The reason that BellSouth and other ISPs impose a limitation on distance is that the DSL signal loses strength over distance. This loss of signal is referred to as attenuation. Each provider estimates the distance at which it believes sufficient signal is lost to cause a poor, on non-existent, connection. Attenuation to a specific location can only be measured from the location, therefore, a preliminary “estimate” is used to determine the possibility of a connection to a specific site. No ISP can, or will, guarantee that service can be connected prior to their testing at the end location.

Additionally, each CO, (central office), must have a DSLAM installed at its’ location in order for it to be capable of processing the DSL signal. Regardless of its’ proximity to the CO, a location cannot get DSL service if the DSLAM is not installed in the CO.

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by tomsprat edited by KeysCapt
last modified: 2003-04-13 09:35:52