DSL is usually high speed. Of course there are exceptionally low speed DSL (as well as cable) connections that are only about twice the speed of dialup. Check a bandwidth tester to see what your speed is.
www.speedtest.net/or
http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/and choose the location nearest you for the test.
Or do a Google search for "bandwidth test" and take your pick.
Unless your connection is excrutiatingly slow, there shouldn't be much problem with an iPad.
You can get an iPad with WiFi and it will connect to your wireless setup.
If you get one with Cellular, the Cellular connection won't have anything to do with your current wireless setup, and will probably be a lot slower. However you'll be able to use it anywhere. You'll pay extra for the cellular connection it uses.