ADSL - how it works

UK ADSL - How it all slots together

Information Accuracy

Information about the ATM network is exceptionally hard to come by. Most of it is correct, but BT may well have implemented things slightly differently. The depictions of hardware/configurations which are specific to an ISP are to the best of my knowledge correct, but you should not assume that this is an official statement from that ISP. It is simply my understanding of the way they have done things.

Finding the Information

Use your mouse cursor to hover over each image and some text should popup. Click on the image to see a more detailed diagram.

Your PC This is your modem. New wires-only customers can buy their own equipment. A micro-filter used with wires-only installations. The ADSL splitter. Separates the ADSL signal from the voice signal.This type is used in engineer-assist installations.
This is BT's ATM Network (ATM Cloud) - it's called a cloud because that's what multipath networks are normally shown as. This is a DSLAM. This is what your modem connects to at your local telephone exchange. Telephone wires

This is your home gateway. The link from the HG to your ISP. This is implemented in different ways. Your beloved ISP - hopefully.

Page last updated Wednesday, 14 January 2004