As the Internet grows in popularity (and usefulness?), choosing the right connection for accessing it is becoming a very important decision at many nonprofits. While modems still provide many smaller nonprofits with their crawling connection, DSL, cable, ISDN, and T1 are introducing many organizations to the joys of high-speed access.

Speed

When you read an ad that says: "Our Connection Provides You With an Amazing and Unbelievable 10 Megs Per Second Download Speed," you should be amazed, but maybe not as much as you think. Some time back, a quick marketing person decided that Internet connection speed would be better described in bits, not the bytes usually used to describe disk size and RAM space. So that "unbelievable" 10 MegaBITS per second is actually about 1.25 megaBYTES per second. This article, not to confuse things further, will continue to discuss Internet speed in bits per second. So, don't jump out of your skin the next time you read about another "unbelievable" download speed. Simply divide by 8.

Types of Access: Dial-Up vs. "Always On"

Anyone who has used a modem knows the problems associated with dial-up access. Even if you just want to check your email for one minute, you have to wait a couple minutes for your modem to dial a number and establish a connection to your ISP. It often takes less time to check your email than it does to connect the Internet! While this isn't a major problem if you rarely use the Internet, it can be a major annoyance if you use it heavily. For heavy users, a dedicated, "always on" connection such as DSL or T1 is the better alternative. Not only does such a connection provide access "on demand," it is also faster and easier to share with a large group of users.

Dial-Up Connection - 56K

Bottom line -- modem speeds have pretty much hit the speed limit with 56K modems. In fact, 56K is a little misleading. Due to FCC regulations, the maximum transmission is more around 53K. If your organization needs a faster connection, you will have to go with a digital connection (i.e. xDSL, ISDN, etc.). However, if you find the right ISP, and your nonprofit doesn't have high access demands, modems may more than fulfill your needs.

Monthly Cost:

$12-$30

Speed:

Up to 56kbps

Hardware Requirements:

56k modem (approx. $50-$100)

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Wide availability

Cons:

• Using a modem ties up a phone line
• Connection is not "always on"
• Slower

One connection per phone line unless additional equipment or software is purchased (depending on version of operating system)

"Always On" Connections - ISDN

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) is usually considered the next speed step above a 56K modem. The speed increase can be substantial; however, ISDN is not a true "always on" connection.

Similar to dial-up, ISDN establishes a connection to your service provider when you access the Internet. However, ISDN circuits are 128K and fully digital, so the dial-up connection is established almost instantaneously (and you never hear any of those annoying modem sounds).

Most ISDN providers will bill your nonprofit per-minute charges for the time you spend connected to the Internet. Many people consider ISDN to be a fading technology. DSL, a faster, more inexpensive alternative seems to be taking its place in most areas where the two technologies are available. Furthermore, ISDN can be problematic to install and troubleshoot. Generally, ISDN does not allow for the hosting of a Web server for your nonprofit.

Monthly Cost:

Starts at $20-$40 per month plus per-minute charges; depending on usage, total fee can range from $100-$500.

Speed:

64Kbps - 128Kbps

Hardware Requirements:

For connecting multiple computers: one ISDN router (approximately $400 - $500) and network cards for the PCs (approximately $30-$80 each).

Pros:

• Does not tie up a phone line
• Wide availability
• Usually faster than a 56k modem
• Can also be used for voice communication

Cons:

• ISDN is notoriously difficult to setup
• Outdated
• Per-minute charges are usually applied to this technology
• Many times speeds do not measure up to expectations
• Connections are not "always on"
• Not practical for more than 8 – 10 computers (depending on usage)
• Limited expandability

Frame Relay

Frame relay is a connection to the Internet that is owned by the telephone company and shared by many users. Frame relay ISPs provide a Committed Information Rate ( CIR) for the minimum transmission speed they will guarantee, however higher transmission speeds are temporarily available because the technology used by frame relay is "burstable." Frame Relay is a very reliable and stable technology and can be used for direct connections to service providers or building wide area networks ( WANs) between several locations.

Monthly Cost:

Starts at $200 per month

Speed:

64Kbps 1.54Mbps

Hardware Requirements:

One router (approx. $2,000) and one CSU/ DSU(approx. $1,000).

Pros:

• Guaranteed speed
• Reliable and fast Internet connection
• Supports WAN connections
• Easy to install and is scalable

Cons:

• Expensive option for speeds similar to DSL
• Shared by several users

Satellite

For rural users or people that don't have DSL in their area, Satellite connectivity is becoming a more and more viable alternative for high-speed Internet access. One company, DirecWay has taken the lead in the Satellite provider playing field. They offer their service through Earthlink as well. Recently companies have initiated two-way internet access through satellite getting rid of their one-way setups (these setups had previously required the use of an analog modem for making requests). While the performance of these new systems has improved, satellite is still slower than land-based solutions such as DSL or frame relay due to the high latency times (amount of time to transmit to satellite, ISP, Web site and back again). Connection speeds seem slower than advertised due to this lag, but are still definitely an improvement over dial-up. Also, the high latency and asymmetrical nature of the connection makes hosting Web sites not realistic due to performance concerns. Also, satellite connections can occasionally be affected by inclement weather.

If you are interested in two-way satellite connectivity and you have multiple PCs at your organization, it might be worthwhile to talk to a “value-added reseller” ( VAR) of Hughes DirecPC about one of their small business solutions. These solutions usually include a server that performs several functions, easing networking headaches and improving performance through caching.

For home consumer solutions:

Monthly Cost:

Approx. $50-$75

Speed:

Downstream up to 400 Kbps; upstream is usually limited to a maximum of 128Kbps

Hardware Requirements:

One satellite dish and satellite modem (approx. $200-$700) plus installation (usually $100)

Pros:

• You can access the Internet anywhere that you have a clear southern exposure
• Available almost everywhere

Cons:

• Upload speed is not nearly as good as download speed
• Very little competition
• Heavy users of bandwidth are often impacted by “fair access policy” that limits use

For small business solutions:

Monthly Cost:

Approx. $125-$300 (depends on number of seat licenses

Speed:

Downstream up to 600 Kbps (and higher) - Upstream is usually limited to a maximum of 128Kbps

Hardware Requirements:

One satellite dish and one satellite modem (approx. $600-$800) plus installation (approximately $200). Server-based configurations can be more expensive (usually over $1000 including the satellite equipment) but are generally better solutions for more than 3 –5 users.

Pros:

• You can access the Internet anywhere that you have a clear southern exposure
• Available almost everywhere
• Small business solutions make it easier to share satellite connection and can also add features or equipment that enhance satellite performance

Cons:

• Even with small business solutions, not ideal for Web hosting
• Upload speed is not nearly as good as download speed
• Very little competition

Cable

Cable connects you to the Internet through a coaxial cable, often using the same line that carries your cable TV service. While Cable is heavily marketed to home users, for many nonprofits without DSL or the budget to get T1, it is the only viable high-speed option. Cable connections offer very high connection speeds, 1 – 2 Mbps, at low costs, however the connection is a shared one and slower speeds due to congestion sometimes occur. Also, the cable company will usually only provide one IP address making it necessary to purchase a router to share the connection. Furthermore, you generally can not host Web sites on cable connections.

Monthly Cost:

$40-$60

Speed:

500 Kbps to 2 Mbps

Hardware Requirements:

Cable Modem (approximately $75 to $200); Might need cable router to share connection (approximately $50-$125).

Pros:

• Wide availability
• Relatively inexpensive

Cons:

• Sharing with neighbors poses some unique security risks and congestion problems
• Router required for more than one computer
• Primarily for home users

DSL

xDSL is used to describe several types of DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) technologies, including Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), which provides different upload and download speeds and is most popular with consumers, and Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL), which provides the same speed in both directions and is most popular with businesses and larger nonprofits. In 1999, the DSL market really took off in many urban areas. Currently, the level of service in different areas can vary greatly (see Marnie Webb's special report "An Introduction to DSL ").

Monthly Cost:

Starts at approximately $60-$80 for consumer-class DSL (ADSL) or $150 for business-class DSL (SDSL).

Speed:

128Kbps - 1.54Mbps

Hardware Requirements:

DSL modem – (approximately $50-$200); For connecting multiple computers: one DSL router (approx. $300-$500) if connecting multiple computers and network cards for the PCs (approximately $30-$80 each).

Pros:

• Affordable
• Shares a telephone line
• Wide variety of speeds and prices
• Choice of service providers

Cons:

• Available only in limited areas
• Speed can vary widely

You must be within a mile or so from the switching site - the farther away you are, the lower the speed that they will be able to offer you.

T1 (Leased Line)

For large organizations (with some money lying around), a T1 line can be used to connect the whole office to the Internet. Sometimes referred to as a leased line, T1 is a private, dedicated line that goes directly from your office to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). If you don't need that much speed, you can purchase a fractional T1 leased line, which is simply a T1 line split into segments and divided among users. Leased lines provide guaranteed bandwidth, since they are not shared with other users.

Monthly Cost:

Approximately $600 - $2,000 (closer to $300 for a fractional line).

Speed:

64Kbps - 1.54Mbps

Hardware Requirements:

Two routers (approximately $2,000/each) and two CSU/DSUs (approximately $1,000/each). (Note: ISP may provide one router and one CSU/DSU.)

Pros:

• Very fast
• Higher level of security and guaranteed bandwidth

Cons:

• Not available everywhere
• Very expensive

T3

For organizations that need the fastest available connection to the Internet, a leased line connection is also available at T3 speed (45Mbps) or fractional T3 speed (starting at 3Mbps). T3 is primarily used by ISPs.

Monthly Cost:

Approximately $6,000 -$30,000.

Speed:

3Mbps - 45Mbps

Hardware Requirements:

Two routers. (Note: ISP may provide one router.)

Pros:

• Extremely fast

Cons:

• Not available everywhere
• Extremely expensive

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless uses unlicensed radio bandwidth to transmit data between your organization and your service provider. It is possible to transmit over long distances, 20+ miles, if you have line of sight. The speeds can be high, 10Mbps or greater, and cost considerably less than the equivalent wired version. However, the initial set-up costs can be prohibitively expensive depending on the equipment that your ISP requires.

Monthly Cost:

$50-$150 (depends on speed or number of computers attached)

Speed:

from 256Kbps up to 10 Mbps

Hardware Requirements:

Antenna, receiver/transmitter, network device, lightning arrestor, possibly tower. These costs can vary widely based upon what capabilities the system possesses. A basic setup can be as little as $200 while a more advanced setup can run several thousand dollars or more.

Pros:

• Extremely fast
• Good bandwidth/cost ratio
• Covers long distance

Cons:

• Possible expensive initial costs
• Limited availability