Definition of a DSLAM.

A DSLAM ( Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer) is a large scale networking device that usually resides at the telephone company CO. The DSLAM receives the signals from many different DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) customer connections and transmits the data on to a high-speed Internet backbone line using multiplexing technologies. Depending on the specific model of equipment, DSLAM multiplexers connect DSL lines with a combination of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), frame relay, or IP networks. The DSLAM enables phone companies to offer users the fastest copper wire Internet connection technology (DSL) with the fastest backbone network technology (ATM).

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