Are you connected?

When it comes to the Internet, high speed is the only way to go.

by Joe Poole   As director of information services for TAR, one of the most common questions I hear is, "What ISP (Internet service provider) should I use?" When it comes to the Internet, this is probably the most important question anyone can ask.

Why? Isn’t one ISP the same as any other ISP? Aren’t they just a modem bank hooked up to a computer on the ’Net?

Well, yes and no!

It’s true that most ISPs are just a modem bank connected to the Internet. But how many modem connections and at what speeds do they operate? What services do they provide, like personal Web pages? What kind of server are they running? What kind of connection do they use to connect to the Internet and how many hops are they from the Internet backbone? How many users do they have?

These are the factors that separate a good ISP from a bad ISP. And since your e-mail address changes when you switch ISPs (unless you take the good advice from Stephen Canale on page 18), it is best to choose the right ISP and stick with it.

The need for speed
The first factor is speed and number of connections. In my opinion, if you aren’t using a "high-speed connection," you aren’t using the Internet. That is a blunt statement, but it is true.

There are basically two kinds of connections: traditional analog modems and high-speed digital. Traditional analog modems have a maximum speed of 56Kbps (kilobits per second). That sounds pretty good, except that it is limited by your actual phone line and switch equipment. You may have a 56Kbps modem and get connected at much slower actual speeds.

Fast alternatives: ISDN, DSL, Cable
Digital connections like ISDN, DSL, and cable modems really speed things up. All three are good choices for your personal Web connection. You should consider availability, cost, and your user habits to decide which is best for you. With ISDN and DSL, you can have a computer and a phone on the same line and use both at the same time.

ISDN is a 128Kbps connection. DSL is available at either 384Kbps or 1.5Mbps (megabits per second). It is extremely efficient and now reasonably priced. Generally, DSL is the best choice for the money in offices with multiple users.

The final readily available and affordable connection is a cable modem. It provides up to 1.5Mbps speed. This service allows Internet connectivity via your existing TV cable. The 1.5Mbps of bandwidth is shared–normally up to 10 users per switch. This means if you and nine of your neighbors are online at the same time, you connect at 150Kbps. If you are the only user, you get a 1.5Mbps connection.

So what does all this mean in true time saved to you? The chart below compares these connections.

After comparing the time spent to download a program like Netscape, I repeat myself: If you aren’t connected using a digital high-speed connection, you aren’t using the Internet.

Fast and reliable? Why not?
Other factors are important but not nearly as much as bandwidth. If you wish to put up your own Web site, make sure the ISP provides this service. Also, if you want to create a real estate site, let your ISP know. Many charge for business-related sites, while they give their subscribers personal pages for free. Most ISPs limit the size of your Web site, so you should ask about that, too. You should expect a minimum of 3 Mb of space.

Ask your ISP how many hops they are from the backbone. A hop is a router connection. The more hops, the greater the chance of network problems, including time-outs, incomplete downloads, or corrupted downloads. If it is more than five hops, it’s too many.

The number of users determines your ability to connect when you want. In other words, not getting busy signals when you dial in. This may be your greatest concern, because it is certainly irritating. However, with high-speed digital connections, (excluding ISDN), your connection is direct, and busy signals are a thing of the past.

At what price?
When comparing prices, be sure to include the cost of your phone lines and the ISP subscription fees.

Many people, when comparing an analog connection like AOL to a cable modem, only compare the ISPfees. If you plan to have a dedicated line for your Internet service, you must include the cost of the phone line. For example, if a cable connection costs $40 and an analog service like AOL costs $20, you make think the difference in cost is $20. But if you want to have access to your phone and the Internet at the same time, you will need to get a second phone line, which could cost $15 or more. So actually your AOL cost is about $35 per month for 56Kbps service. Is it worth saving $5 to $10 rather than get the cable modem with a connection that is at least 150 Kbs and as high as 1.5 Mbs? That depends. How much is your time worth to you? I’m going to pay the 10 bucks.

One other thing to remember: it is possible with most smaller ISPs to register your own domain name through them. This means you can use your name or business name directly and advertise your e-mail and Web page like any other Internet based company. What’s better: jpoole4782@aol.com or joe@joepoole.com? I like the latter and people can remember it.

The bottom line is you need a digital connection to the Internet. The ’Net is here to stay and we all need to be Internet-savvy to compete. Happy surfing…

Joe Poole is director of information services for TAR.

Artwork by Brucie Rosch.

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