Getting Started
After I'm Connected
Email and Web
Configuration
Advanced Configuration
What is ADSL?
ADSL stands for "Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line" and is a technology that lets you use an ordinary copper phone line for both your phone service and a high-speed Internet connection. You can surf the Web and talk on the phone at the same time over your existing phone line, without having to install a new one. ADSL modems use digital coding to send the ADSL signal over the line at a higher frequency that's totally separate from your phone's voice signal. The two signals therefore share the same wire without interfering with each other.
The idea is that downloading pages, which is what you do when you surf (and therefore what you do most often), is faster than uploading, say, to send email.
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Exactly how fast is an ADSL Connection?
In your area, downloads can be as fast as 1.5 Mbps, or up to 50 times faster than a 28K modem dial-up connection. Most pages will appear in a flash, and a large file that used to take minutes to download over dial-up will arrive in seconds. Upload speed, which is what you do when you send email, is as fast as 256 Kbps.
The exact speed depends on the distance from your home to the ADSL equipment in your phone company's central office; shorter distances yield a faster connection. The state of phone line wires (their age, gauge, or the presence of devices that boosts voice signals), and the quality of wiring in your home can affect speed, too.
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Is ADSL available to all homes?
Chances are, ADSL service is available to your home. If service isn't available, it's either because DSI hasn't yet rolled out service in your area, or your phone system doesn't support ADSL. Currently, DSI offers ADSL service in the Greater New Orleans area (including the Northshore). In particular, ADSL isn't available from any provider if:
- Your phone company hasn't installed ADSL equipment in the local facility that serves your home (also called the CO or central office).
- Your home is too far from the central office. It must be within 15,000 to 18,000 feet or roughly 3 miles traveling along the length of the wire.
- Your phone company has installed equipment such as load coils on your line that boost voice signals but distort the ADSL signal.
- You have fiber optic wiring to your phone, rather than the copper wires required by ADSL.
If your home doesn't qualify now, don't worry, there's hope! Phone companies are quickly working to install new equipment and increase the range limit.
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Do I need to install a new phone line?
Your ADSL connection and regular phone service can almost always share your existing phone line, so you don't have to install a new one. You need an extra line only if you live in an apartment or condominium that has three or more existing lines, or if you have a security system connected to your current line.
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Does ADSL affect the quality of my phone service?
Not at all. You can make calls or send faxes while surfing the Web, and your phone reception is crisp and clear as ever. Also, the phone still works when the ADSL modem is unplugged or loses power.
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Will my phone bill be affected?
No. Your phone company will continue to bill you only for voice and fax calls, just as usual. You'll be billed for your ADSL Internet service separately.
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Do I still need my dial-up ISP?
No. Your email, Web pages, and much more are all provided by DSI.
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How many email accounts do I get?
You will receive 3 POP3 email accounts with your ADSL service. More accounts are available for an extra charge.
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How much personal web space do I get?
You get 5 MB of personal web space with your ADSL service. You can use this space for anything you want except advertising a business. Business web space is available for an extra charge.
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What's the difference between a Web host and a domain name host?
DSI can host your personal Web pages, which means our server holds the pages, picture files, and other content. This makes us your Web host. To register a dot.com, dot.net, or dot.edu domain name, you go to a registration service like Network Solutions or Register.com, who becomes your domain name host. You pay them an annual fee to maintain the name, and you tell them how to associate the name with your DSI site. Our staff can help you through the registration process.
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Can my Web pages use Microsoft FrontPage extensions?
Yes, we do support Microsoft FrontPage extensions for your domain.
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Can I connect more than one computer to my ADSL modem?
Yes, it is possible, however, DSI can only support one PC connected to your ADSL modem. If you attempt to network your ADSL connection, DSI will provide no support for the other PC’s on your network. You can share your ADSL connection among computers in a small home network using any of several ADSL router products. The product should be capable of IP masking and NAT (Network Address Translation), and include an Ethernet hub (10Base-T or 10/100Base-T). Follow the router's installation instructions to connect your home network to the router and the router to the gateway.
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Can I use my firewall with my ADSL service?
Yes, it is possible, however, DSI cannot support your firewall configuration.
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Can I still use my fax software if I get ADSL service?
Probably. If your fax software uses an analog modem that's already installed in your computer (and most fax software does), just keep using it the way it is, with the modem connected to your phone jack. Faxing should continue to work as usual.
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What is a static IP address?
A static IP address is one that is assigned to your PC permanently. This means that once you are assigned an IP address, it will not change. With a static IP address, you can do the following:
- Host Web pages on your own computer, rather than having us store them for you.
- Host your own FTP site or email server.
- Use third-party software to work with people remotely over a virtual private network (VPN)
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What is a dynamic IP address?
A dynamic IP address is one that can change at any time. You may or may not be assigned the same IP address when your ADSL connection is established. This does not affect the service you receive in any way. It only means that you will not have the features listed above that you would with a static IP address.
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How many static IP addresses can I get?
We currently provide one static IP address with your service.
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Can I run my own Web, FTP, DNS, SMTP, POP3, or other email server?
Yes, using your static IP address and any appropriate server software that you set up and manage yourself.
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Does getting an ADSL account affect my original email address with Acadian?
No, your email address stays the same as it was before you install ADSL.
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