ISDN Basic Facts
ISDN stands for Integrated Services Digital Network. ISDN is a digital
telephone service that provides high-speed voice and data transmission. ISDN allows
for much faster downloading of graphics, audio and video, minimizing the World Wide Wait.
Speed
As a superior digital transmission service, ISDN connections allow for
much faster data transfers than ordinary analog lines. A '1B' ISDN connection transmits
data about twice as fast as a standard analog 33.6 modem, while a '2B' ISDN connection
transmits data about four times faster than a standard analog 33.6 modem. The
availability of 1B and 2B ISDN connections varies with location. Check the table here to see which is available in your area.
In practice, ISDN's advantage over analog lines is even more pronounced. ISDN lines dial
and connect extremely fast, often in less than a second. Once connected, the line is
perfectly clear, which means that transmission occurs at the full transmission rate of
64,000(1B) or 128,000 bps(2B). In contrast, analog modems are often forced to step down to
20,000 bps or slower transmission rates to accommodate lower quality phone lines. Many
people find ISDN to be a necessity due to the poor quality phone lines in their area.
Other Practical applications
Video conferencing. Regular telephone lines are too slow
for most current video conferencing applications. However, one or more ISDN connections is
often enough for desktop video conferencing. Software on the market is increasingly
targeted for ISDN service, with a new ISDN-based standard emerging to permit different
video conferencing systems to communicate.
Backup for a dedicated data connection.Because ISDN terminals can dial
and connect so quickly, critical data connections can be shifted to an ISDN backup if a
main line goes down. Since ISDN is a dial-up service, businesses will pay much less
keeping an ISDN line available for backup than paying for a second dedicated line.
Necessary equipment
Using ISDN requires an ISDN terminal adapter, or "modem," at
both ends of the connection. This device translates your computer's signals into the
appropriate codes for ISDN. Although not technically modems, these units are manufactured
by modem companies and are packaged to look like standard analog modems. ISDN terminal
adapters start at approximately $300 for basic units.
Getting service
In order to implement ISDN service, an ISDN line will have to be installed
by your local telephone service provider. It is not available in all areas, so you should
call your local phone company before purchasing any equipment. Most local telephone
services have special help lines for businesses purchasing ISDN service. ISDN installation
fees vary depending how far you are from a local telephone company office. You can expect
to pay anywhere from $40 to $400 for installation.
What you will get from Aces
Aces provides nationwide internet access and unlimited hours of ISDN
access per month for only $44.95 per month. Check around and you will see that we
are one of the few ISP’s offering unlimited ISDN service! Click here to find
out more about our internet access services.
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