How xDSL supports broadband services to the home

Why has xDSL suddenly achieved its present status as potentially the most promising of the broadband access technology options for both residential and business users? This article attempts to shed light on this question from both the technical and market perspectives. An overview of the family of xDSL technologies is provided, and a comparison is made to cable modem technologies. The evolution of xDSL regarding aspects of price, standardization, and interoperability is explored-demonstrating a strong technology push. Key factors of the ADSL business case are discussed-demonstrating a strong market pull. An overview of xDSL trials, applications, and network models is provided. The conditions are right for xDSL to advance rapidly to mass market adoption.