VDSL stands for very high bit-rate digital subscriber line. VDSL uses copper wires or fiber-optic cables in your phone line to deliver high-speed Internet to your devices. VDSL boasts some of the fastest download and upload speeds in the industry. A modem is a small box that connects your devices to the Internet using cables. VDSL requires a compatible VDSL modem to achieve the optimal Internet speeds. A VDSL modem is connected to your Internet service provider through a phone line.

How does it work?

Similar to the way landline phones carry signals, broadband lines also allow data from your Internet service provider to be sent via DSL connections. Your VDSL modem acts as a data translator that connects your device to your Internet service provider which then connects your device to the Internet. Unlike dial-up Internet, which also uses phone lines, VDSL allows you to use your phone while connected. VDSL also uses different frequency bands, allowing you to choose the speed necessary for certain downloads or uploads.

VDSL Speeds

DSL speeds in general can be greatly affected by your distance from your ISP’s telephone exchange (the box in your neighborhood where the switches reside). VDSL downstream and upstream speeds can reach up to 100 megabits per second (Mbps). VDSL2 can actually reach theoretic data rates of up to 200 Mbps. By comparison, this is significantly faster than the 8-10 Mbps speeds that ADSL is typically capable of.

Availability

VDSL is limited to a short distance, meaning you will get maximum speeds within 300 meters of the CO, or Central Office. VDSL is not yet a widespread technology because of its higher price point and distance limitations.