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Library | Call Number | Material Type | Home Location | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
Central Library | TK5103.75 .A55 1999 | Adult Non-Fiction | Central Closed Stacks | Searching... |
On Order
Summary
Summary
An introduction to Digital Subscription Lines (DSL), a fast way to establish Internet access. It examines how to choose a DSL provider, set up the equipment needed to use the service, and make a connection without having to log on and off the provider. It discusses DSL support provided by Microsoft Windows 95/98/NT, connecting DSL through a network, and various applications of this technology, such as video conferencing methods.
Author Notes
David Angell is a principle in angell.com (www.angell.com), a technical communications firm in Boston specializing in telecommunications, TCP/IP, and Microsoft Windows. He has made a career of demystifying computers, telecommunications, and the Internet. David is the author of 20 books, including ISDN For Dummies, 2nd Edition and Microsoft Internet Information Server 4 For Dummies.
Table of Contents
Foreword | p. xxiv |
Introduction | p. 1 |
About This Book | p. 1 |
Foolish Assumptions | p. 2 |
Conventions Used in This Book | p. 3 |
How This Book Is Organized | p. 3 |
Part I Getting Comfortable with DSL | p. 3 |
Part II Shopping for DSL | p. 4 |
Part III Connecting Your PC or LAN to DSL | p. 4 |
Part IV The Part of Tens | p. 4 |
Part V Appendixes | p. 4 |
What You're Not to Read | p. 5 |
Icons in This Book | p. 5 |
Where to Go from Here | p. 5 |
Part I Getting Comfortable with DSL | p. 7 |
Chapter 1 DSL: More than a Pipe Dream | p. 9 |
A Bad Case of the Bandwidth Blues | p. 9 |
Modems, POTS, and the PSTN | p. 10 |
ISDN: Too little, too late, too expensive? | p. 11 |
T1 and frame relay: High speed, high cost | p. 11 |
DSL: The Bandwidth Sweet Spot | p. 12 |
DSL is riding the winds of change | p. 13 |
The Telecommunications Act and DSL | p. 14 |
Meet the DSL family | p. 14 |
The great DSL bypass | p. 16 |
Availability and price | p. 16 |
A DSL Connection Changes Everything | p. 19 |
DSL Reality Check | p. 21 |
Subject to change without notice | p. 21 |
Keeping your distance | p. 21 |
Please stand by, we're experiencing technical problems | p. 22 |
Fragile competition | p. 22 |
Waiting for interoperability | p. 23 |
Bandwidth shell game | p. 23 |
What's on Cable? | p. 24 |
Should you check out cable modem service? | p. 25 |
Cable competition can't hurt | p. 25 |
Chapter 2 The Telecom Side of DSL | p. 27 |
Welcome to the Telecommunications Jungle | p. 27 |
Gatekeepers of the last mile | p. 28 |
Changing the rules | p. 28 |
Through the regulatory maze | p. 29 |
Inside the Telecommunications Network | p. 30 |
All loops lead to the central office | p. 30 |
Keeping tethered through local loops | p. 30 |
Extending the reach of COs through DLCs | p. 31 |
The big PSTN switch | p. 32 |
Inside the DSL Network | p. 33 |
DSLAM: Center of the DSL universe | p. 33 |
Is your loop qualified? | p. 34 |
Going the distance | p. 35 |
End of the Line | p. 35 |
Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) | p. 36 |
The great divide | p. 36 |
Getting wired for DSL | p. 37 |
Know your connectors | p. 38 |
CLECs and DSL Service | p. 38 |
How a data CLEC operates | p. 39 |
CLECs, ISPs, and DSL service | p. 39 |
ILECs and DSL Service | p. 40 |
Chapter 3 The Zen of DSL | p. 41 |
DSL Data Communications 101 | p. 41 |
The nature of digital communications | p. 41 |
Frequencies and bandwidth | p. 42 |
Changing channels | p. 43 |
Signaling and modulation | p. 43 |
Asymmetric or symmetric | p. 44 |
Data swimming upstream or downstream | p. 44 |
Throughput (bandwidth in the real world) | p. 45 |
The Many Flavors of DSL | p. 45 |
ADSL | p. 46 |
UADSL (G.Lite) | p. 46 |
SDSL | p. 48 |
RADSL | p. 49 |
IDSL | p. 49 |
HDSL and HDSL-2 | p. 49 |
VDSL | p. 50 |
MVLDSL | p. 50 |
DSL Standards and Forums | p. 50 |
Know your DSL standards organizations | p. 51 |
The current state of DSL standards | p. 51 |
Chapter 4 All Nodes Lead to TCP/IP | p. 53 |
TCP/IP and Your DSL Connection | p. 53 |
The five layers of TCP/IP | p. 54 |
The life of packets | p. 55 |
Gateway to the TCP/IP universe | p. 56 |
Any port in a storm | p. 57 |
Creating Identity with IP Addresses | p. 57 |
IP addresses have class and no class | p. 58 |
Subnet subdivision | p. 60 |
Using private IP addresses | p. 60 |
It's all in the translation | p. 61 |
Using registered IP addresses | p. 62 |
Using static and dynamic IP addressing | p. 62 |
What's In a Name Anyway? | p. 63 |
Host names, domains, and subdomains | p. 64 |
Top-level domain names | p. 64 |
A new crop of top-level domains | p. 65 |
The domain name game | p. 66 |
IP Configuration Recipes | p. 68 |
Using a block of registered IP addresses | p. 68 |
Using NAT and private IP addresses | p. 69 |
PPP on DSL | p. 71 |
PPP over Ethernet | p. 72 |
PPP over ATM over DSL | p. 72 |
Chapter 5 DSL CPE Field Guide | p. 75 |
Types of DSL CPE | p. 75 |
DSL CPE Interoperability | p. 76 |
Chipsets, Firmware, and DSL CPE | p. 77 |
Single-User DSL CPE Options | p. 77 |
USB: Say goodbye to UART | p. 78 |
In the PCI modem cards | p. 79 |
Single-computer bridges | p. 79 |
Multiuser DSL CPE Options | p. 81 |
Bridge over DSL waters | p. 81 |
Going the DSL router route | p. 82 |
Sharing a DSL Connection | p. 83 |
Chapter 6 To Serve and Protect: Internet Security | p. 85 |
Internet Security 101 | p. 85 |
Understanding Firewalls and Proxy Servers | p. 87 |
Packet filter firewalls | p. 87 |
Proxy servers | p. 88 |
Security Solutions for the Rest of Us | p. 90 |
DSL routers as firewalls | p. 92 |
Software proxy servers | p. 93 |
Proxy server in a box | p. 94 |
Security as an appliance | p. 95 |
Isolating your protocols | p. 97 |
Part II Shopping for DSL | p. 99 |
Chapter 7 Getting Your DSL Connection | p. 101 |
Creating Your DSL Game Plan | p. 101 |
The big three pieces of DSL service | p. 101 |
DSL game plan checklist | p. 102 |
Checking DSL Availability | p. 104 |
Tracking down DSL service | p. 105 |
Have your phone number and address ready | p. 108 |
Behind the scenes in DSL local loops | p. 109 |
Figuring Out Your Need for Speed | p. 109 |
Checking Out Your DSL Service Options | p. 112 |
Finding a good Web site | p. 112 |
Getting the quote | p. 113 |
The devil is in the details | p. 113 |
Crunching the Numbers | p. 114 |
Start-up charges | p. 116 |
Monthly recurring charges | p. 117 |
Chapter 8 TCP/IP Applications for Your DSL Service | p. 119 |
Stop, Take a Deep Breath, and Think | p. 119 |
Harnessing your DSL connection | p. 120 |
Monitoring Your DSL Performance | p. 121 |
Using ping and tracert commands | p. 122 |
Visual Route | p. 122 |
Net.Medic | p. 123 |
Running a Web Server | p. 124 |
Going with a Web hosting service | p. 124 |
Web server bandwidth requirements | p. 125 |
Web server software | p. 127 |
Running an E-Mail Server | p. 129 |
Microsoft Exchange | p. 129 |
Deerfield's MDaemon | p. 129 |
Eudora WorldMail Server | p. 130 |
Show and Tell through IP Video Conferencing | p. 130 |
DVC system primer | p. 131 |
Microsoft NetMeeting | p. 132 |
CU-SeeMe | p. 133 |
WebCams and video clips | p. 133 |
Net Phones, Faxes, and Pagers | p. 134 |
IP phone home | p. 135 |
Net faxing | p. 136 |
Buzz me (IP paging) | p. 136 |
I Want My VPN | p. 138 |
Practicing Safe Downloads | p. 139 |
Working by Remote Control | p. 140 |
Chapter 9 Checking Out DSL Providers | p. 143 |
CLECs and DSL Service | p. 143 |
The CLEC and ISP relationship | p. 144 |
Checking out CLEC DSL | p. 145 |
CLECs and CPE options | p. 145 |
NorthPoint Communications | p. 146 |
DSL service options | p. 146 |
DSL service availability | p. 146 |
CPE options | p. 147 |
ISP partners | p. 149 |
Covad Communications | p. 151 |
DSL service options | p. 151 |
DSL service availability | p. 152 |
CPE options | p. 152 |
ISP partners | p. 153 |
Rhythms NetConnections | p. 157 |
CPE options | p. 157 |
DSL service availability | p. 157 |
ISP partners | p. 157 |
ISPs Acting as DSL CLECs | p. 158 |
ILECs and DSL Service | p. 159 |
Pacific Bell | p. 159 |
DSL service options | p. 160 |
DSL service availability | p. 161 |
ISP partners | p. 161 |
US WEST | p. 162 |
DSL service availability | p. 163 |
ISP partners | p. 164 |
Bell Atlantic | p. 164 |
DSL service options | p. 164 |
DSL service availability | p. 165 |
BellSouth | p. 166 |
Southwestern Bell | p. 167 |
Ameritech | p. 168 |
GTE | p. 169 |
DSL service options | p. 169 |
DSL service availability | p. 170 |
ISP partners | p. 171 |
Chapter 10 Facing the ISP Interface | p. 173 |
The DSL and ISP Connection | p. 173 |
Walking through a DSL service installation | p. 174 |
Navigating your CPE options | p. 176 |
Bridged DSL service | p. 176 |
Routed DSL service | p. 177 |
Putting Your IP Package Together | p. 178 |
Getting IP addresses | p. 178 |
Domain Name Service | p. 179 |
Getting your domain name | p. 179 |
Transferring your domain name from another ISP | p. 180 |
Internet E-mail Services | p. 181 |
Internet e-mail primer | p. 181 |
Hosting your Internet mailboxes with the ISP | p. 182 |
Running your own e-mail server | p. 182 |
Network News Service | p. 183 |
Web Hosting | p. 183 |
Part III Connecting Your PC or LAN to DSL | p. 185 |
Chapter 11 Building Your LAN Foundation | p. 187 |
The LAN Plan | p. 187 |
The LAN-to-DSL connection | p. 189 |
Go fast with Fast Ethernet | p. 190 |
A star is born | p. 191 |
A Matter of Networking Style | p. 193 |
Nice and easy with peer-to-peer networking | p. 193 |
Power networking through client/server networking | p. 193 |
NIC Your Computer | p. 194 |
Taking the PCI magic bus | p. 196 |
Installing a NIC in a PC | p. 196 |
Installing a NIC driver in Windows 95 and 98 | p. 197 |
Installing a NIC driver in Windows NT | p. 198 |
Connecting a notebook using a PC Card NIC | p. 200 |
Adding multiple NICs on a PC | p. 201 |
The Media Is the Message | p. 201 |
Twisted pair isn't a deviant couple | p. 202 |
Getting wired | p. 202 |
One-on-one with crossover link | p. 203 |
Journey to the Center of the LAN | p. 203 |
What's all the hubbub? | p. 204 |
Making the switch | p. 206 |
Chapter 12 Windows 95/98 Meets DSL | p. 211 |
Windows 95/98 and DSL Connections | p. 211 |
Setting Up TCP/IP in Windows 95/98 | p. 213 |
Configuring Windows 95/98 TCP/IP Clients | p. 215 |
Configuring Windows 95/98 clients for DHCP | p. 215 |
Configuring Windows 95/98 clients for static IP addresses | p. 217 |
Managing network card properties | p. 219 |
Managing your protocol bindings | p. 220 |
Working the DUN Way | p. 221 |
Installing Dial-Up Networking | p. 222 |
Setting up a new connection profile | p. 223 |
Configuring your DUN connection profile | p. 223 |
Making the DUN connection | p. 225 |
Bypassing the Connect To dialog box | p. 226 |
Handy Windows 95/98 TCP/IP Utilities | p. 227 |
What's your IP status? | p. 227 |
Reach out and telnet someone | p. 229 |
Ping, ping, ping | p. 230 |
Tracing your routes | p. 232 |
Chapter 13 Windows NT Meets DSL | p. 233 |
Windows NT and DSL Connections | p. 233 |
Setting Up TCP/IP in Windows NT | p. 234 |
Configuring NICs for TCP/IP in Windows NT | p. 237 |
Configuring Windows NT for dynamic IP addressing | p. 238 |
Configuring Windows NT for static IP addressing | p. 238 |
Beyond basic TCP/IP configuration | p. 241 |
Working the DUN Way | p. 243 |
Installing and configuring RAS for DUN | p. 243 |
Creating a Phonebook entry | p. 244 |
Configuring your Phonebook entry for TCP/IP | p. 245 |
Keeping up appearances | p. 247 |
Making the connection | p. 249 |
Handy Tools of the IP Trade | p. 251 |
What's your IP status? | p. 251 |
Reach out and telnet someone | p. 251 |
Ping, ping, ping | p. 253 |
Tracing your routes | p. 255 |
Part IV The Part of Tens | p. 257 |
Chapter 14 Dave's Top Ten Reasons for Getting DSL Service | p. 259 |
Cut Your Web Surfing Times | p. 259 |
Move Big Files Quickly | p. 260 |
Run Your Own Web Server | p. 260 |
Add Show and Tell to Internet Communications | p. 261 |
Telework in the VPN Fast Lane | p. 261 |
Use Push and Pull Applications | p. 262 |
Level the Data Communications Playing Field | p. 262 |
Run Your Own E-mail Server | p. 262 |
Share Your Internet Connection | p. 263 |
Tap into Flat Rate Service | p. 263 |
Chapter 15 Ten DSL Service Shopping Tips | p. 265 |
Use the Caveat Emptor Defense | p. 265 |
Shop around to Compare DSL Offerings | p. 266 |
Know What You Need Before Ordering | p. 267 |
Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions | p. 267 |
Know Your CPE Options and Prices | p. 267 |
Ask about Promotional Deals | p. 268 |
Ask for Price Protection Guarantees | p. 268 |
Get a Written Quote | p. 268 |
Read the Fine Print | p. 269 |
Ask about Backbones and QoS | p. 269 |
Chapter 16 Ten Questions to Ask about DSL Service | p. 271 |
Is DSL Service Available in Your Area? | p. 271 |
What's Your Need for Speed? | p. 272 |
Which Type of CPE Do You Want to Use? | p. 273 |
What's Your IP Configuration? | p. 274 |
What's Your TCP/IP Application Strategy? | p. 275 |
What Will DSL Service Cost? | p. 276 |
How Helpful Is the ISP? | p. 277 |
What Are the ISP's Terms and Restrictions? | p. 278 |
Do You Plan to Connect Multiple Computers? | p. 279 |
What Other Services Do You Want from an ISP? | p. 279 |
Part V Appendixes | p. 281 |
Appendix A DSL Products, Services, and Resources | p. 283 |
DSL CPE Vendors | p. 283 |
DSL Proxy Server and Security Products | p. 284 |
TCP/IP Utilities and Applications | p. 285 |
TCP/IP utilities | p. 285 |
Video conferencing | p. 285 |
Web servers | p. 286 |
E-mail servers | p. 287 |
Net phones, net faxing, and IP paging | p. 287 |
Remote control programs | p. 288 |
Virtual private networking | p. 288 |
ILEC and CLEC Web Sites | p. 289 |
Other DSL Resources | p. 290 |
Appendix B Glossary | p. 291 |
Index | p. 307 |