What internet connection?

2002/04/21 Mendiburu, Joana - Elhuyar Zientziaren Komunikazioa

• Komunikazioak
• Internet
• Multimedia

We come with simple and practical explanations to facilitate a correct selection between the switched telephony network (STN), the digital integrated services network (ISDN), the asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) and the cable connection, without dismissing details.

STN, cheap but slow

Currently, the most used way to connect to the Internet is the STN. On the one hand because it is the cheapest and, on the other, because the basic phone line is practically everywhere. This track, unlike the increasingly heard ISDN, ADSL and cable connection, is based on analog technology.

As we have said, STN is the cheapest way to connect to the Internet, but, as in most cases, cheap price can also go expensive. In this case it is expensive in patience and practicality. It is the slower connection route and does not allow simultaneous use of internet and phone. The telephone line is occupied by the modem that calls the internet server. Currently the speed is 56 kbps, but the truth is that as there are many people on the network, it costs to reach half that speed.

The main advantage is the price. It uses the infrastructure already installed, specifically that of the phone, so it is economical. Flat rates range from 12 to 15 euros.

ISDN, intermediate option

This type of connection also uses the phone line, but instead of being an analog line is digital. Therefore, transmission is much faster.

In this case, as in the STN, you have to make the call to connect to the Internet, but it is done 10 times faster (2 seconds). In this way, the computer is only connected to the Internet for as long as necessary and, of course, the expense is greatly reduced, and the user needs less patience!

The RDSI line has two 64 kbps channels so while the user moves to the Internet, the home phone is not busy. In addition, the use of both channels for the Internet doubles the speed.

It is evident that this alternative improves the connection and is quite affordable. Like the STN, some providers offer flat rates at a price of 15-30 euros per month. To this we have to add the ISDN modem, more expensive than the STN modem.

ADSL: the faster the more expensive

The goal of this technology is to achieve greater bandwidth or, which is the same, greater speed, taking advantage of the current copper network. To know how this is achieved, just understand how information is channeled on the Internet.

When connecting the computer to the network, the information is two-way: Person who goes from Internet to computer and from computer to Internet. But the flow of information in both directions is different and precisely there is the key to the ADSL connection. In fact, to open a website simply send the address of the website, while opening it collects a lot of information: images, texts, sounds, etc.

Thanks to ADSL, the telephone line consists of three channels and this asymmetry, two data channels (one for each address) and the third for voice (for the phone). The key is that the Internet/user channel has a greater capacity than the user/internet channel.

The speed is also enormous: it can be 6.1 megabits per second and, according to the contract being signed, it can have different speeds in both directions. That is, the speed in the Internet/user sense can be 512 kbps per second and in the reverse direction of 128 kbps.

But it also has disadvantages: it is expensive and also can not be placed in any house. To hire this service, the telephone server must be adapted to this technology and, for now, only those in cities are available. On the other hand, it is necessary to install a specific modem for ADSL, which has an approximate cost of 150 euros.

Telefónica is one of the companies that has opted for this technology. At 256 kbps the price of the ADSL connection ranges from 39-42 euros/month. Terra, Edonon and Jazztel also offer this service.

Cable connection

The technologies mentioned so far use conventional phone cables to connect to the Internet. This is not a cable connection, which uses fiber optics, so it is necessary that first of all fiber optics be installed, at least in places where it has not been previously installed to watch television. The fiber installation company takes it home and connects it to the ethernet network card that is installed on the computer. As with ADSL, it connects to the internet without making calls.

The speed can be 128, 256 and 512 kbps. The price to travel at the lowest speed is about 33 euros per month (5,500 pesetas). In the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, cable connection is available to Euskaltel and Navarra de Retena.

Too expensive high-performance connections The market for high-performance Internet connections will not spread easily in Europe. According to a study conducted by Gartner G2, European consumers, within three years, do not want to pay more than until now to be able to navigate at higher speed. Gartner Group is an expert group in the new technology market that has convened more than 6,000 households in Germany, France and Britain to carry out their research. These three countries offer the most opportunities to expand the Internet market. According to this study, the most important factor for consumers to fall back is the high price. For high performance connections, a monthly fee of between 45 and 60 euros must be paid, that is, approximately twice the amount currently paid for low performance connections. Only 10% of households consulted by Gartner consider that it is worth making such an investment. Professionals say that speed is not enough to attract the consumer and that prices must be lowered.

Telephone and Internet together	Speed	In any home	Price
RTB	Analog	No	56 kbps	Yes	12 euros/month
ISDN	Digital	Yes	64 kbps / 128 kbps	Yes	15-30 euros/month
ADSL	Digital	Yes	Maximum 6.1 megabit per second. The usual is 256 kbps	No The phone server must be adapted	39-42 firewood/month Installation: 150 euros Modem: 160 euros
Cable	Digital	Yes	Need for fiber optic installation	Cheapest 33 euros per month

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