Q. What is DSL?
A. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) transforms ordinary phone lines into
high-speed digital lines for ultra-fast Internet access. DSL provides
an exciting way to access the Internet at lightening fast speeds and is
great for multimedia applications like online games and streaming audio
and video.
Q. How does HickoryTech DSL work?
A. DSL technology takes advantage of your existing phone line. While
regular phone calls are transferred at relatively low frequencies, DSL
data is transmitted at much higher frequencies. This allows you to speak
on your phone and be on the Internet at the same time, on the same line!
DSL is also always on. It offers a virtually instantaneous connection, with no
lengthy dial-in process. It's almost like flipping on a light switch: DSL is
always there, whenever you want it!
Q. What are the main benefits of HickoryTech DSL?
A. For Residential Users:
- Works on Your Existing Phone Line - No Need for a Second Phone line
- Dedicated Access-No Sharing Bandwidth with Your Neighbors
- Affordable High-Speed Access
- Uninterrupted, high-speed Internet access that's always on
- No contracts, No risks
- Free modem rental
- Easy Self-activation
For Business Users:
- High Upstream and Downstream Speeds
- Flexible Bandwidth Options
- Higher Productivity
- Experienced Internet Providers and Dependable Service
- Uninterrupted, high-speed Internet access that's always on
- Free modem rental
Q. How fast is DSL service?
A. Really fast! DSL service provides connection speeds that are up to 100 times faster
than a traditional dial-up connection.
Q. What's the difference between your business and residential DSL packages?
A. There are two main differences between our residential and business DSL packages. First, all residential DSL connections
are asynchronous, which means they support higher download speeds (receiving information) than upload speeds (requesting information). Business
DSL connections are capable of equal upload and download speeds. Secondly, all residential DSL connections use dynamic IP addressing, which means
a pool of IP addresses are shared by users and an address is dynamically assigned each time a user logs in. Business DSL connections have the
ability of to use static IP addressing, which means the IP address is specifically assigned, and configured into the system.
Q. What do I need to get DSL?
A. Any windows based or Macintosh computer with a NIC or Network Interface card will work with DSL. Your
computer will require this card in order to interface with our DSL modem.
Q. What's involved with Residential DSL self-activations?
A. Self-activations allow you to perform your DSL activation on your own schedule. We simply mail you
the DSL modem, phone filters and easy to use instructions prior to the activation date. With self-activations,
you also have the ability to move the DSL connection on any phone jack within your residence.
Q. Do I need to buy any equipment?
A. No. Other than the NIC or Network interface card requirement on your computer, we supply the DSL modem,
necessary filters and cables.
Q. How do I know if my computer has a NIC (Network Interface Card)?
A. To determine whether or not your computer has a NIC card, proceed through the following steps:
- Right click on 'My Computer' and select Properties.
- Select the 'Hardware' tab.
- Click on 'Device Manager'
- Click on 'Network Adapters'
- If there is an item listed under this section, you more than likely have a NIC card installed in your system.
Q. How much does DSL cost?
A. To see the rate information for your community, select "Residential Services" or "Business Services" under the Service Information tab to determine pricing in your area.
Q. What's the difference between Residential DSL Pro, Residential DSL Prime and Residential DSL Lite?
A. Residential DSL Pro has up to 6 Mpbs download and 864k upload speeds, DSL Prime has up to 3 Mbps download and 512k upload speeds, and DSL Lite has 384k download and 128k upload speeds. The
higher download speed of DSL Pro and Prime make it a faster connection for transferring large files, using streaming media like audio and video, and networking multiple computers
within your home. DSL Pro and DSL Prime also include other extras such as additional web hosting space, emails and optional filtered Internet access.
Q. Can the computer and the phone share the same line?
A. Yes, both the analog voice and the digital Internet traffic may be carried over the same DSL circuit. A splitter
or filter is used to allow both the computer and the telephone line to plug into the same jack.
The filter sends voice transmissions to the telephone, and digital data transmissions to a DSL modem.
Q. Can DSL share a line with a fax machine?
A. Yes, a fax machine will require a filter just as a phone.
Q. If I am on the phone will that decrease my bandwidth when I use DSL?
A. No, voice operates at frequencies below 4KHz. All other services, including DSL operate above that. If
you are talking on the phone, the bandwidth available to DSL is not affected.
Q. How does DSL compare to Cable Internet?
A. DSL provides a dedicated service over a single telephone line. Cable bandwidth is shared among all users
on a line and may vary, as more users in a neighborhood get online at the same time.
Q. Can a DSL customer use a laptop computer at home instead of their regular computer?
A. Yes, if the laptop has NIC card or network interface card, it can be used for DSL. The modem connected to the
computer can be unplugged from one, then plugged into the other. There are also routers that will network multiple
computers available for the same purpose.
Q. What is DSL filtered Internet access?
A. HickoryTech's Filtered Internet Access enables you to safeguard your Internet access by filtering and blocking offensive websites before
they get to your home or office. Filtered access is available for no additional charge with DSL Pro and DSL Prime. Business DSL filtered
access options are also available.
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Residential Services
