MindSpring Dedicated ISDN Access
FAQ
MindSpring is now offering Dedicated ISDN connectivity in
the city of Atlanta. MindSpring's dedicated access provides a full-time connection to the
Internet for businesses and individuals who need more than a dial-up account. Businesses
who need to run their own servers, provide Internet access to their employees or remote
access to their LAN for telecommuting employees and customers will find a dedicated
account satisfies their needs. An account with MindSpring blends the benefits of dedicated
access with the service and support to which MindSpring's dial-up and Web Hosting
customers are already accustomed.
What is ISDN?
ISDN stands for Integrated Services Digital Network. It is a digital telephone
service that delivers high speed voice and data connections over existing telephone lines.
With an ISDN connection in your home or office, you can connect to the Internet at speeds
up to 128k which is 4 times faster than a standard 33k analog modem. A single ISDN
connection provides two channels (or phone lines) over a single wire making it the perfect
solution for a small office with multiple devices like fax machines, computers and
telephones.
What is a Dedicated ISDN connection?
With a Dedicated ISDN connection you get your own telephone number to connect to
the Internet. That means you never get a busy signal. A dedicated connection is also an
unlimited connection so you can remain connected to the Internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. With a dedicated connection you get a static IP address so it is perfect for
connecting a server to the Internet (something you can't do with a dial-up account under
our terms of service) or providing Internet access to a small LAN.
Do I need special equipment for ISDN?
Though ISDN is delivered over standard telephone lines, it is a digital service so
you will need a terminal adapter (T/A) instead of a modem to connect your computer to the
Internet. If you want to use a phone or fax machine with your ISDN line, your T/A will
need a POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) jack to convert the digital signal to an analog
one. If you want to connect multiple computers to the Internet, you will also need a
router.
There are many ISDN devices to choose from with myriad feature sets. To make the
decision easier for you and provide the highest level of support possible, MindSpring
tested several integrated Router T/A’s for ease of installation and configuration,
reliability and throughput. From those tests we chose two devices we recommend and
support: The Arescom Apex 1100 and the Toshiba TR-600 series. If you want full support
from our technical support staff, you will need to use one of these devices. You can use
devices from other manufacturers if you choose, but our technical support staff will only
be able to give you configuration information and test your connection if you have
problems. They won’t be able to assist you with configuring or troubleshooting
devices other than the Arescom and Toshiba.
The Toshiba TR-600 Compact Router (http://www.toshiba.com/taisnpd/set4.htm)
is an ISDN Terminal Adapter with a router and 4 port ethernet hub all combined into a
small footprint device. It has a built in DHCP server for easily connecting multiple
computers to the Internet. The TR-650 includes all the features of the 600 with the
addition of two POTS jacks for using analog devices with your ISDN line.
The Arescom Apex 1100 router (http://www.arescom.com/ProdPgs/)
is an extremely versatile and affordable solution to connecting to your MindSpring
Dedicated ISDN account. With all the features you expect from quality router in addition
to their proprietary "Remote Manager", this router is a snap to set up.
Can I purchase the Arescom or Toshiba routers from MindSpring?
In order to insure a high level of customer service and after sales support,
MindSpring has partnered with Telamon IMS Corporation (http://sales.telamon-corp.com) to provide the
Arescom and Toshiba routers. Their sales and support staff are experts on these devices as
well as ISDN in general. They can provide the Arescom and Toshiba routers for a great
price. For an additional fee they will include their Sure Setup Guarantee to assist you
over the phone while you configure your router to connect to MindSpring.
Telamon is also a nationwide ISDN line provisioning company. If you don't already have
an ISDN line in your home or office, they can order one on your behalf and schedule the
installation in the Atlanta area for no additional charge.
What do you get with a Dedicated ISDN account from MindSpring?
A Dedicated ISDN account includes:
- An unlimited connection at either 64k or 128k
- One IP Address (additional IP space available)
- 10 Mailboxes
- 5 MB of Web Space
- DNS, Routing, Mail Relay, Time and News Services
- Service and Support Documentation
- Technical Support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Nationwide Roaming on the MindSpring Network @ $.75/hour
- 3 complete MindSpring Software kits for installation on multiple computers
What do I need to get started?
There are 3 basic components to a Dedicated ISDN account: an ISDN line, an ISDN
Terminal Adapter and a Dedicated ISDN account.
The ISDN Line - The very first thing you'll need is an ISDN line from
your local telephone service provider. If you don't already have an ISDN line, a
MindSpring sales representative can connect you with Telamon Corporation, a national ISDN
provisioning service. The experts at Telamon are familiar with MindSpring's offering and
can help you order an ISDN line for your home or office.
The ISDN Terminal Adapter - A terminal adapter (or T/A) is essentially a
digital modem. MindSpring recommends the Arescom Apex 1100, or the Toshiba 600 Compact
Router series. You will need to use one of these routers if you want full support from our
Technical Support group. All three can be purchased from Telamon Corporation who are
familiar with the MindSpring offering and can help you determine your needs.
The Dedicated ISDN Account - A MindSpring Sales representative can help
you set up an account. Call them at 1.888.MSPRING.
How much does it cost?
The setup fee and monthly charge for Dedicated 64k and 128k ISDN accounts are shown
below. These DO NOT include the monthly charge for ISDN service from your local telephone
company.
| 64k ISDN Setup Fee |
$250.00 |
| 64k ISDN Monthly Charge |
$250.00 |
| 128k ISDN Setup Fee |
$250.00 |
| 128k ISDN Monthly Charge |
$400.00 |
| |
|
| Additional IP's |
|
| Set Up Fee |
$25.00 |
| 6 IPs Monthly Charge |
$10.00 |
| 14 IPs Monthly Charge |
$20.00 |
| 30 IPs Monthly Charge |
$30.00 |
| 62 IPs Monthly Charge |
$50.00 |
Where is MindSpring's Dedicated ISDN offering available?
MindSpring will initially be offering Dedicated ISDN only in the Atlanta, Georgia
area. We intend to expand the offering to selected cities within the MindSpring Network by
the end of 1998.
What other kinds of Dedicated Internet Access does MindSpring offer?
MindSpring's Dedicated ISDN offering is the first in a line of dedicated access
products which will eventually include Frame Relay and Leased Line connections as well as
related products such as Virtual Private Networks and Firewalls. Watch these pages for
announcements on when these other products become available.
