What does ADSL stand for, and what is its primary benefit?

ADSL stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. Its primary benefit lies in its ability to allow voice and data to be transmitted simultaneously over standard telephone lines, making it a highly effective technology for internet connectivity. This simultaneous transmission is particularly advantageous because it enables users to make phone calls while still having access to the internet without interruption, a significant improvement over older technologies that required a dedicated line for each service.

Additionally, ADSL achieves higher download speeds compared to upload speeds, which aligns accurately with typical consumer usage patterns where users often download more data than they upload. This asymmetry in speed is designed to optimize the experience for activities such as browsing, streaming, and downloading files, further supporting the choice as the correct answer. The ability to utilize existing phone infrastructure for high-speed internet access contributed to the widespread adoption of ADSL in both residential and commercial settings.