Technology is developing rapidly and methods for connecting to the Internet change almost daily. In the Ithaca area, the following types of connections are most commonly available:

• Cable: a cable data connection transfers information from the Internet to your computer and from your computer to the network, through your cable television connection. Cable connections provide high speeds of data transfer downstream, from the Internet to your computer, but are slower when sending data from your computer to the network. Additionally, transfer rates are affected by the number of subscribers online simultaneously. All connections originate on one line per street, so signals degrade as more subscribers come online. Cable connections can be used by individual subscribers to connect one computer to one line, or can be used to connect multiple computers in a building to the Internet.
  
  
• Dialup: data is transmitted through an analog phone connection. You connect to the Internet by using your phone line to dial into an ISP’s line. An analog connection is the slowest type of connection available, and will not permit you to use your telephone for a voice connection at the same time that you are connected to the Internet. Dialup connections allow only one computer at a time, per line, to be connected. Cornell offers the EZ-Remote dialup service.
  
  

• DSL (Digital Subscriber Line): DSL and its variations (such as ADSL - Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), use normal phone lines to transmit and receive data digitally. Unlike a cable connection, DSL allows you exclusive use of the line – there is no signal degradation caused by other users. Like cable connections, DSL offers high-speed connectivity, and allows you to use your phone and be online at the same time. DSL can be used for individuals who want to connect one computer to one line, or for an extra investment DSL can be used to connect a building to the Internet.
  
  

• ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network): ISDN is a slightly older technology that also provides a high-speed connection. ISDN offers connections over ordinary telephone wire, facilitating both voice and data transmission so you can maintain your connection to the Internet while placing telephone calls. ISDN can be used for individuals who need to connect one computer to one line, or can be used to connect multiple computers in a building to the Internet.
  
  
• T1: is a digital transmission technology that uses copper wire. T1 could be used to provide data service to an entire building, and data wiring would distribute the service throughout the building. T1 is the technology used on the Cornell campus. A T1 connection requires a substantial investment and because of this, may not be the most desirable means of connecting your house.
  
  
• Wireless: is a high-speed technology that transmits data over radio waves. Wireless transmission can be used to provide connectivity from an ISP to an entire building, however, service will be dependent on the existence of a clear line of sight between the ISP and the building. Within a building, a wireless local area network (LAN) can connect multiple computers to each other and to the Internet. Wireless is a technology that is continually developing.

Connecting Your Cooperative House What is a LAN? More About Wireless Some Local ISPs

Questions about this topic: bsg1@cornell.edu
Comments about this web page: cit_pubs@cornell.edu