When talking about broadband, you’ll often come across the term ADSL. It’s one of many acronyms used in reference to broadband internet, like FTTC of FTTP. But what is ADSL exactly? The ADSL meaning is Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line, and it refers to a longstanding form of internet connection in the UK.

This alone probably doesn’t clear the matter up much and you may still be asking yourself – ADSL what is it? To help shed more light on the topic, the team here at Infinitel have put together this guide on ADSL broadband meaning with a comparison to alternative internet connection types. Keep reading for more information!

ADSL Meaning | What is ADSL and How Does it Work?

The full ADSL meaning explained

So, what is ADSL broadband? This type of broadband is delivered through the copper wires of your existing phone line, and it has been a common choice for both homes and business internet solutions for many years. It’s called ‘asymmetric’ because the download and upload speeds are not equal. Download speeds are much faster than uploads, which suits most typical users who download more data than they send.

For this reason, ADSL connections may not be the best business internet solutions for large businesses, that need to both send and receive large amounts of data. But we’ll get onto that later on in this blog during the comparison with alternative options.

How does ADSL broadband work?

What is ADSL internet without copper? Non-functional! This is because setting up an ADSL broadband connection starts with the copper wiring already in your property for your landline phone. When you get ADSL, a device called a DSL filter or splitter is installed. This separates the frequencies used for your phone calls from those used for internet data, so you can use both at the same time.

The speed and reliability of ADSL depend greatly on how far your property is from the telephone exchange (sometimes referred to as the PBX or Private Branch Exchange). The closer you are, the stronger your signal, and the better your connection. As you move further away, speeds drop and the line can become less stable.

In ideal conditions near the exchange, you might see speeds of up to 24Mbps, while properties on the outskirts of the signal range could experience speeds as low as 1Mbps. Before installation, your provider can estimate your expected speed.

It’s also important to understand that ADSL is a shared service. Your internet connection is contended, which means it’s shared with other users in your area. During busy periods your speeds may drop as more people go online, especially in the evening time.

What is ADSL 2?

This is a second ADSL meaning and refers to an upgraded broadband connection. You might also see ADSL 2 referred to by its technical name, ITU G.992.3. It still uses copper phone lines and the same local exchange, but it employs updated technology and different protocols to achieve better speeds and performance.

With an ADSL 2 router, you can connect multiple devices at the same time and it is theoretically up to three times faster than standard ADSL. However, as before, actual speeds are influenced by your distance from the exchange. For best results, you ideally need to be within about 5km of your local exchange. If you already have an ADSL line, upgrading to ADSL 2 is often as simple as switching to a new router.

ADSL 2 connections are particularly beneficial business internet solutions for small businesses, or for those who need to support video conferencing, streaming, or large file downloads. For businesses with greater needs, or for homes wanting faster internet, fibre optic options such as FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) or FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) may be better choices. These options deliver much faster speeds and are more suitable for large teams or high bandwidth activities like hosted telephony.

For more information on this you can check out our other blog – Fibre vs Broadband – The Difference Explained.

ADSL switch off

If you currently rely on ADSL broadband, you should be aware of the upcoming changes. The UK is currently in the process of retiring old analogue networks, including the copper based Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), which supports both ADSL and ISDN lines.

The telecommunications industry aims to have most customers switched over to digital alternatives by January 2027. After this point, landline services will use internet based technology such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Digital Voice, or All-IP telephony.

This transition should be straightforward for most users. If you still want a landline service but don’t wish to have a broadband package, providers will still offer ‘landline only’ options using the new digital systems.

ADSL vs FTTC vs FTTP broadband

For most people, the digital change is an opportunity to upgrade to faster, more reliable internet, especially as fibre optic networks are now widely available across the UK. So what is what is ADSL internet in comparison to FTTC or FTTP?

FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) is a hybrid broadband solution. Fibre optic cables carry the data from the main exchange to a green street cabinet near your property. From there, the signal travels the rest of the way via the copper wires used for ADSL. While it doesn’t quite match the performance of full fibre (FTTP), FTTC broadband can deliver speeds up to 76Mbps. This is plenty for most households and small businesses, supporting activities like streaming, video calls, and regular browsing.

FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) is a full fibre service, where fibre optic cables run all the way from the exchange directly into your property, bypassing street cabinets and copper wiring altogether. FTTP is the gold standard for speed and reliability, capable of handling demanding applications (such as multiple users streaming or gaming) without lag. Some FTTP connections offer speeds up to 1,600Mbps, which is futureproof for both homes and business internet solutions for medium-sized businesses and above.

In contrast, ADSL broadband offers slower speeds, more susceptibility to interference, and less reliability during busy periods. While ADSL may still suit those with only basic needs or who live in rural areas, most users will benefit from upgrading to fibre options if available.

Which broadband option should you choose?

So, ADSL vs FTTC vs FTTP – which is the right choice? In nearly all situations, FTTP is the top performer. The fully fibre network is less affected by weather and can handle data heavy demands, making it ideal for busy homes and businesses alike.

FTTC offers a solid middle ground, providing a significant improvement over ADSL without the need for a full fibre installation. It’s widely available and suitable for most users, especially those who don’t require the ultra-high speeds of FTTP.

ADSL, meanwhile, may be adequate for very light users, those in remote areas, or as a backup connection. However, as technology moves forward, it’s becoming less practical for the majority of households and businesses, and soon it will be switched off entirely.

No matter which option you choose, it’s worth thinking ahead. If you plan to expand your business, or if you have multiple people at home using the internet at the same time, choosing a future ready solution like FTTP is a smart investment.

Find the ideal broadband connection for your needs with Infinitel Business Internet

Here at Infinitel, we understand that every customer has unique requirements when it comes to internet connectivity. That’s why we offer tailored broadband packages to help keep your business, remote team, or household connected and operating smoothly. From start-ups and SMEs to larger enterprises, we have solutions to suit every situation.

If you would like some more information or to talk about our products, please do not hesitate to contact us!