Like much of the broadband Internet industry, the business DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) market is awash in acronyms and insider terms that can be confusing to the neophyte shopper. The good news is that many key terms are shared between DSL, cable and other types of broadband Internet, so if you master the business DSL key terms you'll also be able to navigate your way through the forest of other broadband service types.

Understanding business DSL key terms and vocabulary will also allow you to take fullest advantage of your options. After all, if you don't know what you're shopping for, you can't negotiate an advantageous settlement. You only need a few minutes to be able to:

1. Learn the difference between business DSL and T1 connections, and why your connection might need a filter.

2. Untangle the forest of acronyms surrounding business class DSL.

3. Understand what it means when business DSL providers don't offer symmetrical speeds, and why you should care.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get the skinny on filters, splitters and more things you may need from your DSL provider

Because a DSL Internet connection transfers data through the same lines that carry your voice telephone signals, you may need to install (or have your provider install) a filter to keep the data and voice signals separate.

I recommend: WiseGEEK offers a good explanation of DSL filters and clearly defines the difference between split and splitterless installation, the former being something you might choose to attempt without waiting on a service call to your business. The Velocity Guide helps to pare away any uncertainty you may have had about what a DSL line actually is, and how it compares to a T1 connection.

Sort through the multiple business class DSL acronyms

You may have seen DSL for business referred to as xDSL. This is a reference to the variety of DSL connections, such as ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) and SDSL (Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line), where 'x' is meant as a wildcard to signify that the reference applies to any of the aforementioned types of DSL connection.

I recommend: Jupiter Online Media and BroadbandInfo.com both thoroughly explain the difference between ADSL and SDSL connections, in addition to giving extra information about why each might (or might not) be appropriate for your business.

Understand terms specific to DSL and broadband providers

Download (or downstream) and upload (or upstream) may already be familiar concepts from your previous Internet experience. Download speed or time refers to how long it takes to retrieve information into your computer via the Internet, while upload speed refers to the time it takes to send information out from your computer through the Internet.

I recommend: DSL.net offers a good example of symmetrical download/upload speeds. Companies whose transfer speeds are asymmetrical--like Verizon--tend to play up the fast download speeds and omit mention of slower uploads; they include the slower upload speed as a second figure behind the more impressionable download speed (such as 7.1Mbps/768Kbps, where the first number is a very high-speed download (7.1 megabytes per second) and the second number is a much slower (768 kilobytes per second, where 1,000 kilobytes would be equivalent to one megabyte) upload speed.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always ask for clarification of tech-specific terms you don't understand or aren't completely clear on; sometimes poorly educated salespeople, more interested in making a sale than in their quality of service, will fling terms they don't even understand when giving business DSL price quotes.

It’s only three little letters — D*S*L.  But for speedier web access for your business, what a difference those three letters make. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) service over standard phone lines delivers fast 'broadband' style internet access. And while DSL itself comes in several speed variations, the difference between between 'always-on' DSL and old-style dial-up is — to borrow from Mark Twain — like the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.  It’s something even the smallest business should have, and can afford.

Frankly, if you have a business and don’t have DSL (or other high-speed internet access), you’re in the buggy whip era. Operating online today — including email (where you may have to download files) and using web-based business applications — requires a DSL-or-better connection. DSL is cheap. A home office hookup could be as little as $29 per month, with business DSL starting around $49 per month when bundled with other phone company services.

Here are key steps and considerations:

1) Check DSL services available from your current phone carrier. You may save money by bundling with other services. And since DSL service is distance-sensitive, you’ll get a better connection if you are close to a central office.

2) To run your DSL service, you will need a DSL modem (which your service provider will send you and, most likely, charge you for) that connects to your computer. 

3) Depending on the provider and service available on your phone numbers (provider sites let you check availability easily online), you may have a choice of connection speeds, with faster DSL versions costing more per month.  

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check options with your current phone service providers

Your local and/or long distance phone company probably offers business DSL service as well.

I recommend: Whether you use AT&T (business class DSL starting at $49.95), Verizon (periodic special offers of free modem and free month), Sprint or any of the other major regional and national phone firms, most have a business DSL service to offer. Ask about bundled services that can lower your monthly bill.

Shop and compare other DSL providers

Bit phone companies aren't the only ones offering business class DSL.

I recommend: Covad is a company that has specialized in providing DSL to small and mid-sized businesses since 1997.  The company now operates one of the nation's larget DSL networks. Choose from a variety of service offerings to fit your bandwidth, speed and pricing needs. To locate other DSLj providers in your area, check the website everythingDSL. Enter your phone number for providers and special offers on DSL. Other business DSL providers to consider include DSL.net, Qwest and Speakeasy.

Shop where you surf

Internet sites and services that you may already use offer DSL services, including Yahoo! and Earthlink.

I recommend: Yahoo! partners with AT&T to offer a variety of DSL service packages. Earthlink Business Solutions has several business-class internet access solutions to choose from.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't forget the DSL filters. Since DSL service runs over the same phone lines you may use for voice or fax, you'll need small filters installed on other phone devices to avoid any interference with the DSL line. These are usually provided free by the DSL service provider and simply plug into the phones/jacks.
• •  Ask your provider what support is provided. DSL services do go down from time to time, so be prepared for occasional outages.
• •  Plan ahead. If you'll need high-speed web access for multiple computers, check what options the provider has available.

Not all DSL and broadband providers—or services—are created equal. While the majority of their advertisements and promotions advertise similar variations on a common theme (fast, faster and fastest connections!) actual connection speeds vary, as do other fine details of DSL contracts, including fees and supplies necessary for service implementation. Providers won't advertise everything you could be doing to get the most out of your connection, and probably hope that you won't ask.

Making the most of business DSL means sticking to your guns and carefully monitoring your service to make sure you're getting exactly what you've paid for. You may be surprised to find that you can get some of the following from your DSL service provider:

1. Free upgrades to high speed DSL.

2. Quick fixes on your DSL for business technical issues.

3. Extra DSL features for switching to a business DSL provider.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Test drive a free upgrade from your business class DSL provider

Like any other Internet connection, business DSL connections come in a variety of different speeds; the faster the connection, the higher the cost. Before you commit to paying through the nose every month for a premium high-speed plan, look for special plans that offer temporary upgrades for little to no extra cost. This will give you a chance to decide whether the extra speed is really worth paying for.

I recommend: Shop around for business DSL providers like Covad that offer a no-risk, free trial standard with all business connections; that way you'll have a chance to see whether you want to pay for the extra speed. You can also use a service like EZISP.info to find limited-time deals (including free upgrades to higher speed connections) with other providers.

Report technical problems to your business DSL provider immediately

Don't assume that a few burps and glitches in the system are par for the course. You're paying top dollar for a connection that works, and one of the biggest selling points of DSL service is that it's supposed to be fully functioning 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Choose a provider with a troubleshooting department that can keep up with its Internet connections.

I recommend: Large Internet providers like AT&T have the resources to provide round-the-clock support services and quick-access automated help centers to solve your business DSL technical problems. AT&T's Business Internet Services are reliable and widely available. You can also verify that you're getting what you pay for in connection speed with an independent service such as Speedtest.net, which is based on the licensed Ookla speed testing software.

Make sure you're getting DSL service for business, not residential, use

Business DSL plans often cost more than residential plans because the demands you place on the network--and the service you receive in return--are expected to be higher. While it's tempting for small businesses to save a few bucks by opting for residential services over the business plan, you're going to miss out on some very helpful perks and necessary features if you do so.

I recommend: SpeedGate Communications offers a good comparison of typical business and residential DSL services. BroadbandInfo.com explains the difference between bridged (your typical residential plan) and routed (often offered only through a business plan) DSL connections. If you need extra connection security and quality, you may want to make the extra investment in a routed connection. Business connections also tend to offer faster upload speeds.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't hesitate to negotiate with your DSL provider. Many DSL Internet service providers offer perks like free routers or DSL modems, free upgrades to higher speed connections, and reduced rates for a period of time; even if your current provider, or the one you're considering, isn't offering such a deal right now, they might be willing to cut you a deal in order to keep your valuable business.

Business DSL offers a top notch, high speed Internet connection without tying up your phone lines. Business class DSL allows you to check email, upload, download and browse the Internet at speeds that are much faster than dial up Internet. Business DSL travels to your office on the same lines as your phone lines, and it provides an always on connection.

Business DSL is available through many phone service providers and through other DSL only companies. DSL for business can cost quite a bit of money, depending on the features that your business needs. However, when you shop right, there are easy ways of saving money on business DSL. Consider these tips.

1. Opt for slower connection speeds for your business DSL.

2. Ask your DSL provider about saving money by using a dynamic IP address.

3. Cut out extra features with certain packages available from business DSL providers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose slower speeds for your business DSL

There are a variety of DSL business options when it comes to the speed of your DSL Internet service. Companies offering DSL services provide you with a choice of connection speeds so you can get the connection you need at the speed that you want. Choosing slower speeds can help you save money on business DSL because slower speeds are less expensive than the faster speeds.

I recommend: Consider DSL and broadband providers like Covad and AT&T. Both companies offer slower DSL speeds at discounted rates.

Opt for a dynamic IP address with your business DSL

One DSL option you may have with your business DSL provider is the choice of a dynamic IP address or a static IP address. You'll find that the cost of business DSL is significantly cheaper if you choose to go with a dynamic IP address.

I recommend: SearchWinDevelopment.com explains the difference between a dynamic high speed address and a static IP address when you're using high speed DSL. Verizon offers both types of business DSL, but DSL with a dynamic IP address is cheaper.

Buy only the business DSL features you need

As a business owner, it's up to you to determine the DSL service for business that you really need. If you need all of the bells and whistles, you can expect to pay for them. However, if there are services that you can cut without compromising your ability to conduct business, you'll find that you'll save quite a bit of money.

I recommend: OneLink is a DSL service for business from Speakeasy that allows you to have DSL Internet service without having a phone line. EarthLink provides business DSL for home offices with their SOHO (Small-Office/Home-Office) DSL package. Opting for a smaller package like this can help you save money.