Connection Types


Tutorial Home >Operating Systems >Windows 9x >Building a Microsoft Windows 98 Network >How do I learn about types of connections to the Internet on a Win98 network?
Tutorial Home >Operating Systems >Windows 9x >Building a Microsoft Windows 98 Network >Connecting to the Internet >Connection Types

  Step 1:  Accessing the Internet

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Whether you are installing a home or office network, you are probably going to want to provide your users with access to the Internet. There are, at this time, several types of connections you can use to connect to the Internet without spending an enormous amount of money for a T1 connection and a dedicated router.
  Step 2:  Using Dial-up Connections

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The dial-up connection, running at up to 53 Kbps downstream and 33.6 Kbps upstream is the standard Internet access method used by most people, because modems and ISPs are inexpensive and no software other than Windows 98 is required. However, when you have multiple computers, providing a separate phone line for each one can be expensive and inconvenient. Sharing a dial-up connection provides an effective Internet access solution for a 2 or 3 users, but not many more than that.
  Step 3:  Using ISDN Connections

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Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is a service that has been provided by telephone companies for many years that can provide Internet access at up to 128 Kbps. Because ISDN is a dial-up service, you can switch ISPs without involving the phone company, but the service has several drawbacks. In addition to being difficult to get installed and notoriously cranky, you typically pay high rates to both your ISP and the phone company, including a per-minute charge, for 2-3 times the effective bandwidth.
  Step 4:  Using Cable Modems

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Many cable companies are taking advantage of the fiber optic networks they have installed to provide Internet access over the same cable that delivers TV service. The connection speed can be up to 10 times that of a dial-up and the cost is about twice that of an ISP's dial-up account, with no phone company charges. The potential drawback, particularly for network users, is that you are connecting to the cable company's network along with other users in your neighborhood, and security can be a problem.
  Step 5:  Using DSL Connections

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Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is the newest technology being used for Internet access. Because it is a dedicated point-to-point connection, it does not have the security and traffic problems that cable networks do, and throughput is often higher than that of cable modems. However, like ISDN, DSL service is limited in the distance that you can be from the provider's point of presence (POP). DSL is also relatively new technology that is just being introduced in many places, and may not yet be reliable.