GlueGuy
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2001
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Re: Rural internet -ISDN
There are numerous competing technologies. Oldest is ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), that is digital, and combines multiple "channels" into a single, digital link that can support a couple of phone lines and simultaneous digital transmission. Costs vary widely, and often include per-minute charges. Can only work if you are within 5,000' of the CO (Central Office).
Newer technology is DSL (Digital subscriber Line), that is similar to ISDN, but goes farther (17,000'), and faster (lots of variations here, but usually at least twice as fast, to several times as fast as ISDN). DSL is also often "asymetrical", meaning that the downlink (incoming) is faster than the uplink (outgoing), although this isn't always true. There are at least a half-dozen variations on DSL, usually designated by DSL-A, DSL-G, etc. Major acronym mania.
DirectPC (or Direct Duo if you also get satellite TV) is the first generation of internet via satellite. It is asymetrical like DSL, and the uplink is via your regular phone line. Big hassle, but sometimes the only alternative because of the distance limitations of ISDN and DSL.
Starband is the second generation of internet via satellite. Also asymetrical, but it all goes to the satellite. Big improvement over DirectPC, but you're gonna PAY for it.
Another option available in some areas is Sprint's Broadband Direct. This is a wireless-to-the-home system that is similar to DSL, except there are no wires involved. Instead, Sprint installs a "broadcast" station in a few areas, and you install a "pizza box" on your home aimed at the nearest station.
Stay tuned, a lot is happening in all these areas.
The GlueGuy
There are numerous competing technologies. Oldest is ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), that is digital, and combines multiple "channels" into a single, digital link that can support a couple of phone lines and simultaneous digital transmission. Costs vary widely, and often include per-minute charges. Can only work if you are within 5,000' of the CO (Central Office).
Newer technology is DSL (Digital subscriber Line), that is similar to ISDN, but goes farther (17,000'), and faster (lots of variations here, but usually at least twice as fast, to several times as fast as ISDN). DSL is also often "asymetrical", meaning that the downlink (incoming) is faster than the uplink (outgoing), although this isn't always true. There are at least a half-dozen variations on DSL, usually designated by DSL-A, DSL-G, etc. Major acronym mania.
DirectPC (or Direct Duo if you also get satellite TV) is the first generation of internet via satellite. It is asymetrical like DSL, and the uplink is via your regular phone line. Big hassle, but sometimes the only alternative because of the distance limitations of ISDN and DSL.
Starband is the second generation of internet via satellite. Also asymetrical, but it all goes to the satellite. Big improvement over DirectPC, but you're gonna PAY for it.
Another option available in some areas is Sprint's Broadband Direct. This is a wireless-to-the-home system that is similar to DSL, except there are no wires involved. Instead, Sprint installs a "broadcast" station in a few areas, and you install a "pizza box" on your home aimed at the nearest station.
Stay tuned, a lot is happening in all these areas.
The GlueGuy
