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ISDN Equipment
With the right equipment you can be surfing the Internet and talking on the telephone at the same time like DSL Service.
Terminal Adapters (TA)
These devices perform a function similar to a standard modem and convert
the data stream from your computer into the ISDN data format. They provide
a simple interface capable of supporting a single computer. Terminal
adapters increasingly incorporate the NT1 function. With the growing
popularity of ISDN, prices continue to drop. There are two types of ISDN
TAs: internal and external. External TAs are stand-alone devices that
connect through a COM port on the back of your computer. Internal
ISDN adapters are ISA cards that you install inside your computer.
- External Terminal Adapters
External TAs connect your computer's serial port to the ISDN line, in much
the same way as a standard modem connects your computer to a phone line. In
fact, the ISDN TA looks just like a fast modem. Communication programs
control the external ISDN TA just like they control an analog modem (typically
using AT commands). External TAs often have other features built-in, such
as additional ports for analog phones or analog fax connections.
An External TA may limit your throughput. A computer's serial port
using a recent version 16550 UART chip has a theoretical maximum of
115.2 kbps. Actual throughput performance varies due to
asynchronous-to-synchronous conversion and TCP/IP protocol overhead.
- Internal Terminal Adapters
Internal ISDN TAs are plug-in cards that are installed inside
your computer. In order to install an internal TA, you need an
available slot that supports the same type of bus (ISA or NuBus, for
example) as the card you want to install. Plug-in cards require special
device drivers which may modify the way your operating system works.
Some people find the lack of status light indicators a disadvantage when
trying to troubleshoot a problem. However, internal TA cards do provide a
full 128 kbps connection to your ISDN line.
ISDN Routers
These devices perform a function similar to that of a standard router. Using
an ISDN router, multiple computers on a LAN can share a single ISDN BRI connection.
Because ISDN routers use Ethernet connections (typically 10 Mbps), they can
take full advantage of ISDN's speed. Many of the most popular ISDN routers
also support analog voice, modem, or fax applications, as well as sophisticated
network management capabilities. ISDN routers are typically more than twice
as expensive as TAs, but they are often worth the money since they allow multiple
computers on a small LAN to leverage your ISDN investment. The Ascend Pipeline
75 or 85 is my preference.... ECTISP has For Sale NEW Ascend P75 for $200.00
plus S.H. and taxes.
Physical Interfaces
The ISDN standard defines several physical wiring interfaces,
but you only need to be familiar with one. This interface will save you money.
- U-Interface
The U-interface is the 2-wire interface your phone company delivers
for connection to the NT1. Many of the newer ISDN networking devices,
such
as the Ascend Pipeline Products, Atran and 3Com Impact, include a
built-in internal NT-1 and power supply, so they can connect directly
to the U-interface. Manufacturers may describe this feature as a
"built-in NT-1" or simply as a U-Interface ISDN TA.
Configuring your ISDN Line and Equipment
You will need the following information to program your ISDN equipment.
Make sure that you receive this information when you order your ISDN line.
Switch Type
In the Waxahachie Telephone Services area, the switch and
software versions is: Northern Telecom DMS100 - NI1 (National ISDN
version 1) software.
ISDN Phone Number (Directory Number)
Your ISDN phone line will be assigned 2 phone number just
like a standard phone line.
Service Profile Identifier (SPID)
A SPID is an additional identifier used to identify the ISDN
device to the telephone network. A SPID looks like a telephone
number with 0101 at the end.
If you need help ECTISP will configure your ISDN Equipment for NO CHARGE.....
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