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Internet Access Options
The Internet is here to stay. Having high-speed access to the Interne is becoming more important for your business. We have assembled this information to answer some of the questions that your may have about Internet connection options.
Phone Line
The simplest and least expensive way to connect to the Internet is by using existing phone lines (2 wires). Currently most lines run at 33K downstream (to your office) although most modems are capable of handling up to 56K. Problems that occur with speed and connection tend to be traffic volume and dirt on your phone line. Dirt may include crossing of lines, income phone calls and any noise. Contact your local phone company to review your Internet speed.
An extensive directory of Internet service providers, with reviews, can be found at http://www.isp.com/res/r2002-00.html
ISDN
The telephone network is almost entirely digital, with the notable exception of the segment that links the customer and the local exchange. ISDN uses existing copper wire or optical fiber to render this segment functionally digital as well. Besides the obvious advantage of a significant increase in speed of up to 128K (up to five times faster than a standard phone connection), the other big advantage of ISDN is its flexibility. It gives you the ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously with multiple channels. You can fax or speak on the phone while you're on the Internet using the same phone line. However, your Internet speed may be reduced as a result of multitasking. The single biggest obstacle of using ISDN is likely to be your physical location. If you're not in an area that's reasonably close to a telephone company's central office (one with the required equipment already installed), ISDN may not be available for your office. If you are near a major city the option is usually available. The installation rate often varies, depending on your location and the type of service you require. Bell Atlantic charges in the range of $100 to $200 for installation and it could take 2 weeks or more for installation. Call Bell Atlantic at 800-438-4736
DSL
Like ISDN, this technology uses existing copper-pair wiring. Special hardware attached to both the user and switch ends of the line allows data transmission over the wires. The major benefit of DSL is that the Internet downstream speeds range from 144K to 7.1M depending on the package you purchase. Unfortunately, DSL is not available everywhere. Charges include installation and a monthly service fee and purchase of modem. Also, if available, installation could take 2 weeks or more. Call Vitts, HarvardNet or Bell Atlantic for more information.
There are many providers of DSL please check www.dslreports.com or www.getspeed.com for availability, rates and providers.
Cable Modem
A cable modem provides high-speed Internet access through a cable television network at more than 1 Mbps (at least 20 times as fast as a analog telephone modem). Cable modems are external devices that are placed next to your computer and are always connected to the Internet like a T1 and DSL. Unlike circuit-switched telephone networks, where a caller is allocated a dedicated connection, cable modem users do not occupy a fixed amount of bandwidth during their online sessions. Instead, they share the network with other active users, as with an office LAN, and only use the network's resources when they actually send or receive data. As a result, the speed of the modem depends on how many people are online at that time. In addition, each computer must have a dedicated cable modem although new technology is becoming available for LANs. Monthly charges are around $99 for the first computer and $39 for each additional computer, in addition there are also installation charges. Connection to your home is typically $39, plus basic cable and an installation fee. Call your local cable provider for details.
T1
The T-carrier system is an entirely digital, dedicated line unlike ISDN. The T-1 digital stream consists of 24 64-Kbps channels which allows your to transfer information up to 1.544 megabits per second or about one-sixth the speed of Ethernet. In practical terms, its the most common way to connect your LAN to the rest of the world. Although most people order a full T1 circuit, fractional T1 is also available. As T1 circuits are made up of 24 64-Kbps channels and you can opt to pay for only a fraction of them. Another option is called switched T1. Most T1 circuits are dedicated, meaning that the connection is always live and exists between two specific points. A switched T1 circuit works like a regular phone line or ISDN line in that you can make calls to other switched T1 lines. To terminate your T1 connection, you need a CSU/DSU; you also need a router to connect it to your network. These can be purchased directly from your ISP. If you're using the T1 circuit to carry voice and data, you'll need a T1 multiplexer, a device that splits the circuit into multiple chunks that you can split between your voice and data requirements. For a full T1 circuit, expect to pay somewhere between $200 and $700 per month, with a one-time installation charge of between $200 and $500. Prices vary by region. For Internet connections, don't forget the bill from the ISP, which will range between $800 and $2,000 per month for the portal into the Internet. To get T1 you should consult your local ISP.
Satellite
PCDirect, owned by Hughes Electronics, offers both home and business satellite Internet service. You must purchase a satellite dish from them and then have it installed. A monthly fee is charged for access to the Internet which is about $19.99 for 400 KBts or 10 times the speed of a typical. Go to http://www.direcpc.com/ for more information.
There are additional options available including Microwave. These systems rely heavily on local technology; please call your local Internet hardware provider for more information.
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