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 Information Guide on Broadband and ADSL
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What is ADSL?
ADSL ("Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line") is a type of DSL.
It works by splitting your existing telephone line signal into two, one for voice and the other for data.
ADSL technology can work at up to 20Mbps download speeds.
The most popular services in Spain at the moment are running at speeds of 1000Kbps or 1 Megabyte (1Mb)
(approx. 20 times faster than an analog modem),
Upload speeds are usually in the region of 256Kbps on most products and hence this is why it is "asymmetric", because the download speed is different to the upload speed.
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So what is broadband?
Broadband is just a word we use when we're talking about any kind of fast Internet connection.
If you're reading this guide, the chances are that you already have an Internet connection and want to upgrade,
or you're setting up an Internet connection at home for the first time.
If you already have an Internet connection, you probably connect to the Internet with a modem
that plugs into your telephone line (often referred to as a "dial-up connection").
And you're probably no longer satisfied with the performance it offers.
If you're setting up an Internet connection for the first time, it really makes sense to go for Broadband
right from the start, as the entry-level packages are generally much better value than the dial-up alternative.
So how is broadband different?
A broadband connection is actually not all that different from a dial-up connection.
The equipment is very similar - a different kind of modem sometimes a modem router, but still a modem, and in most cases
the connection is still made through your telephone line.
The difference is that you'll have an Internet connection that is always on,
24 hours a day. Normally you pay a flat monthly fee, no matter how often you use the Internet.
And a broadband connection is much faster. How much faster?, about 20 times faster than the dial modem if you sign up for a
1Mb connection speed, and if you sign up for greater connection speeds it will be pro rata on the speed scale.
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What can you do with a broadband connection?
You'll be able to do things that just weren't practical with a dial-up connection.
Like:
Watch video clips and listen to music in real time, including live broadcasts.
Download music, software, film trailers and other files much more quickly.
Play internet games online.
Do everything you could do before but at a much greater speed
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Is broadband difficult to install?
It is not that hard to install however in Spain Telefonicas software comes in Spanish, so if you can't undersatnd Spanish you may run in to some probles.
If you live on the Costa del Sol area of Southern Spain we can visit to install any hardware. If you are in other regions of Spain we can arrange a Telefonica engineer to install.
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What is a wireless connection?
When you sign up for Broadband ADSL you also go for a wireless connection. When ordering you get a reduced rate Telefonica modem/router.
The Router still needs to connect to the telephone line to recieve the ADSL, but then this can be set up so that you connect to the router without using any cables.
You will need a wireless connection in your PC or Laptop, A PCI card can be used in Desktops, and if your Laptop does not have built in Wireless, you can buy a PCMCIA card
that slots in the side of the Laptop to make the conection. Then the router will need configuring to make the connections between the router and the computer.
Also Encryption can be used which we recommend to stop any unwanted visitors attaching themselves to your network.
Please see guides to this in the Routers section of the website.
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