If you’re a newcomer to ADSL Broadband Internet and its associated technologies, understanding the jargon may get a tad confusing. To dispel the complexities behind Australian ADSL Speeds and ADSL2 Exchanges, I guess it’s important to first understand the difference of such. ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), as you should know, is a protocol for delivering data communications over copper lines. ADSL2 & ADSL2+ are improved versions of ADSL and increase coverage distances, broadband speed and bandwidth limits.

ADSL Speeds range from 256k up to 8Mbps (anything below 256k is not deemed as Broadband)
ADSL2 Speeds range from 8Mbps up to 12Mbps (ADSL2 was quickly superseded by ADSL2+)
ADSL2+ Speeds range from 12Mpbs up to 24Mbps (Not available in all areas)

ADSL2 Exchanges are otherwise known as Telephone Exchanges, as ADSL technology currently uses the traditional PSTN telephone line to deliver broadband connectivity. Australian Telecommunication Operator ‘Telstra’ owns the telephone line infrastructure and wholesale ADSL Broadband to other Telecommunication Providers. In order to obtain ADSL2 Broadband or ADSL2+ Broadband Internet from ADSL2 Providers other than BigPond (such as Optus, iPrimus, Dodo or AAPT), these Internet Service Providers (ISPs) must first install their own DSLAM* (Digital subscriber line access multiplexer) equipment in Telstra’s Telephone Exchanges before being able to offer ADSL2 services to you. Otherwise the only other alternative is to become a Telstra reseller (if they let you) and sell ADSL2 plans that way.

More and more Australian Internet Exchanges are being equipped with ADSL2 Broadband connections everyday. Churning ADSL Providers (Internet Transfer of service), is now a faster process with ADSL2 churns starting to become available. Naked DSL Exchanges are the same as an ADSL Exchange, in fact Naked ADSL is not a new technology, moreover a new service that incorporates the home phone line.

Unfortunately there is no assured way (nor resource) for confirming ADSL2 eligibility at this stage. You can use the prospective Provider’s coverage checker that’s usually located on their site, or search for Plan right here at Broadband Guide. On the other hand if you want to know which Telephone Exchanges are ADSL enabled, you can download the Telstra Wholesale spreadsheet to find out. ADSL Enabled Exchanges : http://www.telstrawholesale.com/products/docs/access_broadband_adsl_en_ex.xls

Search for ADSL, ADSL2 or ADSL2+ Plans in your area right here at Broadband Guide Plan Search.

* Digital subscriber line access multiplexer hardware allows telephone lines to produce faster connections to the internet