At its highest speeds, DSL is great for multiple users, but probably won't stand up very well to hosting a Web site. Compared to higher-speed services, DSL is affordable. Unfortunately, the service is available only in a few major metropolitan areas today. Ordering, setting up and getting DSL working can be taxing. Most DSL today is asynchronous, or ADSL, meaning data downloads at a higher rate than it can be sent out to the Internet.
Most users retrieve more data from the Internet than they send out.
Synchronous DSL, with equivalent upload and download speeds, is also available, but more expensive. A typical ISP will offer several different DSL service levels. The setup fee covers the cost of activating DSL service on an existing telephone line and having technicians install and configure the modem or, if you will be connecting several computers, a router. Check the small print on DSL contracts. Many ISPs will waive some setup and equipment fees provided the buyer commits to a year or longer contract.