DSL Internet Frequently Asked Questions
General DSL Information
What is DSL?
DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. It is a proven technology that uses existing telephone lines to provide secure, reliable, high-speed Internet Access. DSL technology offers dramatic speed improvements to other network access methods like dial-up. And unlike traditional dial-up connections, DSL delivers continuous "always on" access. Multimedia-rich websites email and other online applications are immediately available to you, anytime.
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What is ADSL?
The type of DSL service that ACN offers is ADSL or Asymmetric DSL. ADSL offers high download speeds, but relatively lower upload speeds. For example, ACN Advantage DSL Premium has a download speed of 1,500 Kbps (Kilobits Per Second) and an upload speed of 128 Kbps. ADSL is ideal and cost-efficient for residential Internet access since download speeds are typically more important than upload speeds for most residential customers.
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How do I know which DSL service is right for me?
This will depend on what activities you perform on the Internet and the state in which you reside.
- If you are a basic web user that occasionally sends and receives email, our ACN DSL Internet Access plan (up to 1.5Mbps) is the perfect solution.
- Our ACN DSL Internet Access Plus plan (up to 3.0Mbps) is great for moderate users who require additional speed for gaming and audio/video streaming. Customers should choose this plan if they also regularly research information online, frequently require news updates and stock quotes, or upload or download software and graphics.
- For a few more dollars, the ACN DSL Internet Access Premium plan (up to 6.0Mbps) offers double the speed of the Plus plan. This plan handles heavy-duty Internet usage, online games, streaming applications and home-networking with ease.
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What does "Broadband" mean?
Broadband encompasses the technology and equipment for the digital delivery of voice, video and data services.
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What is the advantage of choosing DSL over Cable?
The dedicated circuit prevents other users from affecting your connection to any significant degree.
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Can home users link multiple PCs to the same DSL connection?
Yes. This trend is quickly becoming popular, especially among families with children who use the Internet for school research, gaming, and e-mail. We recommend the DSL Premium Plan for connecting multiple PCs to a single DSL Line. Additional equipment such as a multi-port router may be necessary. This equipment can be purchased at a reasonable price at any computer store such as Best Buy or Comp USA.
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Does ACN DSL allow voice service on the same telephone line as DSL service?
Yes! Filters on the phone line will separate voice and data traffic. And customers can surf the web and chat on the phone at the same time.
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Will my MAC work with DSL?
The Macintosh computing platform accesses the internet through the same protocols that the Windows computing platform does. This means that theoretically, any type of internet service Windows computers can use, the Macintosh can as well.
Two things to watch out for: One is the hardware. The DSL modems require your computer to have an Ethernet card installed, and some computers do not have them already. If yours doesn't have one already, many providers will give you one to install. You'll have to make sure that it is Macintosh compatible (most are). The second is the software. Most providers will have the software to get you connected, but you'll have to ask them for it specifically, or else they'll probably assume you're on a Windows machine.
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Can customers get online video clearly with DSL?
Yes. Most movie trailers and high-bandwidth videos use 80-128 Kbps speeds, which are well within the capacity of DSL. For example, CNN's news footage comes through crystal-clear in real time on ACN DSL connection, even if you're downloading e-mail and running other PC applications at the same time.
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Should I turn off my DSL when I am not using it?
No. Why? It doesn't save you any money. If you concerned about security, though, and don't mind shutting your computer down, it may be prudent.
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With ACN DSL, can customers use Microsoft Outlook or a similar email program, or do they have to use ACN’s email software?
Customers can use Microsoft Outlook and similar email programs with ACN DSL. Simple step-by-step instructions for setting up Microsoft Outlook with ACN DSL can be found on our DSL website at myacn.com. These are third party software and therefore our help is limited to the information contained on the website. If customers are in need of any further help, they should contact the software vendor directly.
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