Find The Right Internet Service Provider For You
It is a shame that compelling content like top-quality video and audio, interactive game playing, Internet telephony and business applications such as Internet group collaboration are nearly impossible to facilitate through analog dial-up connections, also known as plain old telephone service (POTS). Fortunately, the days of plain old telephone service is over, for most of us. There has been a race among bandwidth providers to deliver much-needed faster connections on the Internet to your home or business. The most recent and most successful has been T1 Internet Service.
Before you change your current Internet service, decide whether or not you actually need the increased speed. Some individuals or businesses certainly require a more successful connection like T1. Those that are considering hosting their own Web site on a server, those that want autonomy over security issues around their local area network (LAN) or that want to implement efficient-operation tools such as videoconferencing are just a few examples. Others include companies or individuals that transfer and access unusually large databases or files like audio and video clips or desktop publishing documents.
The magic of T1 Internet service is that it is available just about everywhere in the United States. That may come as a surprise if you run a ranch or farm, or are just located in a more rural area and have tried to get DSL, cable or wireless Internet service. The oldest digital technology is also the most common. T1 integrated services can provide both telephone and internet service. T1 actually provides voice and data on the same digital circuit. You can decide how many of the T1 connections 24 channels will be reserved for voice calls, and whats left is used for data. There are several versions of T1 internet and your internet service provider can help you select the right one for your specific needs.
When deciding which bandwidth choice is right for you, consider the elements of your actual needs, such as upload and download rates, cost and the availability of the service in your area. Total cost may include associated equipment such as special modems, installation and monthly usage fees. If you've grown beyond simple e-mail and light surfing, and wish to venture out toward activities such as telephony, videoconferencing and simultaneous data and voice activity, then T1 is a better bet.
Cable modems have created a niche in the marketplace by delivering up to 10 megabits per second (Mbps), although it's best to stay in the 1.5-3 Mbps range. National networks like TCI, the nation's largest cable company, and Time-Warner are already rolling out their cable modem product lines, @Home and Road Runner, respectively. Monthly fees average $40, and a cable modem can be purchased for around $100. In most instances, customers do not have a choice of ISPs, and must use their existing cable provider as their ISP as well.
