RADSL (Rate-Adaptive DSL)

Rate Adaptive Digital Subscriber Line (RADSL) is a form of DSL that can actually be applied independently to the upstream and downstream sides of an ADSL connection. If you are using any of the following you are automatically using RADSL: products based upon BT Wholesale IP Stream 500 (USB), IP Stream S500 (Ethernet), or Home/Office 500 (wires only).

As of March 31, 2006 BT Wholesale is offering two new products, Max and Max Premium. Max and Max Premium use RADSL for both downstream and upstream speeds. One characteristic of Max and Max Premium that can be either a benefit or a downfall is that since these products are fully rate adaptive you get whatever speed your specific line is capable of.

Another benefit of RADSL is that it requires no new or different hardware. If you choose to use a Max product you may find that if you are using ADSL modems/routers that connect via Ethernet or wireless they may perform better than their USB counterparts.

Many products that businesses use are rate adaptive like Office 500 and Max Premium. This seems to be mainly so that businesses can benefit from the higher upstream.