General Questions

What is DSL?
DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. DSL is a high-speed Internet access product for homes and businesses that uses existing copper telephone lines.

What are the benefits of DSL?
Fast Access - DSL allows you to access the Internet up to 35 times faster than a 28.8k dial-up modem. This means web sites will appear much faster, especially those with large graphics. Your e-mail will arrive and be sent much quicker, and advanced business applications are possible, like web hosting and e-commerce.

Always On - DSL is a dedicated service, meaning it is always on, so there is no need to dial up to connect to the Internet. No more busy signals, and no more waiting to connect. Simply click a desktop icon and you're online.

Inexpensive - DSL offers high-speed Internet access at a fraction of the cost of other dedicated services, such as a T-1 line. T-1 lines can cost over $1,000 per month, while DSL is priced so that small and medium-sized businesses can afford to buy it.

What speeds does SYIX.COM offer?
The following details SYIX.COM service offerings. It is important to note that the speeds listed can vary by +/- 20% depending on the line quality of the copper loop to the end-user's location. All speeds will not be available to all customers based on the quality and length of local phone lines from the Central Office. Distances are approximate.

What is meant by upstream and downstream?
Downstream means downloading information from the Internet to your computer. Information travels downstream when a web page is loading on your computer screen, or you open e-mail messages that someone sent you.

Upstream means sending information from your computer to the Internet. Information travels upstream when sending e-mail messages, hosting a web server, providing video streaming, or holding a video conference. If you have ever tried to send an e-mail with a large attachment, like pictures, large spreadsheets, or electronic presentations you understand how a sluggish upstream connection can really slow down your business.

Why should I use SYIX.COM instead of my Phone or Cable company?
There are many advantages to using SYIX.COM over other options. SYIX.COM DSL has been providing Internet Access as a Primary business since 1995 - It's what we do! We do not try to offer you other services such as pay per view movies or long distance services. When we focus on one thing we can provide a level of service you may not get elsewhere. This is the personal level of service. When You call SYIX.COM you will have your call answered by a real person. Our tech support team has the experience to be able to help you. are committed to providing the highest quality DSL service to our customers.

  • SYIX.COM  specializes in providing Internet service.
  • In addition to residential ADSL service SYIX.COM offers a true business class SDSL service. Most local phone companies focus only on ADSL service for residential users.
  • SYIX.COM monitors their network 24x7, which means our customers benefit from high-quality service.
  • End-users can count on SYIX.COM DSL to work when they need it, without worrying about network downtime or poor quality service.

Can a DSL line be shared among multiple users?
Yes, multiple computers can use the same DSL line. Using a DSL router will allow you to connect virtually limitless numbers of computers to one DSL connection. This is perfect for businesses that need to connect an entire office to one DSL connection.
There is a fee for additional connections to the SYIX.COM DSL system

Do I need to upgrade my computer to use DSL?
A Network Interface Card (NIC, or Ethernet card) must be installed in your computer. A simple 10BaseT Ethernet NIC will work. Once the NIC is installed it provides a (rj45) jack on the back of the computer allowing you to connect your new DSL modem or router to the computer.

Does DSL require special equipment?
Yes. DSL requires that the customer use a special DSL bridge or router (modem - cpe). SYIX.COM sells the DSL bridge or router you need to get connected to DSL. There are different options available based on the type of service you purchase.

Who installs this equipment?
Most times You do! We provide a easy to Install self install kit.
If you prefer we can have a SYIX.COM authorized installer install the inside wiring and equipment for end-users who purchase authorized bridges and/or routers. The installer will complete standard inside wiring and connect the DSL equipment to the wiring, making certain that the connection is live and functioning properly.
The cost for this type of installation service starts at $199.00
To obtain an exact quote call our office.


Does my wiring need to change to support DSL service?
NO

Can I buy my own equipment and install it myself?
No. The only equipment that will work is supplied by SYIX.COM.

Will the phone company charge me extra for receiving this service from SYIX.COM?
No. All fees associated with your new DSL service will come from SYIX.COM.

What if I want to upgrade my DSL connection to a faster speed?

Call us and we will advise you of options at your location
Normally, you will be able to upgrade to a higher speed service without needing to upgrade your equipment. For example, the equipment used for 192 Kbps SDSL is the same equipment used for 1.1 Mbps SDSL. However, IDSL, ADSL, and SDSL equipment is not cross functional (an ADSL router would not work on an SDSL line).

Can DSL help telecommuters?
With VPN software DSL will make your home an extension of the office LAN. You will experience high-speed access from home as though you were sitting at your desk in the office.

What is the distance limit for DSL service?
The distances are measured in cable length, not as the crow flies. Generally the cable connecting a customer to a Central Office does not run in a straight line. Instead, the cable twists and turns underground so the distance measured in cable feet is always longer than the distance measured as the crow flies. The limitations are different for the different flavors of DSL. Customers who are located further from the Central Office than the distances listed below will not qualify for that particular DSL service. All distances are approximate.

SDSL

approx. 18,000 cable feet

(about 3.5 miles)

ADSL

approx. 12,000 cable feet

(about 2.2 miles)

IDSL

approx. 36,000 cable feet

(about 6.5 miles)

Comparing Internet Access Options:

How does DSL compare to 56 Kbps analog modems?
DSL is significantly faster than a 56 Kbps modem. Also, DSL is always on so there is no need to dial up to connect to the Internet. And because the connection is dedicated you will be able to host a web server whereas this is not feasible with a dial-up connection. DSL also makes it easy to connect multiple computers to one high-speed line to share the speed on that line among an entire office.

How does DSL compare to Cable modems?
Although cable can be appealing because of its price, there are some inherent drawbacks to cable modem service. First, the cable network is shared, which means as the number of cable users increases the speed on each individual's line decreases. Second, a shared network is inherently less secure than a dedicated service like DSL, as neighboring cable customers can more easily intercept data or hack into another user's computer. Third, the upstream speed on a cable modem is generally no higher than 128 Kbps. Thus, cable modems are unable to provide acceptable levels of speed or security for business purposes.

How does DSL compare to a T-1 line?
T-1 lines provide access speeds of 1.544 Mbps. The decision between DSL and T-1 access when DSL is readily available is a straightforward one due to pricing. Normally, for the same high bandwidth access, a business will pay significantly more every month for a T-1 line than it would for DSL. Additionally, installation of a T-1 line is generally far more expensive than installation and setup of DSL services.

How does DSL compare to ISDN?
DSL will be the cause of ISDN's demise for several reasons:

  • ISDN is only available in two speeds: 64 Kbps and 128 Kbps, both of which are significantly slower than most DSL connections.
  • ISDN sometimes offers dedicated, always-on access but not always. Often, ISDN is subject to additional per-minute fees. Monthly ISDN fees can easily be in the hundreds of dollars.
  • DSL is easier and less expensive to install than ISDN.

Technology Questions:

What type of backbone equipment are you using to provide DSL service?
SYIX.COM uses an ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) backbone and a DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer) to deliver your service. This equipment is located in telephone company Central Offices The DSLAM is manufactured by Newbridge.

Does SYIX.COM DSL work with Windows and Macintosh?
Yes.

Does DSL require a special Internet browser?
No. You can use whatever browser you choose.

Is a custom domain name included with my DSL account?
No

Can I host a web server or e-mail server?
Web servers and mail servers can be hosted from our SDSL accounts.