DSL

Digital Subscriber Line, while widely associated just with internet connectivity, is capable of serving as both a phone line (for digital phones) and a number of other data connectivity options that telecommunications providers make available to subscribers. DSL varies from cable modem (DOCSIS) since it is a discrete connectivity service directly from the SLIC or Central Office—via a DSLAM—so that subscribers do not have to share bandwidth with others in their building or neighborhood. DSL can co-exist with analog phone service (POTS) on the same line, with both delivered simultaneously due to the fact that DSL uses higher frequency bands for data. These higher frequencies travel shorter distances, meaning that filtering and distance from the SLIC or Central Office are of great importance.