Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
DSL Pricing
DSL pricing varies widely, with different telephone companies offering different speeds
of DSL and different rates. One thing that's true about the most commonly used flavors
of DSL is that they are usually an asymmetrical service—with download speeds faster
than upload speeds. ADSL installations can typically be run over existing copper wires,
whereas SDSL installations usually require that new high-quality copper wires be in-
stalled between the telco's central office (CO) and the subscriber's location.
There are equipment costs in addition to the monthly fees. AT&T normally includes a
DSL modem that includes a wireless router with the service contract; however, you can
purchase or supply your own if you wish.
AlthoughthestandardpricinglistsplaceDSLatahighermonthlycostthandial-up,ifyou
dig deeper you can find bargain DSL services in many areas. There can be restrictions on
these special low-cost offers, but if you are on a budget and want to get away from dial-
up (and who wouldn't?), contact the DSL providers in your area and ask about the lowest
possible rates. To learn more about these low-cost offers, you can do a search online for
“$9.95 DSL” or “$14.95 DSL.”
Wireless Broadband
If cable modem or DSL service isn't available at your location, you still might be able to
get broadband Internet service through a fixed-base wireless broadband Internet provider,
also called a
Wireless Internet Service Provider
(WISP). These services use various fre-
quencies of microwave signals to connect to the Internet. Most of these are based on the
same 2.4GHz frequencies 802.11 Wi-Fi connections use. These services typically require
asmalldirectionalpanelantennatobemountedatthehighestpointonyourroofandmust
have a clear line-of-sight view of the transmitter, which is usually mounted on a tower
only a few miles away. Such services are therefore local, so you generally need to check
your area to see whether they are available. Normally, I recommend fixed-base wireless
only if cable modem or DSL service is unavailable, but I'd place it as a better overall
choice than satellite service. In general, the initial equipment fees are less than satellite
and the signals are more immune to weather problems. To find a WISP in your area, start
with the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) at
www.wispa.org
and
Cellular Broadband 3G and 4G Services
Cell phone providers also offer high-speed Internet access through the cellular network.
This is usually in the form of dedicated USB (CardBus- or ExpressCard-based modems
can also be used) for laptop systems. Although it is possible to connect these modems to
