Connectivity : Dial-up & ISDN : Page 3

:: Networks : Dial-up & ISDN : Dedicated Lines : Future Options ::

B A C K M E N U H E L P N E X T	:: Dial-up & ISDN :: h o w d i a l u p m o d e m s w o r k ::

Dial-up modems provide access to the Internet through local phone lines. You will need all of the following items to establish a dial up modem connection.
A computer. Any type of computer can be used. The speed of the computer is not even important with dial-up access since access speeds are generally much slower than the computer's processing speed.
A modem. This device translates (modulates) digital information from the computer into an analog phone signal. A modem on the other end of the telephone circuit must translate (demodulate) the analog signal back into digital before delivery on the Internet. More on modems on the next page.
A phone line. Most people already have telephone service to their homes or businesses. This is all that is required. However, using the phone line for Internet access means it is unavailable for conversation. Adding a second phone line increases costs, but solves this problem.
Internet Service Provider (ISP). An ISP receives the call from your computer and makes the connection into the Internet. ISPs maintain banks of modems for their customers calling in to connect. Unless your ISP supports higher modem speeds, it will not help to have one at at home.
Access software. This is special software which dials the ISP to make a connection. It is customizable and once configured it will dial and establish a connection whenever the user launches a program which requires Internet access.
The following animation shows how a typical dial-up session works.

The benefits of dial-up are low cost and widespread availability. Virtually anyone, anywhere can connect for a few hundred dollars in hardware and $10 a month for service. Dial-up limitations include slow connection speed and the unreliability of the telephone circuits. Sometimes telephone line disconnect, ending the Internet connection as well.

B A C K M E N U H E L P N E X T

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Epoch Networks Incorporated, 1996

		Dial-up modems provide access to the Internet through local phone lines. You will need all of the following items to establish a dial up modem connection. A computer. Any type of computer can be used. The speed of the computer is not even important with dial-up access since access speeds are generally much slower than the computer's processing speed. A modem. This device translates (modulates) digital information from the computer into an analog phone signal. A modem on the other end of the telephone circuit must translate (demodulate) the analog signal back into digital before delivery on the Internet. More on modems on the next page. A phone line. Most people already have telephone service to their homes or businesses. This is all that is required. However, using the phone line for Internet access means it is unavailable for conversation. Adding a second phone line increases costs, but solves this problem. Internet Service Provider (ISP). An ISP receives the call from your computer and makes the connection into the Internet. ISPs maintain banks of modems for their customers calling in to connect. Unless your ISP supports higher modem speeds, it will not help to have one at at home. Access software. This is special software which dials the ISP to make a connection. It is customizable and once configured it will dial and establish a connection whenever the user launches a program which requires Internet access. The following animation shows how a typical dial-up session works.
	The benefits of dial-up are low cost and widespread availability. Virtually anyone, anywhere can connect for a few hundred dollars in hardware and $10 a month for service. Dial-up limitations include slow connection speed and the unreliability of the telephone circuits. Sometimes telephone line disconnect, ending the Internet connection as well.