Computer talk Article # 2: High Speed Internet Access:

by Chaim Jaskoll

Last month we discussed the promises of high-speed Internet access using Cable technologies. Now we will continue our talk with the exciting world of DSL.

DSL, or Digital Subscriber Lines, is a technology that uses the existing copper wire from the POTS (Plain Old Telephone System) in your house, running at a different frequency than your phone conversations. This service, which is usually provided by: the Traditional Telephone Companies (large companies like Southwestern Bell, Pacific Bell, Bell Atlantic, BellSouth, USWest, Ameritech and GTE); the new, competitive telephone companies (created after The Telecommunications Act of 1996 was passed); or an ISP (Internet Service Provider), supports up to 8.1 mbps downstream speeds if you're close enough to a CO (Central Office) or switch. That's five times faster than a T-1!

However, the type of service we are going to focus on is ADSL, the one most often found in residential areas. Asynchronous DSL, in difference to Synchronous DSL, is unique in that it reserves more bandwidth going down toward the user and less upstream, an ideal situation for most home users.

Performance is spectacular with 144 kbps - 1.5 mbps/120 kbps - 1.1 mbps speeds at prices ranging from $50 to $190 a month. Not included in this price are installation costs ($100 - $500), a digital modem ("terminal adapter") ($300 - $600), and a network interface card ($25).

Yet, an industry standard that should be out shortly, G. Lite (formerly Universal ADSL), promises to eliminate the incompatibility issues and high prices found with existing ADSL service. G. Lite will not require the phone company to send a technician over to your house, eliminating the installation costs, and, furthermore, G. Lite modems can cost as little as $200. Indeed, most of the major modem manufacturers have agreed on this standard, and you should see them hit the shelves soon (Compaq, IBM, and Dell have already offered them as "on-board chip" options). Although somewhat slower than traditional ADSL (max is 1.5 mbps/384 kbps), G. Lite service costs far less, with monthly charges right now set at $50 - $80 and looking to drop to the $30 range at the end of the year 2000.

ADSL's biggest setback is that the technology requires a distance of less then 18,000 feet (2.8 miles) from your telephone company's nearest switch or CO. Which means either you got it or you don't. But don't worry; most rural and urban users in the NY/NJ area shouldn't have that problem. The most exciting feature of ADSL (besides its speed) is that, as opposed to Cable technologies, there is no sharing. Each user has a direct connection to the Internet, which means your speeds won't decrease just because your neighbor is on the net all day; and that your security won't be compromised just because your neighbor is a MIS major.

In conclusion, although both Cable and xDSL technologies have finally provided high-speed Internet access at competitive costs, the availability in your specific area might be limited at the present. For example, no companies presently provide service in the thriving business district of Washington Heights, although some companies have promised service by October/November. Yet, some areas of Long Island already have $30/month Cable access from Optimum Online (www.cablevision.com), a local cable TV provider.

Bell Atlantic (www.bellatlantic.com) is also starting its own DSL service, InfoSpeed DSL, in the metropolitan area at a very competitive price of $50 / month (for 384 kbps/ 128 kbps service). A great place to check the availability in your area, including the distance of your house from the nearest switch or central office, is www.getspeed.com, which keeps a database of many different Cable and DSL providers. Most other companies (www.redconnect.net, www.flashcom.com, www.bway.net) will tell you if there is service in your area, or will contact you when it becomes available.

A final note: if you do decide to get one of these services and want to set it up on a home network, make sure you find out about their policies regarding multiple users in residential plans. Some companies support it, others forbid it, and still others allow it but won't support it. And remember that you will still need a hub, LAN bridge, and proxy server to make your Internet connection network-able, though there are some all-in-one products known as residential gateways just emerging in the market that can make this step easier.

Next month we will hopefully discuss SPAM and methods of fighting it.

Any questions or comments? Please send an email to commie@ymail.yu.edu.