The role of ADSL in Internet access

Digital subscriber line (DSL) modem technology has undergone many changes in its search for the right market niche. This transitional role has as much to do with DSL's potential applications as with the underlying technology itself. These applications range from an early initial focus on video on demand (VOD), which failed to create market momentum, to voice services, which promise to accelerate the market for DSL solutions. Along the way, DSL has become a relevant access technology by adapting to the Internet explosion. DSL uses the existing copper pairs in the telephone network to deliver more bandwidth than a regular phone line. DSL extends the local loop to make it a true access network that provides direct data connectivity with always-on Internet access. Asymmetrical DST (ADSL) technology in particular holds tremendous promise for high-speed Internet access.