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Networking: VDLS How it works

VDSL is a type of broadband internet that delivers data over existing copper telephone lines, similar to ADSL—but much faster over short distances.

Uses phone lines (copper)

VDSL runs over the same copper wires used for landline phones. Internet data and phone calls use different frequency ranges, so they can work at the same time.

Short distance = high speed

 Speed depends heavily on distance from the provider’s equipment. The closer you are, the faster it is.
Typical setup: Internet Provider => Street cabinet (DSLAM) => Your house / Office.
Best speeds usually within 300–800 meters of the cabinet.

Modulation & frequency

VDSL sends data using high-frequency signals. Higher frequencies = higher speeds, but they fade faster, which is why distance matters more than with ADSL.

Download vs upload
  • VDSL can be asymmetric or symmetric:
  • Asymmetric: faster download than upload in the case of BT 80/20 is a common speed seen as the base connection.
  • Symmetric: similar upload and download speed BT Lease Lines as an example will offer a 100/100 or 1000/1000..
Typical speeds
TechnologyDownloadUpload
ADSLup to ~24 Mbps~1 Mbps
VDSL50–100 Mbps10–40 Mbps
VDSL2up to ~300 Mbps (short distance)higher uploads
Fiber Optic10Gbit10Gbit