Computer Hardware Terms, Glossary and Dictionary

Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM) is a device that aggregates many customer DSL connections to a single high-speed ATM line to the backbone network. When the phone company receives a DSL signal, an ADSL modem with a POTS splitter detects voice calls and data. Voice calls are sent to the PSTN, and data are sent to the DSLAM, where it passes through the ATM to the Internet, then back through the DSLAM and ADSL modem before returning to the customer's PC.

Related Terms

DSLAM: Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer