Technology Options
n Dial-up Modems: The ubiquitous dial-up modems have not seen much advancement in technology, but are still popular. 56k modems are still the fastest available though the V.92 standard is an enhancement on the existing V.90 technology. The V.92 standard offers features like faster upload speeds, quicker connection times and streamlined call handling. This technology lets users take advantage of Internet Call Notification (ICN). It also offers other features such as modem-on-hold, quick connect, and V.PCM.

Modem-on-hold suspends the online session for incoming calls, and then returns to the online activities after the user’s phone conversation, without the need to redial. For this, the user needs to enable the call-waiting feature from the telephone service provider.

Quick Connect is a feature that can reduce dial-up connection time by 50 percent. This feature ‘remembers’ line conditions from the previous session, bypasses portions of the training/handshake sequence, and gets the user online faster.

The V.PCM enhancement lets the user send information quickly on the Web. V.PCM Upstream reaches speeds up to 48 kbps and lets the user choose either the fastest downstream speed (up to 53 kbps) or a ‘balanced’ connection of downstream and upstream communication.

n DSL Modems: Digital subscriber line (DSL) presents broadband Internet access over regular (copper) telephone lines. A DSL modem facilitates simultaneous voice and data transmission over the same line. It does this by splitting the copper line into two frequency ranges. The frequencies below 4 KHz are reserved for voice, and the range above that is used for data.

DSL modems based on G.Lite technology can download data at speeds up to 1.5 Mbps, which is 25 times faster than 56k modems.

n Cable Modems: Cable modems convert Internet data into a radio frequency (RF) signal that can be transmitted over coaxial cable. Transmission speeds vary, as depending on the technology being used there is a difference between upstream and downstream speeds. Cable is a shared medium and so transmission speeds will slow down as more users log on. Regular cable TV companies are providing Internet access as a value-added service. In addition, there are service providers who are offering only Internet access over cable.

n ISDN Modems: The ISDN modem connects the computer to a digital communications line (ISDN line). The transmission over the line is purely digital.

n LAN Modems: The concept of shared Internet access has resulted in LAN modems. These modems have a built-in IP router, 4-port 10BASE-T hub and voice ports. In effect, this device allows the user to instantly create a 10 Mbps LAN for the SOHO, and share a printer, modem or fax machine.