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Pricing Availability Requirements FAQ Terms & Conditions |
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ADSL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) ADSL stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. It is the broadband technology used to transmit digital information at high speeds over existing phone lines. Unlike dialup Internet, ADSL can provide an almost continuous connection to the Internet. The connections are asymmetric in terms of download speeds being greater than upload speeds. What are the benefits of having ADSL? ADSL provides an almost continuous connection to the Internet which means you do not have to pay the cost of a phone call each time you connect. In addition, you can use a phone or fax machine on the same line when you are connected to the Internet. ADSL download speed is typically 5 to 50 times faster than an ordinary dialup connection. A dialup modem is typically capable of 40-52 kbps connection speeds (depending on factors such as telephone line quality), whereas basic ADSL plans start at a download speed of 256 kbps and maximum upload speed of 64 kbps. Speeds of 256/64k, 512/128k and 1500/256k are commonly available, but in mid-2007 Telstra lifted the 1,500 kbps cap they had at their exchanges, so the maximum download speed of ADSL1 is 8,000 kbps, but this speed drops off with distance from the exchange. The next generation, ADSL2, has a theoretical throughput of 18,000 kbps was soon followed by ADSL2+ which has a maximum download speed of 24,000 kbps, but the actual speed is very much dependent upon line quality and distance from the exchange. For more background, and information ADSL2+ plans, please see: http://futureweb.com.au/adsl/adsl2.asp ADSL2+ also extends the availability range from the original ADSL limit of about 4.3 Km from the exchange, to about 7.5 Km, allowing accessibility to some customers that previously were unable to have ADSL. Speed Comparisons An average MP3 file of 4MB would take about 10 minutes at the theoretical maximum rate of DialUp 56kbps. The same file would take about 2.1 minutes on a 256kbps ADSL plan, just over a minute at 512kbps, around 22 seconds at 1500kbps, only 4 seconds on one of FutureWeb's 8,000kbps plans, or a blazing one and a half seconds at the theoretical maximum 24,000kbps of ADSL2+ (but note that very few users will be able to achieve this speed, which depends not only on line quality, but on distance from the exchange and other factors *see below). And even if you are lucky enough to get very high speed, remember that Internet congestion and the specifications of the webserver and link size at the source location are likely to limit actual download speeds.
Time
to download a 4MB MP3 file Click here to check availability of the service in your area. ADSL line provisioning takes between 5 and 20 working days (average is 3 to 5 days). However, it can take longer if there are complications. What do I need to do to get ADSL? Firstly, you need to check that ADSL is available in your area and choose a plan that will best suit your needs. If you do not currently have an ADSL modem/router, you can purchase one from FutureWeb or most computer retail outlets. Once the modem/router is installed and configured to connect to FutureWeb, you should be ready to use ADSL. Customers may optionally select FutureWeb as their Long Distance Telephone Call provider with ADSL Plans to receive a discount for bundling, but a contractural requirement of the reseller of ADSL2+ is that the customer uses FutureWeb as their provider of Local Calls. What is a splitter/filter and do I need one? A splitter or line filter separates the standard phone line signals from the DSL signals. This is required in order to use the phone line for standard phone handsets, modems, fax machines or other devices that require the phone line. Each and every telephone device on that phone line, that plugs into wall requires a line filter. Most ADSL modem/routers come with a splitter or filter. The specification sheet for the modem/router will usually tell you if this device is included. Where do I get help to install an ADSL modem? Futureweb can supply a competitively priced ADSL modem that is preconfigured with username, password, protocols and other settings. If a ADSL modems/router is self-supplied, it should have simple instructions detailing their setup and configuration. Due to the large number of modems on the markekt, FutureWeb is unable to give phone support for a user-supplied device, nor support the configuration of any additional advanced features, such as port-forwarding or wireless settings, as this is the responsibility of the end user. Will I receive a static IP address? If required, a static IP (Internet Protocol) address can be included with all ADSL plans. This permanent IP address is used to uniquely identify your Internet connection and is essential for running various services such as Virtual Private Networking and onsite mail servers. However, a static IP may increase the risk of your network being targeted by hackers and should only be requested if you are running such services. Where do I get technical assistance? FutureWeb
offers telephone technical support on 1300 361 355 or via email
at support@futureweb.com.au |
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