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Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and the Evolution of Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) Networks Tutorial

Definition

Digital subscriber line (DSL) is a generic name for a family of lines that propose to give the subscriber high-speed Internet access. DSLs typically operate on one pair of wires like a normal analog phone line.

Overview

Deregulation, together with increasing consumer and business demand for high bandwidth services, has led to increased competition among service providers. This increase in competition has, in turn, presented providers with an important set of business challenges.

With increased competition, it becomes critical for providers to market and press for innovative services. Providers must move up the value chain in service delivery, not only to differentiate themselves against their competition but also to protect against the commoditization of the traditional narrowband voice and data services. See Figure 1.

Figure 1. Example of Next-Generation Value-Added Services

Table of Contents

Definition and Overview

1. Network Challenges

2. Network Evolution

3. Vision of Two Worlds Converging

Self-Test

Correct Answers

Glossary

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