• What does "DSL" stand for?
• What are the minimum computer and other requirements for DSL?
• What is the structure of a DSL connection? How does it work?
• Can I use my existing analog modem?
• What are the various speeds, prices and programs available for DSL?
• Is DSL available in my area? Do they have to come to my location?
• How is DSL different or better than a modem connection?
• How does DSL compare to cable Internet?
• Where can I get DSL?
• What do I need in my computer?
• What do I need to install my DSL modem?

Please prequalify my line for DSL
Sign up for DSL

What does "DSL" stand for?

"Digital Subscriber Line." For more info, check out our web page: "DSL: What is it?"

What are the minimum computer and other requirements for DSL?

Please see our requirements page.

What is the structure of a DSL connection? How does it work?

DSL is a continuous piece of copper wire that connects you to the nearest capable phone company "central office" (CO). At the CO, specialized equipment called DSLAMs (DSL Aggregation Modules) economically combines traffic to be delivered to your ISP via frame relay or ATM. The ISP maintains Internet backbone connections to support your online activities.

DSL operates over the same copper wire that delivers your telephone service, using different frequencies. You can use the fax or phone at the same time as your DSL line connects you to the Internet.

More detailed descriptions and technical details can be found at:
www.dslreports.com

Can I use my existing analog modem?

Not for DSL. A DSL modem is required. Your old modem can still be used if you are ever away from your DSL line and need to connect to LavaNet via traditional dialup.

What are the various speeds, prices and programs available for DSL?

See our pricing grid.

Is DSL available in my area? Do they have to come to my location?

Please let us know if you would like to find out! We'll run a free, no-obligation prequalification test and let you know the results. Usually DSL can be turned up remotely, no site visits are needed.

How is DSL different or better than a modem connection?

Traditional modem connections take time to connect, sometimes experiencing difficulties and dropping sessions before you are through with them. DSL is an "always on" Internet connection, there is no waiting for the connection and the connection is very robust, rarely interrupted.

Traditional modem connections receive a temporary IP (Internet Protocol) number each time they log in to the Internet provider. This makes it difficult to create a network, use certain applications (like PC Anywhere) or to run a server. LavaNet DSL provides you with a static IP address, allowing you to run a Local Area Network (LAN), servers and more.

Traditional modem connections have a maximum connect speed of 53.3 Kbps download, 33.6 Kbps upload. DSL connections are much faster. They have maximum connect speeds of up to 7,100 Kbps download and 768 Kbps upload!

How does DSL compare to cable Internet?

Generally DSL is a smoother ride than cable Internet. LavaNet DSL is favored by businesses and people running networks or servers because it usually saves money and delivers more features than a similarly endowed cable Internet connection. Please call LavaNet for a price comparison!

Similarities:
Neither DSL nor cable Internet make any claim of sustainable data rates. In order to offer these connections at a fraction of the cost of traditional high speed Internet methods, sacrifices in service guarantees were made.

Also, both DSL and cable Internet open up security concerns for your computer(s) that come with dedicated Internet connections.

Top Speeds:
DSL offers a range of services including download speeds of up to 7100 Kbps, and upload speeds of up to 768 Kbps. There are five different DSL service levels so that you can customize according to your upload and download speed needs.

Structure:
Cable Internet is delivered over a fiber optic ring that also bears television, music, telephony and other data services. There is a limited amount of bandwidth assigned to cable Internet "nodes", each of which serve large numbers of homes and offices. This means that cable Internet connect speeds are affected by the activities of others on the same node. The bottom line is, if your neighbor is using a lot of bandwith, it is possible that there would be little or no bandwidth for other cable Internet users for periods of time.

DSL users are not likely to be affected by localized peaks and valleys in data traffic, though DSL connections can be affected by heavy traffic within the phone company network. Your DSL connection is a private line (your phone line) between you and the phone company, who hands off your traffic to your ISP via a high capacity frame relay network, making it a generally smooth ride.

Where can I get DSL?

• LavaNet DSL service can be delivered to locations within service areas statewide.

• DSL can generally be delivered within 18,000 "wire feet" of the phone company central office. In some cases, wires criss cross and double back many times and the "wire feet" can be much longer than the physical distance. This is why even if you are close to the phone company central office, a line prequalification must be performed.

• The speeds your line will qualify for will depend on the total length of the line. The quality and condition of the phone line are also factors. For instance you could be a moderate distance from the phone company facility, but with recently installed lines, maybe you would qualify for 7.1Mbps / 768Kbps but at a similar distance over some older phone cable, you might only be able to get 768Kbps / 128Kbps.

• Rarely, DSL cannot be delivered. In these cases, it may be physically impossible to get DSL or other types of data lines.

What do I need in my Computer?

• An Ethernet Adapter (Network Interface Card). If you are using your DSL for multiple computers, they must be networked either by a simple hub or through a proxy device. A firewall or other protection is strongly advised for computers using any dedicated Internet connection. If you would like to hire a consultant to install NICs or setup your DSL network, please contact LavaNetworking at consulting@lava.net

• An Operating System (OS) that can use Ethernet for TCP/IP connectivity.

Generally these platforms will work fine:
Windows: 95 and higher
Macintosh: OS 8.0 and higher.
Linux, UNIX: all flavors. Feel free to consult LavaNet as to whether your computer can support DSL.

• A fast enough processor that you can take advantage of the higher speed connection. Typically any processor speed over 200Mhz is considered adequate for most basic Internet features. Gaming and interactive multi media will benefit from faster processors.

What do I need to install my DSL modem?

A DSL modem is needed. Normally this is purchased when you sign up. There are many models of DSL modems on the market, but the models that are proven to work with the local phone company system are very select and few. Generally it is not advised to purchase a third party modem.

DSL microfilters (provided with your DSL modem) are highly recommended to prevent interference of the DSL service with fax or phone lines. It's recommended that you follow the manufacturer's instructions to install them, especially for fax machines.

Your phone line needs to be enabled for DSL. Usually this can be done by the phone company without any one needing to come to your home or office. Phone numbers that usually *cannot* support DSL include:

• Numbers on a rotary (a pool of phone numbers).
• Numbers delivered on a PBX (private phone switch) over multi-line service such as PRI or T1.
• Phone lines delivered using fiber optic cable (not copper).
• Phone lines delivered by phone companies not enabled for DSL service
• Phone lines outside of the range of DSL service. DSL can be delivered within 18,000 "wire feet" of the phone company central office. In some cases, wires criss cross and double back many times and the "wire feet" can be much longer than the physical distance.
• Rarely, DSL can be unavailable to buildings or condos that may decline access to its phone equipment for DSL installation.