xDSL

Definition - What does xDSL mean?

xDSL refers to the sum total of digital subscriber line (DSL) technologies. Line-length limitations on DSL signal transmissions from the telephone exchanges speeds have resulted in the many types of DSLs.

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Techopedia explains xDSL

Some examples of DSL technologies (xDSL) include:

Digital Subscriber line (DSL)
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL)
Gigabit Digital Subscriber Line (GDSL)
High-Data-Rate Digital Subscriber Line (HDSL/HDSL2)
Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL)
Rate-Adaptive Digital Subscriber Line (RADSL)
Very-High Speed Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL/VDSL2)
Universal High-Bit-Rate Digital Subscriber Line (UHDSL)

ADSL and SDSL were the main two categories of DSL. DSL technologies are sometimes referred to as “last-mile technologies” because they are used only between a telephone switching station and a home or office; DSL is not used between switching stations.

Actual DSL transmission methods vary greatly with the carrier, equipment used, geographical location and the customer.

Many DSL technologies support simultaneous voice and Internet transmission; some include video as well.