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Copyright © 1995 Robert M. Free - publishing rights reserved

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ISDN

ISDN is an emerging alternative to modem communications. ISDN provides a digital interface that eliminates the need and overhead of a modem, provides digitally clean transmission, and moderately high transmission rates.

Few telephone providers and networks have added ISDN support yet, but that is quickly changing. In place of a modem, you will need an ISDN card ($500-1000US) or a packet router ($1000-6000US).

One router can be used for an entire LAN and provides good response; even if your server machine goes down, the rest of the LAN will have Internet access. ISDN cards are cheaper, but are installed on a server machine which acts as a software router - if the server goes down, the rest of the LAN looses Internet access.

Alternatives to ISDN include Frame Relay and ATM. These lines provide very high transmission rates but can be very expensive. Like leased lines, you will generally have to coordinate with your telephone provider to access either Frame Relay or ATM.


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