The most promising way yet to unclog the Internet bottleneck and speed data across the public switched telephone network is ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) technology. ADSL loads Web pages up to 50 times faster and cheaper than ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) channels and uses existing PSTN copper lines; plus, new standards promise to spur rapid development of ADSL-based applications. Carrier personnel, educators, consultants, and consumers will find this highly readable and practical ADSL guidebook an attractive alternative to highly technical ADSL reference materials. It covers ADSL applications, installation, all technology variants (DSL, ADSL, HDSL, and VDSL), ADSL standards, the convergence of DSL and ATM, and includes numerous real-world examples.