A Guide to DSL Speed Test

Understand the differences between cable and DSL

ADSL or DSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line / Digital Subscriber Line) is one of the many ways available for those looking to get high Internet speeds on their computers. It is usually called DSL and it uses a standard phone line of copper. Using DSL, Internet access is being used widely in homes to access downloading speed that is up to 8 Mbps.

The speed of DSL varies with the internet access speed provided through the modem. The download speed provides 56 Kbps using standard modem inside your computer and is outdated for the latest web technologies. Using DSl can grab speeds up to 8 Mbps using ADSL modem. The DSL speed test can be performed to find out if you are getting great speeds or your connection is below average. But let's learn more about DSL and how it compares to others such as Cable and Directv Satellite.

How do you perform a proper DSL speed test?

The speed of the internet connection can be tested by using a website that offers DSL speed test services both uploading as well as downloading. Websites with the DSL speed test can send or ask for a packet of information to be sent and received by the computer system. The time required by the computer system for uploading and downloading the information package can be calculated with the help of a properly tuned tool. Then you can calculate the different speeds both for uploading and downloading. But many factors do matter such as traffic to the test site as well as the computer.

The tool can measure the actual speed and current speed of Internet access. This actual speed is an amount of the useful data which the connection can receive or send every second. The true speed cannot be used for broadband speed rating. Therefore only actual speed can be used for this reason.The question to be asked: Is your provider giving you the upload and download speeds they claim? Many companies have basic and enhanced plans which have different speed levels. Make sure you get what you are paying for as many might not know what they have. Check with your DSL company.

The DSL is another way that can provide the fast download speed. Actually there is no advantage over the cable modem, but the wider range of accessibility and lower cost of it could appeal to the sensible customers. DSL is more popular in lower, smaller market cities where the cable Internet access is not available.

The DSL test measures true speed and actual speed of the Internet connection. True speed includes the non-significant data with the useful data while the amount of the useful data which the connection can receive or transit in a second is the actual speed.

DSL line test

Unlike the DSL speed test, the line test of DSL is the way for determining the line speed while using the DSL internet access. The speed of the connection varies with the distances from central office. Therefore the DSL line test calculates the distance from the router or central office and determines the possible data level. Note that DSL is usually run through older phone wires which could also be cause for slow connections due to years of abuse by the weather and people.

So Where do you test?

Using an independent source like our site or any of the many testing portals online. This is preferred by the most users as it does not mix business with the testing which should be separate. Not that the company may be intentionally inflating the numbers but several techniques can be made to get the best possible speeds posted.