FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
ADSL General Issues
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- What is ADSL?
ADSL stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. ADSL, or PTI-DSL, is a modem technology that turns your existing phone line into a three-channel data delivery system. One channel transmits voice services, so normal phone and fax usage continues whether or not you are accessing the Internet. A second channel transmits data downstream at high speeds, and a third bi-directional channel transmits data upstream. The downstream and upstream channels carry information to and from the Internet. Therefore, phone or fax calls occurring on the first channel are not affected by your online activity. There are modems at each end of the phone line. One is at your home; one is at the PTI Central Office. Working together, these modems provide a dedicated connection that avoids the need to dial-up for access to the Internet. The modem in the PTI Central Office points your Internet traffic to the DSL network and on to the Internet. With DSL Internet access, you have a fast connection to the Internet.
- How does DSL compare to cable modems?
Cable modems offer service over a shared cable. Multiple users may be connected to the same local cable line. DSL technology provides a dedicated service over an existing local connection to the Verizon Central Office near you. This means that you don't have to share your local access connection with other users.
- How fast is PTI-DSL?
PTI-DSL is a powerful connection that loads data and images at such a rate that you won't want to go back to your old dial-up connection again. PTI-DSL's speed brings you the convenience you want, making your work (or play) that much easier and more fun.
For those who want to fully exploit the Internet's capabilities-streaming video and audio, real-time chat, lightning fast downloads, you can avail of an option (Turbcharge Plan) which features an upstream speed of 512 Kbps (Kilobits per second) and a downstream speed of 1.5 Mbps. That is about 13 times faster than the regular 56 kbps that is standard for dial-up services.
For those who are on a budget, there is an option (Supercharge Plan) which features an upstream speed of 384 Kbps and a downstream speed of 1024 Kbps, which is still about nine times faster than regular dial-up.
For those on tighter budget, there is also an option (Nitro Plan) which features an upstream speed of 128 Kbps and a downstream speed of 768 Kbps, which is still faster than a regular dial-up.
- What affects my connection speed?
When you connect to the Internet using a DSL modem, the speeds that you will experience will vary based on a variety of factors, including the following:
- Length/Distance of your location to our Central Office
- Condition of telephone wiring inside and outside your location
- Computer configuration
- Network or Internet congestion
- Server and router speeds of the websites you access
Connection speed is the speed that data is transferred between your computer and the PTI Central Office during your initial connection to the DSL network. Throughput speed (also called download speed) refers to the rate that information is transferred from the Internet to your computer. It is the speed at which you receive data. Examples of receiving or downloading are reading a Web page, downloading a program, or receiving e-mail. No DSL service (or cable service) can guarantee a particular throughput speed. Send speed (also called upload speed) refers to the rate that information is transferred from your computer to the Internet. Examples of sending or uploading are sending e-mail or sending files.
- Do I qualify for PTI-DSL service?
ADSL is a distance-sensitive technology that works solely over copper phone lines. Currently, PTI-DSL is only available to customers residing within 3 "wire-run" miles (up to 18,000 feet) from their PTI Central Office. In addition, customers must be served over copper wires. Some wires may be capable of handling DSL and others may not, even in the same area. PTI is working to overcome the distance limitation and make DSL more widely available. So, while you may not qualify for the service today, it is possible that you could be able to receive it in the near future as the technology improves.
- Can I change my phone number to get a phone number that qualifies for DSL?
No, because a telephone number change does not change your physical telephone line.
- Does PTI support Macintosh?
PTI supports Macintosh and Macintosh-compatible computers, including iMac.
- What equipment do I need to get ADSL?
You will need DSL filters (splitters) and a DSL modem, both of which are included in your DSL Application. You will also need a 10Base-T Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC). A NIC is not included in the PTI Application. You can get a NIC at most computer stores, if your computer does not have one.
- Can I use any DSL modem with my PTI service?
No, at this time you need to use a DSL modem that is compatible with PTI-DSL. If you want to use a modem from a source other than PTI, please check with PTI first to determine compatibility.
- Is PTI-DSL compatible with Windows XP?
Yes.
- What's involved in the DSL installation process?
First check that your computer meets the system requirements. If it does not, then you may need to purchase some hardware. For example some newer computer include a 10Base-T Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC), and some do not. If your computer does not include one, they are available at most computer stores. You will need one to connect your DSL Modem.
- How secure is my DSL connection?
From a security perspective, DSL (and cable modem) networks are not very different from analog modem-based dial-up networks. They connect customers to ISPs and the Internet using IP as their network protocol. However, DSL and cable modems are more attractive than dial-up connections to hackers for the same reasons that make them more attractive to customers. The ease of connection and available bandwidth of these networks often results in customers staying online much longer, making them more vulnerable to attack attempts. Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to improve the security of your DSL connection, such as firewall software. We strongly recommend that you install a commercially available firewall (and antivirus) product. To find out more about such products, check with your local computer store. Some firewall products are even available for personal use free of charge.
- Can I hook up more than one computer with a single DSL connection?
Yes, but you will need a router or firewall capable of Network Address Translation (NAT) to act as a gateway. This will allow you to use one IP address (assigned when your service is connected) to network more than one computer and share the PTI-DSL service. The technical side of hooking up multiple computers is typically simple. The DSL modem must be connected to the router or firewall, which then serves as the gateway for the multiple computers on your local area network. It is not recommended that more than 10 workstations are shared with one DSL account as speeds will be significantly affected.
- Can I access the Internet if I'm traveling?
You can use your PTI-DSL Account when you travel, utilizing our Internet Roaming service via GoRemote. However, you will not connect at DSL speeds. It will only be the analog connection and you will still be charged the monthly recurring for PTI-DSL service.
- Does DSL require installing an additional phone line?
No. You will NOT need an additional phone line. DSL technology allows simultaneous analog (voice or fax) and DSL (data) transmission over the same telephone line.
- Can I use my fax machine and the Internet at the same time?
Yes. DSL technology allows simultaneous analog voice or fax and DSL data transmission over the same telephone line.
- Will my current phone features work with DSL?
Yes. Adding PTI-DSL to your phone line does not affect your other telephone services and features. DSL will not affect Caller ID, voice mail, call waiting, or other advanced calling features.
- If my DSL modem loses power, do I lose phone service?
No. The DSL modem is designed so that your normal telephone service will operate even if the modem is unplugged or otherwise disabled.
- How many email accounts come with my DSL service?
PTI-DSL service (on Turbocharge Plans only) includes up to five free email accounts. Multiple email accounts allow other household members to have their own private email account or have personal and business email accounts.
- What happens if I don't pay my local phone bill for the line that PTI-DSL uses?
Because PTI-DSL uses a local phone line, it is important to take note that it is your responsibility to keep the service to that phone line current in order for the PTI-DSL service to remain active. Without an active phone line, PTI-DSL service will be interrupted.
- Is PTI-DSL charge an addition to my current monthly phone bill charges?
Yes, PTI-DSL monthly recurring charges are in addition to your monthly telephone service charges from PTI.
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