

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) provides instant Internet and network access at speeds up to 50 times faster than a 28.8Kbps modem on a standard analog phone line. There are no dial-up delays and no busy signals. What used to take hours to download will take just minutes or even seconds.

With DSL Internet service you can download graphics-heavy files, large documents, software, photos, email attachments instantly. It's perfect for real-time interactive multimedia, broadcast quality video, distance learning, and video-on-demand. And because DSL sends data and voice over the same line, you can talk on the phone while you connect.

DSL technology brings high-bandwidth connectivity to you over ordinary copper telephone lines. The type of home DSL service that many telephone companies offer is Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL). It's called "asymmetric" because the speed of the receiving data (the downstream rate to your computer) is different than the speed of sending data (the upstream rate from your computer to the Internet). And, while it uses a different technology than traditional analog modems, the ADSL modem plugs into your phone jack much like an analog modem.

Why get DSL?

DSL technology allows you to surf the Internet, connect to CSUF network, and download files to your computer with amazing speed. You'll be able to play networked computer games faster than before -- and streaming audio and video are becoming popular applications with DSL Internet service.

Unlike the dial-up connections required for analog modems, your DSL connection can be turned on almost instantly. There are no busy signals and no waiting for a connection - you can connect at the click of your mouse. If you turn your PC off (or terminate your DSL connection), it's quick and easy to log back on -- there are no long waits to establish a connection.

Another benefit is that DSL uses your existing telephone line - you can actually talk on your phone line at the same time you're using it to surf the Internet