Hardware: ADSL Modems

Modem
The DSL modem is the home appliance that is properly called an
Internet transceiver because it sends and receives data across the
Internet.

DSL Access Multiplexer (DSLAM)
DSL Access Multiplexer is the heart (literally) of DSL. It is the
DSLAM that connects all Internet traffic to and from subscribers.

Once data hits the DSLAM from the customer the DSLAM opens the
door to let data out to the Internet or allow data in form the
Internet. The advantage of DSL is that subscribers have their own
direct connection to the DSLAM. A DSLAM is able to handle hundreds
of direct connections to the Internet. Once the DSLAM becomes
overloaded it can be upgraded to handle more subscribers.

How does the DSLAM Work?
The DSLAM is the heart of DSL. The DSLAM accepts all the
connections from subscribers and sends them out over the Internet.
The DSLAM may also perform routing functions and dynamically assign
IP addresses to subscribers.