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| Confirm the availability of DSL in your area now! |
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DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line, which is somewhat misleading because it isn't another line into your home at all... It's a technology that allows your computer's 'data signals' to rapidly transmit at a different frequency than your 'voice signals' - all over your existing phone line. No need for a second phone line! (In fact, you can disconnect any computer-dedicated phone line that you may already have)
Totally private and secure, DSL service is:
- Lightning Fast - up to 25 times faster than dial-up service!
- Always On - no more dialing in to an ISP whenever you want to surf the net or check e-mail and dealing with busy signals or getting disconnected.
- Talk while you surf - the DSL signal doesn't interfere with your voice transmission
And, unlike cable, a DSL connection is unaffected by the number of users your area.
With a high-speed DSL connection, "the internet" performs as quickly & easily as any other application on your computer. And you can talk on the phone while you surf the net!
DWX's partnership with Qwest:
- DWX is your Internet Service Provider - meaning we deliver your connection to the internet, your e-mail and all of the service plan features detailed on the pages of this web site.
- Qwest provides the DSL connection from your computer to us, and bills you for it on your monthly statement.
What does DSL stand for?
Digital Subscriber Line. DSL is a modem technology that transforms ordinary phone lines (also known as "twisted copper pairs") into high-speed digital lines for ultra-fast Internet access. DSL also enables access to corporate networks for telecommuters, as well as exciting new interactive multimedia applications such as multiplayer gaming, video on demand and video catalogs.
How does DSL work?
DSL modems use digital coding techniques to squeeze up to 99% more capacity out of a phone line without interfering with your regular phone services. That means you could be simultaneously talking on the phone or sending a fax - while surfing the World Wide Web.
What are the main benefits of DSL?
- Simultaneous Internet and voice/fax capabilities over a single telephone line
- Uninterrupted, high-speed Internet access that's always on-line
- Cost-effective solution for residential customers, telecommuters and small businesses
- Data security that exceeds other technologies.
What are the hardware requirements for DSL?
You'll need a DSL modem. These are available for rent at $ a month or purchase for $
from Qwest. These DSL modems have a built in router, which helps protect your computers from outside attackers and makes it cheaper to share your DSL among computer users in your home.
If you have a PC running Windows 95 (or newer) or a Macintosh running 7.1 system (or newer), you're ready for DSL
How does DSL compare to cable modems?
DSL provides a dedicated service over a single telephone line; cable modems offer a dedicated service over a shared media. While cable modems have greater downstream bandwidth capabilities (up to 30 Mbps), that bandwidth is shared among all users on a line, and will therefore vary, perhaps dramatically, as more users in a neighborhood get online at the same time. Cable modem upstream traffic will in many cases be slower than DSL, either because the particular cable modem is inherently slower, or because of rate reductions caused by contention for upstream bandwidth slots.
The big difference between DSL and cable modems, however, is the number of lines available to each. There are several million homes today that can support two-way cable modem transmissions, and while that figure is growing, it will not catch up with telephone lines for many years, if ever.
Additionally, many of the older cable networks are not capable of offering a return channel; consequently, such networks will need significant upgrading before they can offer high bandwidth services. In addition, a recent performance test by Keynote Systems showed that during peak hours, DSL out-performed cable modems by up to 47%.
What will DSL do to ISDN?
That all depends upon the telephone companies offering both services. The two services are not the same -- ISDN provides two voice channels or a 128 Kbps data channel while DSL is predominantly a data pipe providing an asymmetrical bandwidth of up to 7 Mbps downstream and 1 Mbps upstream under ideal conditions. However, a DSL access network will be an overlay network and therefore will not require the expensive and time-consuming switch upgrades that held ISDN back for so long. If DSL service prices approach ISDN service prices, then one would expect DSL to be favored for Internet and video applications.
What do I need to do to order DSL?
Sign-up is fast & easy here at DWX.com or call (515) 282-0000.
What if I have already paid ahead with DWX?
We will use your existing credit and apply it towards your new DSL, and resume billing when your credit runs out.
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Urbandale, Iowa 50323