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DSL Modem Basics and Manufacturers

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This article covers the basics of DSL modems and lists various manufacturers, including NetComm, Ikanos, Netgear, RAD Data Communications, Motorola Mobility, AT&T, Zoom Telephonics, BEETEL, Asus, D-Link, Actiontec, BESTDATA, and others.

Nowadays, many ISPs offer broadband data connections to homes and offices, with various plans and options to suit individual needs. DSL modems have become a popular choice for providing broadband internet access using ADSL lines from the exchange to the ISP’s server.

Similar to its predecessor, the dial-up modem, DSL doesn’t require a significant investment; the same telephone line is used to transmit data. While using the internet, telephone service can also be used simultaneously over the same line. This is possible because voice calls use a small amount of bandwidth. ISPs usually provide a DSL modem when you sign up for internet service. A router can be used to allow multiple PCs and wireless laptops to share a single DSL modem connection.

The following diagram illustrates a typical DSL modem setup:

DSL modem Diagram

The diagram shows that the telephone exchange must support digital subscriber lines to provide a DSL broadband data connection. A splitter separates voice and data at the user’s premises. A DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer) at the telephone exchange multiplexes DSL connections from multiple users and transmits high-bandwidth data over a high-speed digital channel.

Manufacturers

The following section lists DSL modem manufacturers and suppliers: