Update:

---

The Clifden Exchange is now enabled for DSL broadband. There are currently a number of providers offering DSL broadband to customers in Clifden. For more information, please contact Julian Matz at NetLink IT.

---

Sources have stated that Eircom Ltd. will be providing DSL broadband in Clifden this month.

NetLink IT have tried to get this confirmed with Eircom but have not been able to get a spokesperson who knew anything about this. Of course this does not mean they are not planning on offering the service.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line -- formerly Digital Subscriber Loop) is the fastest and most reliable form of "domestic" broadband currently available. It is typically delivered through the telephone network and provides bandwidth of between 128 kbps and 24,000 kbps, but connection speeds greatly depend on how far away the exchange is from the subscriber. Ideally the subscriber should be within a 2km range.

The two main types of DSL are ADSL (Asymmetric DSL) and SDSL (Symmetric DSL). ADSL is the more common of the two where download speeds are higher than upload speeds. SDSL has equal download and upload speeds and  is mostly used in corporate buildings and larger companies.

SDSL is particularly favourable when using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) telephony because data travels both ways at equal speeds.

What you need to subscribe to DSL

1. A DSL enabled telephone line.
2. A subscription to the service from your provider.
3. A DSL "modem" or adapter.
4. An Ethernet network adapter.
5. A router for sharing internet connectivity with multiple computers.
6. Sufficient Ethernet CAT5e LAN cables.