Digital Subscriber Line
Frequently Asked Questions

DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line, a technology that uses the existing copper telephone wires to deliver high-speed data services.

How fast is DSL?

Current DSL delivers speeds up to 1.54 Megabits per second (Mbps), which is up to 55 times faster than a standard 28.8 Kbps modem and up to 10 times faster than ISDN.

Why would I want DSL?

If you are tired of wasting time downloading files or Email attachments, DSL provides a very fast, always-on connection that takes that sluggish feeling out of the Internet.

For small to medium businesses that want to connect their offices to the Internet, DSL provides a dedicated connection at a fraction of previously available solutions such as T1 lines. DSL is an unmetered service, so there are no per-minute charges like ISDN.   DSL can also make possible Internet services that require a high-speed or dedicated connection, such as video conferencing or putting your own web or Email servers on the Internet.

Where is DSL available?

AstraGate's DSL service is currently available through out California.  For specifics on our DSL you may email or call.

If DSL is new, is it reliable?

DSL has actually been around in private use for roughly 10 years, used by phone companies to inter-connect their Offices. It has proven to be reliable and fast.

What are the different speed options?

AstraGate provides SDSL services, or Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line, which is a DSL technology in which the downstream and upstream DSL speeds are the same.   Customers may start with a low speed DSL and ramp up their speed as their need arises.  This can be done with the original modem purchased.  Just by changing settings on network components, rather than laying a completely new line, and purchasing new equipment.

AstraGate currently provides SDSL at speeds of 144K, 160K, 200K, 320K, 416K, 784K, 1.04M, and 1.56M.

Aren't some DSL services faster?

There are a variety of DSL technologies being developed, but the speed of DSL depends on the length of the copper line from the phone company central office to the installation point. DSL varieties such as HDSL can deliver higher speeds at very short distances, but their limitations make them impractical for dedicated Internet access in most situations. For this reason, AstraGate offers several speeds of SDSL that are appropriate solutions for most businesses and power-users.  Another advantage of SDSL is that you get the same speed both up and down stream.

What equipment do I need?

DSL requires a DSL modem/router. In addition, you will need an ethernet card in your PC or server, and an ethernet cable, in order to connect to the DSL modem.

What is included with my service?

AstraGate's DSL services includes IP addresses, email boxes, web hosting, and unlimited Internet access through AstraGate's high-speed network, new phone line, installation, setup, DSL router configuration, Inside Wiring, ping tests, and dialup to access your network from outside. Additional IP addresses, email, web space, and other services are available.

Can I have a web site also?

Yes. AstraGate offers a variety of web hosting and Email services.  Complete packages which provide everything you need for a professional, engaging web presence. We have a variety of special DSL/Web hosting packages which provide you with a complete suite of Internet services at an excellent price.

What is the installation procedure?

Please give us a call to see if DSL is available in your area. If it is, AstraGate will perform free tests on your lines to determine what speeds of DSL are available to you (this depends on the condition of the lines and your distance from the phone company central office).

Once your lines have been tested and you have decided on a DSL package, we will give you a date for installation (ranges from 20-45 days; normally 30 days). On that day, a technician will come to your home or business to activate the DSL circuit, connect the DSL modem to the DSL wall jack, and perform any inside wiring necessary to connect the DSL wall jack to your computer system.

AstraGate will have already assigned you IP addresses and set up any additional services such as a web site at your domain. The technician will test to make sure that the connection is functioning properly, and your DSL line will be up and running.

Can I convert an ISDN line to DSL?

Absolutely. ISDN lines are ideal for DSL, and can almost always be converted.

How does DSL compare to cable modems?

Cable modems are capable of high speed access, but they have drawbacks that do not make them ideal for dedicated Internet access. Internet access through cable is based on the broadcast model, where the same signal is shared through a large loop of subscribers in a geographical area. For this reason, the more subscribers that have cable modems in a particular area, the less bandwidth is available to each subscriber. DSL is a dedicated circuit from you to AstraGate's high-speed network, resulting in faster, more reliable Internet connectivity.

What if I have other questions?

DSL is an exciting, next-generation technology for high speed Internet access that is just starting to be widely deployed, so you may have questions not covered in this FAQ. To learn more, please give us a call at 800-942-3366 and we'll be glad to help you reach the Internet with DSL!

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