Did you think with the introduction of digital subscriber lines (DSLs) that this would be the end of all your problematic, slow links to networking? Maybe not, tests have already proven that speeds promised by Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) cannot be guaranteed and that safe bandwidth thresholds provided by leased lines also may not be the case.

However, leased lines are symmetrical that means that they can offer the same speeds for both receiving and sending data, that which ASDL cannot. By introducing a symmetrical DSL (SDSL) solution offers organisations a more reliable bandwidth which will be more attractive. For video-conferencing this would be a more suitable solution by providing equal bandwidth either way of the transmission. Also, for those businesses hosting a web-site this is a more suited solution as this also allows them to visit others at the same time.

So, if you are considering moving to ADSL, it may be worthwhile investigating the SDSL option if for example you are going to be relying on technology such as video-conferencing especially as BT are already testing this technology. Many companies are already holding back for this as an option and are waiting for Oftel to open the boundaries of trading over the existing network in July next year. This will mean that BT will lose exclusive control over the connections to homes and businesses and open up the competition to other companies who will be able to pay BT access charges to use their exchanges.

Additional developments expected are voice transmissions and higher speed for DSL solutions.