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

Locate DSL manufacturers of aggregation switches

DSL aggregation switches provide a variety of services. Some of these services include point-to-multipoint Ethernet over copper platforms, bandwidth from 1 to 100 Mbps, cross-bonding between cards, ease of installation and deployment, and advanced copper trouble shooting tools.

I recommend: Find aggregation switches and other DSL components at Astrocom. Compare DSL product specifications for digital subscriber line equipment aggregation switches at XRoads Networks.

Locate EFM repeaters that work with DSL components

Ethernet in the first mile, or EFM, repeaters enhance a DSL signal for a stretch of 25 miles. EFM repeaters also forward EFM, operational, administration and maintenance messages (OAM) between Customer-premises equipment (CPE) and company equipment. EFM repeaters boost the signal up to eight times between carrier and CPE user.

I recommend: Shyam Telecom carries wireless DSL equipment and signal enhancing products. Visit Actelis Networks for state of the art DSL EFM repeaters as well as other digital subscriber line equipment.

Locate Ethernet access devices from DSL equipment providers

Ethernet access devices for DSL are modems that connect regular phone lines to Ethernet cables for DSL uses. These devices are sold for single of multiple computer connections.

I recommend: Netsys carries DSL equipment and DSL products for Ethernet connections. ANDA Networks is one of the leading DSL equipment manufacturers of Ethernet access devices. Comtrend supplies a variety of DSL components and related equipment.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some supplies such as Ethernet cables and diffusers are provided along with certain products. Check with the provider to find out what equipment is needed for use.
• •  Ask the DSL components manufacturer what software is compatible with the components and for any warranties on the items.

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

Purchase DSL equipment from DSL manufacturers online

You can find plenty of DSL equipment manufacturers online, in addition to consumer electronics stores. However, you can find more specialized DSL components on the manufacturers' websites. Selling DSL equipment is not just about selling modems, but other DSL supplies, such as network cables and phone lines. You also will be selling DSL test equipment, including tool kits, tool sets, and test equipment. Technicians test these DSL products, such as modems and cables, to ensure data is being transmitted successfully.

I recommend: Look at Netsys-America, LLC, for DSL products, such as modems. Netsys-America sells a couple of modems that support bandwidths of up to 100 Mbps at distances of more than 1,000 feet. You’ll also want to look at Specialized Products Company for broadband DSL equipment and DSL components. This company sells ADSL test equipment, such as the hand-held ADSL test set. You’ll also want to look at other DSL test equipment, including digital multimeters and telecom tools.

Join and become partners with DSL manufacturers

You cannot afford to overlook this area because you may find new customers by being a partner. DSL equipment manufacturers can supply you with marketing, sales, and even technical support. Another great benefit to becoming a partner is certification programs. Many manufacturers offer training and certification programs with discounts.

I recommend: Go to ARESCOM to check on its partnership program. Its ACSI (Arescom Certified System Integrator) strives to have successful partnerships with service providers and resellers. You’ll find its marketing, sales, technical support program worthwhile. You’ll also want to look at Linksys and check out its Linksys Partner Connection Program.

Get technical support from digital subscriber line equipment manufacturers

You'll definitely need to get technical support. You may have employees who are certified and knowledgeable about the products, but there will be times when you need to call the DSL manufacturer. You want to be able to call technical support in case of an emergency.

I recommend: Check out D-Link Systems. The company offers a comprehensive technical support, including warranty support and product information. You’ll also want to look at Netgear.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure your employees can easily access the DSL manufacturers' contact information. This is important when there's an emergency.

Guide to Broadband Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) Equipment Education and Training

Resources to bring your employees up to speed on the latest DSL equipment

By Jamie Belanger, Computer Technician & Marketing, 1-800-905-GEEK (Geeks on Call)

1. Consider enrolling your employees in a digital subscriber line equipment course.
2. For less expensive knowledge, consult online guides and tutorials covering a variety of DSL supplies and products.
3. Order a book on the latest broadband DSL equipment and services.
   

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

For extremely basic knowledge, send your employees to online broadband DSL equipment tutorials

The Internet is the cheapest way to educate your employees, but it also provides the broadest overview and least detailed information. If you just need your employees to become familiarized with the technology, online tutorials on things like ADSL components and DSL manufacturers should be more than sufficient.

I recommend: To train your employees in how ADSL equipment works, direct them to HowStuffWorks. Tutorial-Reports.com also offers an excellent broadband over DSL tutorial.

Enroll your employees in courses from DSL equipment manufacturers or third party training facilities

There are some excellent options for hands-on, instructor-led broadband DSL equipment training. This is a great way to bring your employees up to speed on the most current DSL product offering.

I recommend: Cisco offers training on DSL hardware. Their training is specifically for Cisco DSL products, which are some of the best in the industry. Marketing and Sales Communications provides a more generalized course which provides training in DSL equipment as well as Selling Skills. BTS Training also provides hands-on DSL equipment training covering installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of DSL components.

Provide your employees with training books on broadband DSL equipment

The right book can quickly educate your employees on the most current broadband DSL equipment and practices. The information in these books is far more detailed than most of what can be found in Internet tutorials, and they can be reused to train a number of employees.

I recommend: Order an ebook copy of DSL: A Wiley Tech Brief from eBookMall. For a more thorough overview, buy Implementation and Applications of DSL Technology from the DigitalGuru Technical Bookshop.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While service calls from you wireless DSL equipment provider (or ISP) are generally free, there are problems that aren't isolated to the equipment alone that they are not trained to solve. Protect your budget by educating your employees as much as possible.

Guide to Broadband Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) Equipment Key Terms

Study broadband DSL key terms to find Internet solutions for your office

By Kristan Hart

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

Ethernet in the First Mile (EFM)

The Ethernet standard was amended with EEE Std 802.3ah-2004, which has been nicknamed 'Ethernet in the First Mile (EFM).' This amendment identifies the first mile of Ethernet and how it affects customers.

I recommend: Read an explanation of Ethernet in the First Mile (EFM) at Ethernet in the First Mile website.

Aggregation switch

An aggregation switch is a network switch that collects data from multiple channels or sources and moves that data as one group.

I recommend: Read the features of the aggregation switch on the ZyXEL Communications website for details about how it operates.

EFM repeater

An EFM repeater is designed to strengthen the signal of your DSL Internet connection. Without an EFM repeater, your DSL Internet connection becomes weaker as you move further away from the central location of the DSL service. However, an EFM repeater can help you make sure your signal is strong, even if you're further down the line.

I recommend: Read about EFM repeaters at the Actelis Networks website.

Ethernet Access Device (EAD)

Designed for mobile networks, Ethernet Access Device, known as EAD for short, can help improve the backhaul deployments on your DSL Internet connection. That means you can have secure, reliable DSL Internet service, even when you're on the go.

I recommend: Broadband World Forum highlights this technology on its website.

Copper telephone wire

Copper telephone wire is the wiring used to bring your DSL Internet connection into your home or business. In many instances, the copper telephone wiring, also known as the copper platform, already exists, meaning you don't have to front the cost of new wiring. DSL works well on copper telephone wire because that wire can transmit voice and data information to and from the source.

I recommend: Read about copper telephone wire and it's role in DSL Internet service at Pipeline-DSL.com.

Megabits per second, Mbps

The speed of data transfer in your DSL Internet service is measured in megabits per second, frequently abbreviated Mbps. Broadband Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) equipment might improve the speed of your connection, making the Internet run faster. DSL bandwidth speeds are measured from 1 to 100 Mbps.

I recommend: Read an explanation of Mbps at wiseGEEK.