Types of Internet Service Access

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Types of Internet Service Access

Internet service providers offer a range of services providing internet access, each varying in the extent of internet access, speed of data transmission, and cost.

Find out what services they provide, and determine what level of service meets your needs and budget.

If you are a single user and don't need a dedicated connection, you will probably choose one of the first four options listed below.

Shell Account

This is often the least expensive way to access the internet. It involves logging into an internet host (typically a unix machine) and using text-based programs running on the host to access ftp, email, and news.

All you need is a modem and a terminal (or a PC running a terminal emulator). Aside from the terminal emulator, no other software is required, as all the software runs on the remote machine.

The downside to shell accounts is that you will be limited to textual access to the internet. Nor will you have the flexibility of using your own programs (clients) on your machine. Another minor disadvantage is that after downloading a file from an ftp site, you will then need to download the file from the internet host to your PC. It is also helpful to have some rudimentary unix skills.

If all you are going to do is read and send email and ftp an occasional file, this is probably a good way to go. However, if you already have access to an Information Service Provider, you should first check to see if they have an internet gateway,

Internet Gateway

Most Information Service Providers (ISPs), like Compuserve and AOL, are beginning to offer internet gateway services.

If you already have access to an ISP with an internet gateway, and all you want is access to email and news, this may be all you need. Several software packages are becoming available to simplify internet access via ISPs.

Single User SLIP/PPP Account

SLIP or PPP access generally provides you complete internet access at a reasonable rate.

With SLIP/PPP, you will be able to use your own internet applications running on your own machines - which gives you a great deal of flexibility.

Typically, you will be assigned a user name within the provider's domain (eg. johndoe@netcom.com, janebuck@aol.com) and a floating IP address that is assigned to you each time you connect.

"Cruiser" account

Some service providers have attempted to simplify SLIP/PPP accounts by providing client applications that use proprietary SLIP/PPP connections. This eliminates the need for you (or the network manager) to deal with SLIP/PPP configuration issues.

Such accounts are somewhere between a shell account and a SLIP/PPP account in terms of features and ease of installation: you are limited to the service provider's applications, but generally you will have access to a GUI client with support for displaying graphic data.

As with single user SLIP/PPP accounts, you will typically be assigned a user name within the provider's domain.

Dedicated SLIP/PPP Account

If you have a tight budget, but still want to run your own internet servers (such as ftp or http), or if you have a LAN that you want to connect to the internet, you will probably want a dedicated SLIP/PPP account.

With a dedicated account, the provider will allocated a dedicated modem for your use at their end and assign fixed IP addresses for your use. You can also register your own domain names.

With a dedicated account, you can choose to connect whenever you like, without having to worry about getting a busy line; or you can stay connected all the time.

Many service providers are now offering dedicated SLIP/PPP connections over standard telephone lines at 28.8k baud rates for under $200US per month (some as low as $85US/month). Unless your data rate requirements are higher, this is a great way to go.

ISDN Account

If you need higher data rates, ISDN offers connections at rates as high as 112k baud. The prices run between $300-500US per month plus the purchase of an ISDN card ($500-1000US) and phone company charges.

Frame Relay

Frame Relay offers comparable data rate to ISDN, but typically requires a higher capital investment; however it does have lower latency issues than ISDN, allowing faster packet transfers for some types of transmissions.

ATM

Asynchronous Transfer Mode is an emerging technology that promises to provide very high transmission rates, cost effectively. Current access is very limited.

High Speed Leased Lines

If you need even higher data rates, leased lines can provide speeds as high as 1536kbps. This can cost $800US/month + $1000US installation + $2000US for hardware + cost of the leased line. This can become very expensive.

If your telephone company provides frame relay services, this will generally be more cost effective than using leased lines. 1536kbps can cost about $2000US/month + $3000US installation + $200US for hardware, but you won't be paying leased line fees.

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