Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is DSL?
DSL, an acronym for Digital Subscriber Line, is a high-speed Internet connection that uses standard copper telephone lines. DSL connections are continuous connections that are able to transmit data at speeds many times that of the standard 56k dial-up modem connection and unlike dial-up connections, DSL connections do not interfere with telephone communications. Data transfer on a DSL connection uses a higher frequency than normal telephone communications so users are able to use the telephone for voice communication while simultaneously accessing the Internet over the same line.
DSL comes in two primary types, asynchronous DSL (ADSL) and synchronous DSL (SDSL). The most common type, ADSL is named so because the data flow to the user is greater than the data flow from the user. This allows for faster browsing and downloading of files. In contrast, SDSL upstream and downstream speeds are the same. This is ideal when users need to use their connection for file sharing or FTP uploads.
- How Does DSL Work?
DSL connections are similar to a leased line in that the DSL circuit connects two specific locations, the customer's location and a telco central office. When a user makes a request for information, the request is sent to the central office where the DSL traffic is aggregated in the DSLAM (DSL Access Multiplexor) and is forwarded to the user's Internet Service Provider. From there the request is forwarded to the appropriate location and the requested information is send back to the user along the same path.
Fast Access:
DSL allows you to send and receive data at speeds up to 1.5 Mbps. That's more than 27 times faster than a 56 Kbps modem! DSL offers more than just fast downloads of e-mail, graphic files, Web pages and software. Additionally, DSL enables advanced functions like Web hosting, video conferencing, video streaming, virtual private networking and e-commerce.
Constant Connectivity:
In addition to providing the highest speeds possible over copper wires, DSL provides a dedicated connection. This means DSL connections are always on. There is no need for lengthy and slow dial-up to connect to the Internet because simply clicking an icon will put your customers online instantly. No busy signals, no dropped connections, no more dial-up frustration.
Multiple User Solution:
Multiple computers can be connected to a single DSL circuit, sharing the high-speed access among every computer in your home or office!
- Explain Upstream versus Downstream.
When discussing the different flavors of DSL it is important to understand the concepts of upstream and downstream in the context of the Internet. Downstream is like downloading. It means you are downloading information from the Internet to your computer. Examples of information traveling downstream are opening a Web page on your computer screen or opening e-mail messages from your inbox.
Upstream, on the other hand, means you are sending information from your computer to the Internet. Examples of information traveling upstream are sending e-mail messages, hosting a Web server and video conferencing. If you have ever tried to send e-mail with a large attachment, like pictures, large spreadsheets or electronic presentations, you understand how a slow upstream connection can really slow you down.
- What types of DSL do you offer?
SDSL (Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line):
SDSL is a symmetrical service, which means that information travels upstream and downstream at the same rate. It was designed for applications requiring high speeds in both directions. SDSL speeds begin at 192 Kbps and go as high as 2.3 Mbps. SDSL is well suited for business applications because of its symmetrical nature.
ADSL (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line):
ADSL is an asymmetrical service, which means that information travels downstream at a different rate than it travels upstream. ADSL offers faster downstream (from the Internet) than upstream (sending to the Internet).
arcZip offers many speeds to choose from depending on your geographical location as well as your distance from the telephone companies central office. Originally designed by telephone companies to provide video-on-demand to compete with the cable TV industry, ADSL was given new life with the advent of the Internet and the desire of residential customers to access the Internet with a fast downstream connection. ADSL is primarily used by residential power users who generally download information far more than they upload information.
IDSL (ISDN DSL):
IDSL is essentially used to provide DSL service to customers who do not qualify for SDSL or ADSL. IDSL is capable of reaching customers who are up to 36,000 feet away from the Central Office. IDSL operates at a symmetrical speed of 144 Kbps.
HDSL (High-bit rate Digital Subscriber Line):
HDSL was developed as a faster cousin to ISDN, and it enabled telephone companies to offer T-1 (1.544Mbps) speeds over regular copper phone wire without the use of repeaters. However, HDSL requires two pairs of wires, making it more expensive to provision than newer DSL flavors that operate on one copper pair.
- What does PowerDSL cost?
The monthly cost for PowerDSL varies based on geographic region and by speed of service. Set-up and modem costs are also dependent on the geographic region in which the service is purchased.
To find out what your cost will be based on your geographic area, please insert your phone number and select the type of service you're interested in.
- Can I check my e-mail when I'm away from my PowerDSL connection?
Yes, access your e-mail anytime, from anywhere with our web-based e-mail. All you need is access to the Internet.
- How many e-mail accounts does PowerDSL provide?
The number of e-mail addresses you start off with depends on the plan that you have selected, however, you can use the account management tools located in your members section to add as many additional e-mail addresses as you need.
- How much personal Web space comes with my PowerDSL account?
As a PowerDSL subscriber, one of the features that is included
in your account is the freedom to use up to 250MB of space
on the PowerDSL server for storage of files or to post your own
personal web page.
- Is there any spam/virus protection? Is it Free?
PowerDSL offers its members FREE MailRover Spam & Virus protection for all of your email addresses.
To learn more about MailRover, click here.
- Do you offer a DSL modem with Firewall protection?
PowerDSL offers modems for all types of DSL users. We do have modems available with routing and firewall protection built-in.
- What are the differences between DSL and Cable?
While DSL and cable modem services perform the same basic function, providing high-speed Internet access, the methods that they use are very different. Cable modem connections transfer data using a coaxial cable that connects the end user to a cable modem termination system (CMTS) and the to the user's Internet Service Provider. Other than the medium that the service uses to transfer information, cable also differs from DSL in that DSL connections are dedicated lines from the user to the central office while cable is a network of users in a particular area. This network approach has the potential to create certain security risks as well as speed issues. In a cable service network, bandwidth is shared amongst users so individual user's transfer speeds are dependent on the number of other users on the network.
- Do the plans come with Dynamic or Static IP's.
The availability of static IP addresses depends on your geographis region. If you need to purchase a static IP, contact Customer Support for pricing and availability.
- Can I use my own Modem?
We request that you select a modem from our approved list, please Customer Support for further clarification on what modems are on our approved modem list.
- How much does your modem cost? Buy or lease?
These costs range in price from $54.95 to $139.95 depending on a number of factors. Lease prices range from $4.95 to $11.95.
- Can I use a router? Is there a cost to add a router to my DSL?
You can purchase and use a 3rd party router with your DSL service. However, we do offer DSL modems with routing functionality built-in.
- Are there any setup fees? What about Activation Fees?
Depending on which geographical region you sign up for DSL service in you may be assesed a nominal activation fee.
- What is the Speed of the service?
PowerDSL download speeds range from 256 K to 7 MB depending on a number of factors.
- Do I get a credit for a referral?
Not at this time. We are evaluating our options and hope to have a referral program shortly.
- Is Tech Support 24/7/365?
Yes. PowerDSL provides live customer support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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 PowerDSL FAQs
Troubleshooting
Getting Connected
DSL Glossary
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