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DSL (digital subscriber line) is the latest in next-generation technology allowing for the transmission of voice, video, and data over existing copper telephone lines at incredible megabit speeds. DSL is dedicated, high-speed bandwidth which uses existing phone lines, without tying them up. You can access the Internet while using the same line for voice or fax. In addition, you stay connected — no more dialing up or waiting for a free phone line. Simply put, a DSL connection transforms your phone line into a high-speed digital link. This link is capable of providing you with all the traditional services you're accustomed to while simultaneously providing you with continuous high-speed access to the Internet 24 hours a day. DSL's use of the existing infrastructure makes it cheaper to install than other services which require the laying of additional cable.
DSL is available in a spectrum of speeds. Whether you're a home user or a business, DSL offers high bandwidth performance at a price you can afford. Here's a chart to show you the speed comparison from analog to digital.
| Type of Data | File Size | Modem | ISDN | DSL | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33.6K | 56K | 64K | 128K | 256K | 1.5MB | ||
| Web Browsing - 25 Pages | 2.5MB | 0:10:24 | 0:06:14 | 0:05:24 | 0:02:43 | 0:01:21 | 0:00:13 |
| Image File | 256K | 0:01:02 | 0:00:37 | 0:00:32 | 0:00:16 | 0:00:08 | 0:00:01 |
| MP3 Sound File | 3MB | 0:12:28 | 0:07:29 | 0:06:33 | 0:03:16 | 0:01:38 | 0:00:16 |
| Large Software Update | 25 MB | 1:44:01 | 1:02:24 | 0:54:36 | 0:27:18 | 0:13:30 | 0:02:14 |
| Download speeds shown are estimated. Actual download speed may vary due to network traffic. hours:minutes:seconds |
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Cable modems attach to the cable TV network connection in a home or business. The potential bandwidth estimates for this new technology range upwards of 30MB from the service provider to the subscriber. However, cable networks are inherently different in design than telephone networks. Cable networks are broadcast oriented — meaning that each subscriber in an area receives the same signals as all others in that area. DSL runs on the existing telephone network which is circuit oriented — meaning that each connection is independent of all others. Since DSL connections are independent, the bandwidth available to the end user is more consistent.
There are many different types of DSL, each designed around specific goals and needs of the marketplace. Seanet currently offers three types:
ADSL is generally best for home and small business use due to its larger data rate downstream. This means that the typical user will be able to download faster than they can send data, which is typical of most users. Customers who require larger or symmetric bandwidth may do better with SDSL. Customers who are further from the phone company may be able to get IDSL when other forms are not available.
DSL pricing varies considerably depending upon the DSL carrier, the level of Seanet service you've chosen, the speed you've chosen, etc. In addition, there are setup fees, as well as the cost of a DSL device to consider. When paying for DSL, you are paying two fees — one for the actual circuit (including the speed you receive) and one for your Internet access (throughput, e-mail, etc.).
When ordering DSL, you should consider both the speed required and the traffic expected on the connection (your throughput). If you are unsure of how much throughput you will use, take your best guess. You can check your usage at any time through our web site and you may upgrade or downgrade your Seanet access at any time, for no additional fee.
You can see our current DSL pricing here.
DSL is so new that it is not available in all areas. It is also distance-sensitive; the speeds available to you will depend on your location. In order to maximize our customers' access to DSL, Seanet works in partnership with a variety of DSL carriers — Qwest, Verizon, and Covad. Even if one carrier is unable to provide you with DSL service, another one may be able to do so. Since DSL is such a new technology, there are still occasional glitches to be worked out. For mission critical business applications, such as a web site handling financial transactions, we recommend you choose frame relay, have us host your web site for you, or colocated a server here at Seanet.
Typically, all you need to begin using your DSL line is a NIC (network interface card) or a USB port, and a DSL modem. The DSL modem connects your DSL line to the NIC or USB port on your computer.
Three miles is the longest acceptable distance from the phone company's central office. Beyond that, data rates begin to degrade. Typically this distance is large enough to include most people in any given area.
This question depends in part on the results of a line test. In general, if your DSL carrier is your phone company (Qwest or Verizon), or if your DSL is a Covad home-user package, your DSL service will be added to your existing phone line. If your DSL carrier is a business level service provided by Covad, the service includes installation of a separate, dedicated line. If your existing lines fail to support an acceptable data rate, you have the option of placing an order for a business level service.
The best way to connect a network to your DSL is with a DSL router. Qwest and Covad DSL lines can be ordered with DSL routers. For Verizon lines you may purchase a router at you local computer/office supply store but you will still need to get Verizon's DSL modem. Seanet's customer service team can advise you about the types of equipment that will best suit your needs.
Seanet works with DSL circuits provided by Qwest or Verizon, or by our partner DSL carrier - Covad. Even if one carrier cannot provide DSL service to you, another may be able to do so. The speeds and carriers available to you will depend on your location. To order DSL, contact our customer service team to check availability for your address and phone exchange. If you are placing your own order with Qwest or Verizon, be sure to tell them that Seanet is your ISP.
Once you've ordered DSL, there are a number of things which must happen before you're up and running. DSL access is not instant so you can expect some delay before you're able to use the service. Your customer service representative can give you an idea of the amount of time you'll need to wait. This process also varies depending upon whether you've chosen to use your local phone company (Qwest or Verizon) or our partner(Covad). Here's how it works:
If your DSL carrier is Qwest or Verizon, the service is added to an existing phone line and the DSL service will be billed on your regular phone bill. In this case, Seanet will bill you for our services separately. If your DSL carrier is Covad, the service includes installation of a separate, dedicated line and all of your costs will be billed by Seanet. Both Qwest and Verizon offer month-by-month options. Covad requires a 1-year commitment.
Seanet offers you the choice of being billed by credit card, by email invoice, or by paper invoice, on a monthly, quarterly, or semi- annual basis. If we bill you quarterly, you'll receive a 5% discount. If we bill you semi-annually, you'll receive a 10% discount. If you choose invoice billing, there is a charge of $2 per invoice. Bills are due when received.
You may call our sales department at (800) 973-2638 or (206) 343-7828 for more DSL information or you may email sales.
