For any digital subscriber line (DSL) version, what does the connection speed depend on?

The connection speed for any digital subscriber line (DSL) version is primarily influenced by the distance from the Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM). DSL technology transmits data over traditional copper telephone lines, and the signal quality degrades as the distance increases. The further a subscriber is from the DSLAM, the lower the signal strength, which consequently reduces the achievable data speeds.

While the type of DSL modem used, the number of devices connected, and the time of day can have some impact on performance, they are secondary factors when compared to the distance to the DSLAM. The nature of DSL technology means that the physical connection quality is directly related to how far the data has to travel, making distance the most critical factor in determining the maximum possible speeds a user can achieve.