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 Ratings
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| Reviewed: |
Feb 21, 2006 by Information Technology Editorial Board |
| Overview: |
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) is reference material created in 1997
as part of a course deliverable for a course in protocols and computer networks.
This is a stand-alone module, which does not appear to be currently maintained.
The material addresses the technology of ADSL and its use in video conferencing.
Sections include an overview from the perspective of a home user, a description
of the technology; discrete multitone, code and error correction, framing and
scrambling, distance and data rates and modulation. This is followed by a
section on video conferencing and ADSL, a links page and a glossary.
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| Learning Goals: |
After reviewing this material a student should be able to identify the
technologies that are part of ADSL, and understand its applications and
limitations. It contains a comparison of ADSL with other transmission methods.
Another goal is to introduce students to basic concepts related to digital
subscriber line technolgoy.
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| Target Student Population: |
College/University
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| Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: |
No prerequisite knowledge is necessary. It would be useful for the student to be
cognizant of ADSL's position in the grand scheme of networks. Also, hands-on
familiarity with the Internet is needed. Familiarity with dial-up and cable
methods of connectivity.
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| Type of Material: |
This is reference material with pictures, a table, graphics, URL links
and a schematic.
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| Recommended Uses: |
This material might be suitable as student notes, supplemental to a lecture on
data transmission methods, and as a resource for self study and/or supplement to
lecture.
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| Technical Requirements: |
The student requires a computer with browser and Internet access.
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| Strengths: |
The material talks to the level of the student when introducing the topic by
using familiar examples. The technical discussions are compact and to the point.
There are frequent links to the glossary for terms used throughout the
material.
Interesting topic. Good mixture of graphics for emphasis.
Well organized. Includes glossary.
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| Concerns: |
The material is frozen in time (1997) and has a narrow scope. It does not appear
to be maintained. The authors appear to have a vested interest in the one
application of ADSL they discuss in any length. Although they present other
applications pictorially, those are not discussed.
Langage and misspellings of common words. Grammar, for example "..we here.."
instead of "..we hear.." is some portions.
Many links on "ADSL links & references" page no longer function (especially
links to vendors). Some diagrams are hard to read (e.g., diagram of superfram
structure on "Technology Description" page). Some spelling errors (e.g.,
"ferqency").
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Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool |
Rating:     |
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| Strengths: |
The material gets the major points across in a concise manner. Good resource for
additional topic links on this subject. Good coverage of topic.
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| Concerns: |
The material does not appear to be designed as instructional material. There is
no summary nor any testing that the information has be assimilated. This
technology is in limited use due to cost. Content out of date: terminology has
changed, transmission rates, etc.
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Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty |
| Rating: |
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| Strengths: |
This material is clear both in its presentation and its access to information.
Easy reading. Simple. Easy to use. Navigation is straightforward.
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| Concerns: |
There is some editing necessary to bring the text to correct English both in
spelling,
grammar, word usage and punctuation. Links need to be updated to
repair broken links and to ensure that the links go to the material intended.
The graphic of the superframe is not clear.
Raises some questions on ancilliary topics that could have been addressed but
were not.
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| Other Issues and Comments: |
There appears to be some possible plagiarism in this material.
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