More connections for EZ-Remote high-speed subscribers By Bob Gabriel and Beth Goelzer Lyons   Cornell Information Technologies is pleased to announce some significant changes to the EZ-Remote high-speed service. These changes are in response to the frequent busy signals on the high-speed pool (254-6000) and the need to introduce new 56K bps (bits per second) technology. To address the unsatisfactory service customers have been experiencing recently, CIT has made these changes to the 254-6000 high-speed pool: Off-campus subscribers can now access 34 modems previously only available to on-campus subscribers. (The demand from on-campus subscribers was lower than anticipated and these modems were going unused.) An additional 46 modems have been added to the off-campus pool. The addition of these 80 modems brings the total number of modems in the high-speed pool to 554. New 56K bps pool To enhance and accelerate Internet access, CIT has announced a new pilot modem pool that uses 56K bps technology. The pool currently has 161 modems, and an additional 92 modems are on order and should be available by early Nov. EZ-Remote/high subscribers can immediately try out the pilot 56K pool (254-5600), even if they do not have 56K modems. CIT is monitoring usage of the pilot pool and will convert and move older 33.6K bps modems from the existing pool as demand warrants. To use the 56K pool, EZ-Remote/high subscribers need to change some software on their computers and possibly on their modems. Details are on the 56K web site. Beginning in Jan. 1999, most of the modems in the current high-speed pool (254-6000) will be converted to 56K bps. Combined, the two high-speed pools will contain nearly 800 modems, a capacity increase of almost 55 percent.

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QUICK FACTS about the 56K pilot pool The pilot 56K pool is available only to existing EZ-Remote/high subscribers. The pilot pool has 161 modems now and will have 253 by Nov. By Jan. 1999, all modems in the high-speed pools will be 56K. Only PPP protocol connections are supported. The SLIP protocol is not supported. Log-in scripts are not supported and must not be used. V.90- and X2-compliant 56K modems are supported. You do not need a 56K modem to use the pilot pool. About connection speeds . . . To achieve connection speeds above 28.8K bps, you need a 56K modem that is updated with the latest V.90-compliant software, or with the latest X2-compliant software. The maximum connection speed is limited by the FCC to 53K bps. The phone company guarantees modem speeds only up to 2400 bps. Your actual connection speed is limited mostly by the quality of your phone line, but also by your modem and other equipment connected to the same phone line (such as answering machines, Caller ID devices and certain telephones). In national and local tests, typical connection speeds have been 34-46K bps. 56Kflex modems will not connect at speeds beyond 33.6K bps. To obtain higher speeds, these modems must be upgraded (if possible) to V.90-compliant software. Before dialing in . . . Visit the 56K web site for directions on setting up your computer for the 56K pool, even if you plan to use a low-speed modem. Contact your modem manufacturer or visit their web site to determine whether software is available to make your modem V.90-compliant. If the modem came with your computer, contact the computer distributor. NOTE: Even if you bought your modem yesterday, it might not be compliant! This article also appeared in the 8 October 1998 Cornell Chronicle.