High-speed DSL (HDSL) education and training offers information to high-speed DSL providers that they can use on a daily basis. High-speed DSL companies use this training to educate installers, maintenance workers and customer service specialists. Providing this education to all types of employees ensures that the customer service specialist can correctly inform the customer about what the service employees need to do to install or repair the customer's high-speed DSL service.

There are three ways to receive high-speed DSL (HDSL) education and training. Many of the basic HDSL installation and repair techniques are available online for employees to review. Educational books are also available for companies to keep on hand in case they are needed. Online courses are also available to companies that want to provide a more formal type of education for employees.

1. Educate employees about HDSL basics with tools from the Internet.

2. Locate HDSL educational books meant for HDSL providers.

3. Find online courses for employees of HDSL carriers.

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

Learn the basics of HDSL from the Internet

The basics of HDSL are available online for free. This information provides a basic knowledge of the way DSL works as well as information about installing and maintaining the high-speed data line. This information will give your employees an overview of DSL.

I recommend: Ehow supplies articles about how to install high speed DSL. Learn the basics of how high-speed cable Internet works at Rockbridge Global Village.

Purchase DSL educational books created for HDSL providers

Educational books are available in paper copies or online as ebooks. These books are great for employees with good comprehension skills who can put what they read into action with little to no supervision. Use these books and ebooks as many times as your company or employees need them.

I recommend: High-Speed Digital Design provides how-to information and step-by-step care for high-speed DSL. Locate ebooks that you can download at Tom Sheldon and Big Sur Multimedia. Safari Books Online also provides ebooks about high-speed cable Internet.

Enroll in online HDSL courses

HDSL online courses provide an outlined course that either gives a basic overview of high-speed DSL or that concentrates on a specific DSL knowledge base. Select the appropriate course depending on your employee's needs and time availability. Online courses are designed to teach one user at a time.

I recommend: Serebra Learning offers online courses for high-speed DSL carriers. Visit Technology Skills for courses in business HDSL. Enroll in TRA courses for all types of computer-based learning, including classes for high-speed DSL providers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  High-speed DSL equipment training is sometimes provided by the manufacturers of the HDSL equipment. Contact the manufacturer to see if they provide training for their customers.

The need for high-speed DSL (HDSL) — whether your employees need to be able to research solutions for your next client proposal, download software to make their presentation pop or just stay abreast of all the latest news in your industry — is a must for many businesses. But a T1 line is cost-prohibitive for most companies, often running more than $1,000 a month, and many office buildings are not wired for high speed cable internet. That’s why many business owners are turning to high-speed DSL.

Business HDSL packages are becoming more common among the HDSL providers. These packages are tailored to small businesses and offer high speed DSL at speeds and rates that business owners prefer.

When you’re shopping for high-speed DSL providers, among the key points to consider are:

1. The average speed promised for high data rate DSL;
2. The availability of business HDSL carriers other than the local phone company; and
3. The payment and contract options offered by the high speed DSL providers.

Action Steps
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Know how fast your HDSL really needs to be

It's tempting to always get the best. But the biggest, fastest business HDSL plan might not be the best for your needs. Be sure that you right-size your high-speed DSL plan based on the number of employees you have and the type of Internet activity they will be doing.

I recommend: Speakeasy offers a variety of HDSL plans, and all include Seattle-based customer support. Verizon, AT&T and Comcast all have HDSL for businesses.

Look at options other than your local phone company

The first HDSL provider that pops into your head is likely your local phone company. But since they're the first option that everyone thinks of, they don't always offer the best deals. They simply don't have to. Instead, look to other companies that offer HDSL in your area.

I recommend: EMBARQ offers a variety of business HDSL plans, and requires no changes to your existing phone lines.

Choose an HDSL contract that doesn't lock you in forever

Often, high-speed DSL providers will offer a great introductory rate as long as you sign a long-term contract. Be careful to weigh the length of the contract against the possible cost savings. If your business's HDSL needs change during that contract, you may be out of luck with some HDSL providers.

I recommend: Earthlink offers several business HDSL plans, many of which have only a one-year contract.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you already have phone service with your local phone company, call and see if they are willing to package HDSL with your current phone services at a discount. Many only offer this to new customers, but it never hurts to ask.

High-speed DSL allows users to quickly access information on the Internet. The speed of an Internet connection refers to how quickly a user can download Web pages or other downloadable files. In the past, many people used a 56k modem, which could download 56,000 bits per second. These days, more people are turning to high-speed Internet connections in order to do business more effectively. Understanding DSL key terms will allow you to make smarter choices.

Action Steps
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Digital subscriber line (DSL)

A digital subscriber line, more commonly called 'DSL,' is the technology that allows both homes and businesses access to the Internet. Users receive data over copper wires, similar to a phone line, but without requiring conversion from digital to analog format.

I recommend: TechTarget offers a detailed description of how DSL works.

Asymmetric/Symmetric DSL

Asymmetric DSL (ADSL) and symmetric DSL (SDSL) are the two main types of DSL. With an asymmetric DSL connection, users are able to download data more quickly than they can upload it. With a symmetric DSL connection, upload and download rates are the same. Asymmetric DSL is much more common.

I recommend: BroadbandInfo.com compares the two types of DSL.

Business DSL

Most businesses require high-speed Internet connections. A T1 line is the fastest option, but is prohibitively expensive for many small business owners. Business DSL packages are less expensive, making them an attractive option. High-speed Internet companies offer special DSL packages for business owners, which may include more bandwidth and networking capabilities.

I recommend: Velocity Guide discusses the merits of business high-speed DSL vs. a T1 line.

ISP

ISP stands for Internet Service Provider. A business or homeowner purchases his or her Internet connection through an ISP.

I recommend: Boutell.com answers many questions about ISPs.

Ethernet cable

The Ethernet cable is the cable that connects your computer to the DSL modem. It is the means by which you can receive and send data over the Internet. You can also use Ethernet cables to connect your computer to certain types of printers.

I recommend: WiseGeek explains what an Ethernet cable is and how to use it.

Router

A router allows several computers to connect to the Internet through one DSL modem. This makes it easy for you to network the computers in your office.

I recommend: Webopedia describes what a router is and how to use it. They also have a small diagram showing where it fits into your home or business network.