What is ADSL?
ADSL is an acronym for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line and is a technology to transfer data communication over a copper line while simultaneously being able to use the line for telephone calls. This is done by filtering the voice service (telephone calls) through a microfilter also known as a splitter. Data speeds range from 382kbps to 4096kbps depending on the type of service to apply for.

The function of the splitter or microfilter is to split the data communication and voice communication into two different frequency ranges. The data communication is further also divided into two frequency groups by the service provider and the one range is used for upstream communication and the second range is used for downstream communication. Upstream communication is data send from the user (you) to the service provider (then to the internet) and downstream communication is data send from the service provider (received from the internet) to the user (you).

These two ranges also provide communication at different speed where the upstream speed is slower as the downstream speed. This is why it is called asymmetric because difference in upstream and downstream speed. ADSL is also influenced by the distance from the nearest telephone exchange that offers this service and is only available within a 5km radius from the exchange