DSL and Dial-Up
DSL
I've heard that DSL is cool. What is it?
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is an always-on, broadband connection to the Internet. The data signal is carried over your telephone line.
DSL is billed per month for a fixed price, and for unlimited usage. Whether you use it for e-mail once a day, or you spend a considerable amount of hours online, your bill is always the same.
Once you have a DSL line you can use the Internet in the same way you did from a dial-up modem, except you can use it 24 hours a day, with no connection delay. You can also use the Internet (although not always) without a 'username' and 'password', and without a busy signal or any connection/disconnection process.
The key advantage of DSL over a dial-up modem is speed. DSL is fast--up to dozens of times faster than a dial-up modem connection. A complex Web page that could take up to a minute to finish downloading from a 56K modem can appear in just seconds over DSL. Plus, with DSL you can talk on the phone and use the Internet at the same time!
Connection speed, reliability, and the 'always-on' nature of DSL are the main reasons it is so popular. For small businesses, DSL is also a great way to save money compared to pay-per-minute ISDN data or expensive T1 lines.
If I get DSL, do I still need an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?
The quality of your ISP is a big factor in how good your DSL performance is, how reliable it is, and how much technical support you can get when you have problems. Web-ster DSL packages together an ISP, a DSL connection, and technical support--all for one reasonable price.
OK...What do I need an ISP for?
The ISP provides your gateway to the Internet. When data leaves your house, it is not immediately on the Internet. The data travels to your ISP first, and then on to the ISP's Internet gateways (known as upstream providers). The ISP provides DNS service for your static IP address and also handles allocation of dynamic IP addresses (DHCP). Your ISP also provides you with e-mail, a usenet server, and additional IPs if you need them. Your ISP is also the first point of contact for activation, billing, and technical troubleshooting.
Where is Web-ster DSL available?
Web-ster DSL is available in the Canby Telephone Association's local telephone service area. Specifically, DSL is available to approximately 98% of homes and businesses in Canby. For information on availability at a specific address, please contact CTA's Customer Care Center at 503-266-8111.
Why is distance important with DSL?
DSL is distance-sensitive--the length of the line between your house or business and the Central Office is a very important factor in whether or not you can get DSL.
Will I get charged more for using DSL more often?
No. Web-ster DSL includes unmetered access to the Internet.
What is the cost of Web-ster DSL?
To see the Web-ster DSL packages and pricing, click here.
If I order Web-ster DSL, how soon can I get it hooked up?
After you order DSL, it will be installed in 2-5 business days.
Does anyone have to visit my house to activate DSL?
Generally, yes. CTA can use the existing phone and line convert it to a DSL line. CTA may have to upgrade the NID (the phone junction box at your residence).
Will my old computer be fast enough for DSL?
Yes. Your computer will be fast enough for DSL. However, you may be able to view video and other memory-hungry functions that may not have been possible at all with dial-up--and you may begin to change your idea of what is "fast enough."
Will I have to upgrade my DSL modem every six months?
No. If you move your DSL provider to another company, you may need different equipment.
I heard that I can connect my phone to DSL, as well. Is this true?
Your phone signal can run over an ADSL line. ADSL is a type of DSL offered by CTA for residential use.
Can I send faxes over DSL?
You cannot FAX over a DSL connection. However, if you keep your old modem, you can still use software fax programs (such as Winfaxpro) to send and receive faxes over your regular telephone line.
Can I use a laptop computer with DSL?
You can use a laptop with DSL almost as easily as a desktop computer. If you laptop has no Ethernet port, you will need to buy a PCMCIA card supporting 10/100 Ethernet. Apart from the PCMCIA card, using a laptop with DSL works the same as using a desktop DSL connection.
Can two computers in my house operate at the same time using a single DSL line?
You cannot have two different DSL modems on two computers connected to the same DSL line at the same time. However, two computers can be connected simultaneously to one DSL connection. For more information, see How can I share my single DSL line between more than one computer?, below.
How can I share my single DSL line between more than one computer?
There are several options for sharing a DSL connection between several computers. You can utilize a Hub or an Ethernet Switch to hook up multiple computers to your DSL. (There is a $5.00 monthly fee for each additional computer that you hook up to the Hub.)
Another option for sharing the DSL line with more than one computer is to purchase a Cable/DSL router. A router allows you to hook up as many computers to your DSL as you like, with no additional monthly fee. Cable/DSL routers can be purchased at most computer electronics stores.
I live in an apartment. Can I get DSL?
If your building's existing line supports it, you should be able to get Web-ster DSL service in your apartment. For DSL that needs to be run over a separate copper pair, your building landlord/manager will need to allow a new copper pair to be installed in the phone box, along with the wiring up to your apartment.
What type of security does DSL provide?
None. It is up to the DSL users themselves to supply security.
If I am on the Internet 24 hours a day, is my computer vulnerable to "hacker" attacks?
Possibly. It is always wise to install an Internet firewall in order to protect your computer from hackers and viruses.
Is my DSL line private, or can my hacker neighbor "listen in" on my transmissions?
With DSL, you have a unique private line from your ISP. This does not mean you cannot be hacked by someone else on the Internet, but it does mean that no local neighbors can listen to your data.