Asymmetric DSL (digital subscriber line) is a technology that leverages a conventional telephone line to provide
"always on", high-speed Internet connectivity. Because it doesn't require
a dedicated phone line, ADSL is able to share a line with an existing
telephone service without impacting that phone service in any way.
The word "asymmetric" means that the capacity to send data upstream and
downstream is not equivalent. "Digital" means that data or voice is
converted into a binary format where the audio or video data is represented
by a series of "1"s and "0"s. The term "subscriber line" simply refers to the copper pair telephone
wires that are used for conventional phone service.
To provide ADSL broadband service, special equipment is required at the
telephone exchange and an ADSL modem is needed at the residence or business.
