Frequently Asked Questions: DSL

1. What is DSL?
2. What is ADSL?
3. What is IDSL?
4. What is SDSL?
5. What is the difference between Enhanced DSL and Internet Express?
6. Where is DSL Available?
7. What does it mean if I have Digital Loop Carrier (DLC)?
8. Can I get Static IP Addresses?
9. Why should I choose DSL over Cable Modem?
10. How does my subdomain webspace work?
11. What equipment do I need for DSL service?
12. How do I connect multiple computers to DSL?
13. Can I talk on the phone while I use DSL?
14. How long does it take to get DSL?
15. Are DSL speeds guaranteed?
16. Is Stickdog's DSL service Macintosh compatible?

1. What is DSL?  

DSL means Digital Subscriber Line, high speed Internet that uses telephone network facilities to provide an 'always- on' connection that does not interfere with voice communications on your phone line.

2. What is ADSL?  

ADSL is Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line, high speed Internet that is run over your existing telephone line. ADSL uses filters (included with your modem kit) so that you can use your phone line at the same time that you access the Internet. 'Asynchronous' means that downstream speeds (the speed you experience while downloading) are much higher than upstream speeds (the speed you experience when uploading files to a web server).

3. What is IDSL?  

IDSL is Digital Subscriber Line over a copper/ fiber hybrid ISDN line. Maximum bandwidth for IDSL is 144K. Many newer subdivisions are served by fiber optic feeder wires. IDSL may be the only DSL option in these areas.

4. What is SDSL?  

SDSL means Synchronous Digital Subscriber Line. 'Synchronous' means that downstream (the speed you experience while downloading) is very nearly the same as upstream (the speed you experience when uploading files to a web server). SDSL is a business- class product and speeds are guaranteed.

5. What is the difference between Enhanced DSL and Internet Express?  

Internet Express is available nationwide.

Enhanced Broadband is available in areas served by Bell Atlantic/ Verizon East. SDSL, IDSL, and T1 services are run through Stickdog's network.

Enhanced PPPoE ADSL is available throughout the Bell Atlantic corridor as well.

Enhanced DHCP and Static IP ADSL is run through Stickdog's network and is available in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area.

6. Where is DSL Available?  

DSL is available to sites within 18,000 feet (about 3 miles) of their telephone central switching office. (C.O.) Stickdog's DSL is available nationwide, provided that the telephone switching office is provisioned for DSL service through our network.

7. What does it mean if I have Digital Loop Carrier (DLC)?  

Digital Loop Carrier means that your site is served by fiber optic telephone lines. The presence of fiber optics means that SDSL and ADSL are unavailable, as these kinds of DSL must be run over copper telephone wires. If you have DLC, IDSL may be available to your site.

8. Can I get Static IP Addresses?  

You can get static IP addresses with Internet Express and Enhanced Broadband, with the exception of Enhanced PPPoE ADSL.

9. Why should I choose DSL over Cable Modem?  

Cable Modem and ADSL are competitive products. Many customers prefer DSL because of the stability and reliability of the service. Cable Modem, like dialup, is a shared network, so the more subscribers are online, the worse your performance will be.

10. How does my subdomain webspace work?  

After your subdomain space has been activated, you may ftp files to users.stickdog.com/~username using the password provided.

11. What equipment do I need for DSL service?  

You will need a computer with a Network Card. Stickdog will provide you with the necessary equipment for DSL service.

12. How do I connect multiple computers to DSL?  

Some plans come with a router with multiple ports. If your DSL came with a one port modem, you may purchase a router through Stickdog or at your local computer store. Stickdog will be glad to help you set it up over the telephone or, in some areas, send a technician, for an added fee.

13. Can I talk on the phone while I use DSL?  

DSL technology allows you to speak on the phone while you access the internet.

14. How long does it take to get DSL?  

Provisioning time for ADSL is about 10 days. Provisioning time for SDSL and IDSL is 3-5 weeks.

15. Are DSL speeds guaranteed?  

ADSL is considered a 'best- efforts' product, although Stickdog's customers have reported consistent high performance. SDSL and IDSL speeds are guaranteed.

16. Is Stickdog's DSL service Macintosh compatible?  

Stickdog's DSL service is Macintosh compatible.