Connecting to the Internet Faster, Cheaper and Easier
W. Willis · T.H.E. Journal Technological Horizons in Education · 1997
While it is common consensus that the majority of Internet access for the next few years will consist mainly of dial-up access (using a standard modem and telephone line to dial into a server), new technologies yet to take off, including ADSL and cable modems, loom on the horizon. And, new Internet access products are being developed at a rapid pace, designed to give as many people as possible Internet access -- without the expense and complication of a full-blown multimedia PC. What does this mean for education? While the education environment does not always parallel consumer trends, the implications are clear. For the next few years, at least, educators may well be accessing the Internet through analog or digital modems, using traditional desktop computers, school networks, or perhaps some of the new Internet appliances. * Modems Get a Boost There have been some interesting developments in modem technology recently that bode well for educators. Keep putting off downloading that hot, new plug-in or applet because of the two-hour online wait? Well, fret no more, because soon your multimedia authoring class may have new features to play with, courtesy of US Robotics' new x2 technology. Basically, what this technology does is give x2 modem users the ability to download data at roughly 56Kbps -- equivalent to many ISDN connections. What is required is just a modem with x2 capabilities and an ISP that supports x2. At press time, over 300 ISPs (lnternet Service Providers) worldwide supported x2, so initial concerns of buying a technology that won't be supported are unfounded. To see if a specific ISP supports x2, visit http://x2.usr.com/leaders/index.html. All USR Sportster 33.6 desktop modems bought since August 15, 1996, are upgradeable to x2. Additionally, Total Control remote access server and modem pool products are Flash ROM upgradeable, as are all Courier modems. US Robotics' Megahertz PC cards will also feature x2. A competing technology, by Rockwell, does basically the same as x2, but using Rockwell-produced equipment. While definitely a viable alternative, one must look at industry and ISP support when choosing a modem with these capabilities. Since the majority of industry shipments for most of 1997 are expected to be 33.6 Kbps modems, manufacturers are coming out with some pretty enticing packages. Zoom Telephonics, for instance, antes up with ComStar SVD, a V.34 Faxmodem that incorporates a speakerphone, digital answering machine, voice mail, Rockwell's AudioSpan simultaneous voice and data (SVD) technology, and also supports the ITU H.324 videophone standard. Internal and external models are available, and both come with a high-quality external microphone and speaker. ComStar SVD is available for Windows. * ISDN Is a Realistic Option ISDN modems, although traditionally more expensive than their analog counterparts, are beginning to come down in price. More importantly, setup and operation are becoming much more user-friendly. The 3ComImpact IQ external ISDN modem is designed for both PC and Macintosh systems, and can deliver 230 Kbps throughput at peak performance by combining data compression with 128 Kbps data sessions and a high-speed serial interface. Very user friendly, SPID Wizard software automatically sets up ISDN line parameters, previously a big hassle. A suite of Internet software is included and the ISDN modem has two analog ports, letting one make or receive phone calls while surfing the Web. Diamond Multimedia's Supra NetCommander ISDN modem's unique Flex Channel Multilink-PPP control will automatically add or drop bandwidth in Windows 95, minimizing cost for institutions. It supports voice/data on both B-channels, rings up to three telephones, and retails for under $250. Finally, Motorola's BitSURFR Pro is one of the only ISDN ISA cards with two POTS (analog phone lines) ports. …