What does ADSL stand for in the context of data transmission?

ADSL stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. This type of technology is used for transmitting data over traditional copper telephone lines, specifically designed to allow faster data transmission speeds compared to the standard dial-up connections while still allowing for regular telephone service.

The term "asymmetric" refers to the fact that ADSL offers different upload and download speeds; typically, the download speed is significantly faster than the upload speed. This is beneficial for typical internet usage patterns, where users tend to download more data than they upload, such as streaming videos or browsing the web.

The other terms do not accurately represent the technology. For instance, "Active," "Automatic," and "Accelerated" do not describe the specific characteristics or functionality associated with ADSL, thus making them incorrect in this context.