Of all the new Internet technologies that have been released over the last few years, perhaps none has been as exciting and perplexing as ADSL2+. This is a service that promises dramatically faster speeds than many other services. If you've been looking for a new Internet service, then you might have come across ADSL2+, but not understood too much about it. Let's take a closer look.

What is ADSL2+?

ADSL2+ stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line 2 Plus. When ADSL was released, it revolutionised the Internet for many users. Rather than plodding along on the Internet at slow speeds, ADSL allowed users to achieve quicker download speeds, and to use both their telephone and Internet at the same time. ADSL2+ takes the improvements of ADSL a step further. It doubles the amount of downstream bits that your phone line can carry. This results in the ability to transfer data at the mind-blowing rate of 24 megabits per second.

ADSL2+ can carry more information faster and farther than traditional ADSL. ADSL2+ also allows "port bonding", which means that you can achieve double or triple the maximum speed by linking up more than one ADSL2+ connection. This is great for home or office networks in which a lot of users share an Internet connection.

Where is it Available?

Since ADSL2+ is a relatively new technology, it isn't as widely available as many other Internet services. ADSL2+ requires that the phone line exchange has been properly upgraded to be able to handle the increased data speeds. The good news is that most urban areas, such as Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne have already upgraded, and most suburban areas have as well. Unfortunately, most rural areas most likely don't yet have ADSL2+ capabilities, but you should check with your local phone companies to make sure.

ADSL2+ might be available to you even if ADSL isn't. Since ADSL2+ can travel farther along the phone lines without signal degradation; you might find that you are on the ADSL2+ network, even though you might have been too far away to get adequate ADSL service.

Pros of ADSL2+

ADSL2+ provides many benefits to its users. Here are just a few of them.

1. All the benefits of ADSL: ADSL2+ automatically provides all the benefits that standard ADSL technology provides over dial-up Internet service. This means that you won't ever need to worry about your Internet service interfering with your phone calls ever again. Your Internet connection will always be on and ready whenever you need it.
2. Speed: Perhaps the greatest benefit of ADSL2+ is the blazing fast speeds that it offers. At 24 megabits per second, you'll never find yourself waiting for web pages to load. You'll be able to watch online videos instantly. If you like to download large music and video files to your computer, then you will especially benefit from the higher speeds that ADSL2+ provides.
3. Greater Signal and Speed Reliability: Unlike standard ADSL, ADSL2+ doesn't suffer nearly as much from the distance you are from your Internet service provider's exchange. With ADSL, if you live more than a few kilometers from the exchange, your speed can be much lower compared to people who live close to the exchange. This isn't nearly as much of an issue with ADSL2+.

Cons of ADSL2+

Although ADSL2+ is a leap forward in technology, there are some drawbacks that are worth mentioning.

1. Price: Like all new technologies, ADSL2+ costs a bit more than ADSL. You may decide that the extra cost is worth it, but you can expect to pay a bit more.
2. Limited Availability: ADSL2+ isn't yet available in all markets. As the technology increases in popularity, you can expect it to be continuously rolled out to more locations. You may need to check with your local phone company before you get too excited about ADSL2+.

Why Choose ADSL2+?

Getting onto a ADSL2+ broadband plan can be a great broadband choice for many people if it is available to you. The speeds are unmatched by any other home Internet technology. You'll also be able to enjoy a greater reliability of service than most other broadband choices.