Support › DSL & Internet Support › DSL FAQs

FAQs: High-Speed DSL

 

  1. What is DSL?
  2. How does HickoryTech DSL work?
  3. What are the main benefits of HickoryTech DSL?
  4. How fast is DSL service?
  5. What's the difference between your business and residential DSL packages?
  6. What do I need to get DSL?
  7. What's involved with residential DSL self-activations?
  8. Do I need to buy any equipment?
  9. How do I know if my computer has a NIC (Network Interface Card)?
  10. How much does DSL cost?
  11. What's the difference between Residential DSL Premium, Pro, Prime and Lite?
  12. Can the computer and the phone share the same line?
  13. Can DSL share a line with a fax machine?
  14. If I am on the phone will that decrease my bandwidth when I use DSL?
  15. How does DSL compare to Cable Internet?
  16. Do you provide filtered Internet access?
  17. Can I use a wireless router with my HickoryTech DSL?
 
  1. What is DSL?
    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. Return to Top

     
  2. How does HickoryTech DSL work?
    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! Return to Top
 
  1. What are the main benefits of HickoryTech DSL?
    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 Return to Top
 
  1. How fast is DSL service?
    Really fast! Click here for speed chart. DSL service provides connection speeds that are up to 100 times faster than a traditional dial-up connection. Return to Top

     
  2. What's the difference between your business and residential DSL packages?
    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 to use static IP addressing, which means the IP address is specifically assigned, and configured into the system. Return to Top

     
  3. What do I need to get DSL?
    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. Return to Top

     
  4. What's involved with Residential DSL self-activations?
    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 to any working phone jack within your residence. Return to Top

     
  5. Do I need to buy any equipment?
    No. Other than the NIC or Network Interface Card requirement on your computer, we supply the DSL modem, necessary filters and cables. Return to Top

     
  6. How do I know if my computer has a NIC (Network Interface Card)?
    To determine whether or not your computer has a NIC card, proceed through the following steps:
1.      Right click on 'My Computer' and select Properties.
2.      Select the 'Hardware' tab.
3.      Click on 'Device Manager'
4.      Click on 'Network Adapters'
5.      If there is an item listed under this section, you more than likely have a NIC card installed in your system. Return to Top
 
  1. How much does DSL cost?
    To see the rate information for your community, select Residential Services or Business Services to determine pricing in your area. Return to Top
 
  1. What's the difference between Residential DSL Premium, Pro, Prime and Lite?
    The difference between DSL Premium, Pro, Prime and Lite are the download and upload speeds. Click here for speed chart. DSL Premium and Pro are only available in select areas. Return to Top
 
  1. Can the computer and the phone share the same line?
    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. Return to Top

     
  2. Can DSL share a line with a fax machine?
    Yes, a fax machine will require a filter just as a phone. Return to Top

     
  3. If I am on the phone will that decrease my bandwidth when I use DSL?
    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. Return to Top

     
  4. How does DSL compare to Cable Internet?
    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. Return to Top

     
  5. Do you provide filtered Internet access?
    HickoryTech's PC Protection Plus enables you to safeguard your Internet access by filtering and blocking offensive websites before they get to your home or office. Return to Top
                                              
  1. Can I use a wireless router with my HickoryTech DSL?
Yes. In fact, a router is necessary if you want to share the DSL simultaneously or if you are using more than 1 computer. Return to Top