The 512k uplink and 256k downlink can work, but only under the best and most perfect conditions - nonsense, it never happens.
It can be liked to that speed achieved by a 56k modem. The modem will allow you up to 56k download but other factors do affect this hence the 3k per sec.
No one and I mean no one will ever achieve a download rate of 512k constantly on ADSL - because the optimum conditions required to do so just do not and will not exist. Only if you are the only user on the damn main server it will!
It's just a selling point really. Although the modems themselves are capable of 2Mb/s!!!! if you can provide the conditions.
Also important to realise is that 56k does not mean 56 kilo bytes but means 56 kilo bits. There are 8 bits in a byte.
[This message has been edited by G-NADS (edited 05 April 2001).]