XDSL

The “x” in xDSL represents a variable like in algebra. The “x” can either be replaced with an “A” for Asynchronous or with an “S” for Synchronous. Synchronous Digital Subscriber Line is a data service provided by the telephone company with both the send and receive speeds the same. So xDSL is really just the name that has been coined for the family of digital subscriber line technologies ranging from ADSL to SDSL.

xDSL’s purpose is to enable two general types of applications: interactive video and high speed data communications. There are several things you can do with interactive video some of which are: movies on demand, delayed TV segments, video games, video catalogs, and video information retrieval. Internet access, telecommuting, and specialized network access are all included with high speed data communications.

If you are wondering how the strength of xDSL is compared to other high speed transmission alternatives like cable modems, well it all depends on the number of existing telephone lines. The number of existing telephone lines is now nearing 750 million compared to new cable which has not reached many private homes and even fewer small businesses.