Very high-speed digital subscriber line definition
Very high-speed digital subscriber line (VDSL) refers to a type of internet connection that significantly improves the speed of data transmission over traditional telephone lines. It's an advancement over the older DSL (Digital subscriber line) technology that can be very beneficial in rural or less developed areas.
While VDSL doesn't match the top speeds of fiber optics, it has been improved over time. For example, VDSL2 offers better performance and range than its predecessor and can meet the needs of many households and small businesses
See also: internet telephony
Benefits of VDSL
- Higher speeds. Compared to DSL, VDSL offers significantly higher download and upload speeds.
- Existing infrastructure. VDSL uses existing telephone lines, so extending the network services is often easier and cheaper compared to fiber optics.
- Symmetric and asymmetric options. VDSL can be symmetric (upload and download speeds are the same) and asymmetric (download is faster than upload).
Drawbacks of VDSL
- Dependence on phone lines. Copper telephone lines, which VDSL relies on, can limit its speed and efficiency, especially when compared to fiber-optic technology. The quality and length of the copper line significantly impact performance.
- Potential for interference. Copper lines are more prone to electrical interference.
