Jesus 'n Jim
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different ways to get on the internet - ISP's

 

Overview

This page shows you how to get connected to the internet: companies, ISP's, methods.
All ISP's require a credit card or debit card for billing purposes.

Need filtered internet service (child-safe, business-safe)? see this list of ISP's.

Routers: With routers, you will generally need to do a long reset on the router (or whatever procedure they recommend) before you hook up the router to your modem. before you hook the router up to your modem, you will need to set up the connection and software using your modem and computer first. then you can move the ethernet cable from the computer to the internet jack on the router, and plug an extra ethernet cable between one of the numbered ports of the back of the router and your computer. but don't rely on this: check your manuals and/or call up a tech at the router company, because it may be different! With Linksys routers, they will basically have you hook your modem up to your computer, reset the router for 30 seconds (depending on your model), and go to http://linksys.com/easy , save and run the EasyLink Connect software (first link) and follow the directions in the software. If you are going wireless you will have more success with MIMO and especially certain models of MIMO routers. In South Korea, 100Mbps is ordinary. Far cry from other parts of the world. So, why are we, in the USA, behind? Marketing & business strategies, most likely. We already have VDSL modems that can do 100Mbps at Verizon's specified 600'(2006,2008). Just waiting for companies to introduce faster rates. Cable was supposed to introduce 100Mbps in 2008, but I am sure it hasn't caught on because of the $179/mo rate. Japan is selling 100Mbps/50Mbps. 300Mbps modems are available I think.

Note to Business users:

A T1 line is quite expensive I am told. there is special equipment and a T1 line to buy (1.544Mbps both ways, which crawls, but it is solid, and not shared and doesn't vary). The experience of someone buying Frame Relay (56kbps) from the phone company was that and once you buy it, the equipment and line is yours (including if someone cuts it). so he had wires laying all over the ground from point a to point b. you might want to ask the phone company some questions before getting this.

There are other ways to get high speed internet, but they can be somewhat expensive:

  • fiber to the house (includes Verizon/Frontier FiOS 25Mbps/25Mbps and 35Mbps/35Mbps, Qwest HD Internet 40Mbps/1.5Mbps or 40Mbps/7Mbps. affected by distance to Central Office.
  • Cable and FiOS can be fast some or most of the time, but doesn't usually reach anywhere near its peak speed. sometimes it gets to about dialup speed. the reason why is it's a shared connection. the more people are on it, the slower it goes.
  • Microwave is about 45Mbps, directional, I think affected by weather like rain & snow, requires a tower, gets rave reviews from a farmer I know in Montana.
  • Sattelite is out (too slow). directional. 1Mbps max and very expensive, big delays. affected by rain and snow.
  • WiMAX, sold by Clear.com is directional, slow and flaky (0-6Mbps max, and you have to be good at aiming your modem, best to have the technician install the thing). affected by weather and who knows what. some weather I think, like snow takes it down. best to be close to the tower.
  • Wireless Dish goes slow and is expensive.
  • DSL is always 896Kbps upload speed, with 12Mbps, 7Mbps upload speed. used to be unshared, but now the ISP's have made it a shared connection, so you don't always get the speed it's rated at. affected by distance to Central Office.

nothing's perfect down here, only a DS3 at 45Mbps (or above) or Sonnet at 655Mbps or Microwave at around 45Mbps really scream.

For a firewall (router replacement for more security), I would recommend to you a SonicWall firewall appliance. I have not installed one of these. they are about $295+ and include non-defragmenting deep packet inspection, and antivirus, VPN, intrusion prevention, antivirus, anti-spyware (which probably means you pay monthly for a service of some sort), and wireless LAN, multi-WAN failover, content filtering. But it probably requires somebody knowledgeable to install it I would suppose. price goes up REALLY FAST, so be prepared for a starter price of $1000-$1500.

Email without computer (3 dialup services, 1 voice service)

  • Landel Mailbug, available from landel $125+$9.95/mo. It's a little keyboard and LCD display, and like most of these, probably plugs into your phone line. Order by fax or online. prints to standard fax machines. The most reliable method of the 3.
  • IfByPhone, available from ifbyphone, $6.95/mo. email by phone/voicemail. probably not very reliable due to voice recognition.
  • Celery, available via mycelery email via fax machine. emails are sent as an image (write legibly and a little larger than usual!). works with [optional] color faxes to print emails with color images. you are notified by phone call that an email has been received. it recognizes Dear _____, (i.e. Dear AIMEE,) in block lettering as the recipient (note: this is NOT an email address, so you can't apparently send email to regular email addresses? maybe unless you make a specific entry). AIMEE is recognized as an entry in your email address book. may not be too reliable due to (? handwriting recognition) of email addresses. challenge-response eliminates spam (see blog post).
  • Presto Services Inc., available from presto $99.99+$9.99/mo. receive email only. prints to special HP printer.
Dialup, 24Kbps-48Kbps (usually 26Kbps)

I have seen dialup modems destroyed by storms here in Vancouver, WA. I suggest running your modem through a phone line surge protector, which may be built into better surge protector outlets or you can get one from Radio Shack - it won't mangle your signal or slow things down.

  • Copper.net $10/mo 888-336-3318 no software to mess up your machine. plain & simple dialup. high-speed dialup isn't worth it.
  • ATT.NET AT&T WorldNet Dialup $15/mo 1 mo free, (comes with anti-spam & email protection, popup stopper, email switching tools, parental controls) supposed to be another good no-nonsense dialup. click the "change location" button to get at the dialup stuff. 150MB web space, 6 email id's. no credit card required. There is also a $17 and a $22 plan - I can't tell the difference between them. you can download the cd from here.
  • PeoplePC Online $11/mo 800-832-3079 or 1-877-947-3327 (appears to be system-intrusive like AOL: appears to replace wininet.dll & ras.dll. Has smart dialler. $16/mo AV+firewall+antispyware if you need that)
  • NetZero $10/mo 800-638-9376 (is probably system-intrusive like AOL: has AV,spam blocker if you need that). leaves port 4537 open even after software is uninstalled.

Note: your speed depends on whether your line is multiplexed, and whether your line uses fiber optics (I was told) or SS7+callerID boxes (according to Upgrading and Repairing PC's 17th Ed.). fiber optics reduces the speed to 24kbps permanently. So does SS7, which is part of the telco 'upgrades'. The combination of SS7 signaling and the use of a caller ID box on the same line will cause frequent disconnects & drop in connection speed, problems with reliability. I don't recommend Accelerated dialup. it's a waste of money and often the installed software just crashes. It is unknown to me whether the modem industry will handle the SS7 signaling problem with a new V. standard. Juno: I don't recommend Juno because its inbox or Juno gets corrupted often and you lose all your mail and settings, then you have to reinstall the last version you used and import your settings (IF that works - usually requires a working internet connection!) and restore Juno from a backup. Juno also has problems with Adobe Acrobat Reader 8.x upgrading for some reason. With Juno you can't use standard email clients - you can only use theirs. its backups are useless when your inbox is corrupted or comes from a different version of Juno - at most you will get your address book back and will be forced to redo your dialup access #s.

[A]DSL (Broadband), 256kbps/256Kbps, 1.5Mbps/896Kbps, [3Mbps/896Kbps] 7Mbps/896Kbps

You must have a phone line for DSL to work but you don't have to pay for phone service. you must get your DSL from your phone company that covers your area. filters must be installed on all phones, faxes (sorry, no direct faxes on DSL! try packet8 fax service over DSL), answering machines, and other telephone devices - 4 are provided in the package (1 may be a flat wall-mount with a filter on the side, the thru jack on the front is for the modem: See your wiring diagram) + there may be an extra filter jack built-in to the modem. The ActionTec modem has a firewall - more recent models I am told are fully configurable routers and some are wireless (but have a weak signal - get a router with rangemax or a MIMO router).
I have seen dialup modems destroyed by storms here in Vancouver, WA. I suggest running your DSL modem through a phone line surge protector, which may be built into better surge protector outlets or you can get one from Radio Shack - it may or may not mangle your signal or slow things down.

Not only do you have to pay for the DSL, I *think* you also have to pay for the phone line, but I am not sure about that. ASK.

Get line protection and any other kinds of protection you can. it will save you money down the road if something happens! and I have seen things happen.

  • Qwest/WindowsLive $20-37/mo w/phone svc, $32-55 w/out phone svc (you can choose your own ISP on Qwest rather than WindowsLive if nou need webspace). Qwest also has their http://www.hdinternet.com site where you can find the 40Mbps rate if it is available in your area. They offer 256Kbps/256Kbps, 1.5Mbps/896Kbps ($36.95, defaults to $49.95), 3-7Mbps/896Kbps. 896Kbps upload is faster than comcast's lowest. you may be able to get Qwest DSL for $14.95/mo for the first year through Whitefence.com (depends on offers available in your area). it takes 3 days to get DSL service.
    • 1.5Mbps/896Kbps Residential DSL $19.99/mo+19.99activation without phone ($30/mo after 6 mo)
    • 7Mbps/896kbps Residential DSL $19.99/mo+19.99activation without phone ($35/mo after 6 mo)
    • 12Mbps/896Kbps Residential Fiber $19.99/mo+19.99activation without phone ($40/mo after 6 mo)
    • 20Mbps/896Kbps Residential Fiber $19.99/mo+19.99activation without phone ($50/mo after 6 mo)
    • 40Mbps/20Mbps or 40Mbps/5Mbps Residential Fiber $19.99/mo+19.99activation without phone ($80/mo after 6 mo)
  • Yahoo (Verizon/AT&T) $17-40/mo
  • AT&T.NET DSL ($20/mo 1.5Mbps, $30/mo 3.0Mbps) free modem & installation kit, (comes with anti-spam, anti-spyware, etc. & email protection, popup stopper, email switching tools, parental controls) supposed to be another good no-nonsense dialup. click the "change location" button to get at the dialup stuff. 6 email id's. not available for everyone.
  • Copper.net $32-55/mo 888-336-3318 no software to mess up your machine. plain & simple DSL.
  • Stephouse enterprise-class services in Portland, OR area) 503-548-2000/1-877-622-4678. business DSL:
    • Qwest SOHO 256k/256k $88.95/mo+$5/mo
    • Qwest SOHO 1.5MB/896k $88.95/mo+$5/mo
    • Qwest SOHO 1.5MB/896k(Standalone) $88.95/mo+$5/mo
    • Qwest SOHO 3-5MB/896k Monthly $108.95/mo+$5/mo
    • Qwest SOHO 3-5MB/896k(Standalone) $108.95/mo+$5/mo
    • Qwest Corporate 768k/128k $64.95/mo+$60.00+$99.00
    • Qwest Corporate 1.5MB/128k $64.95/mo+$60.00+$99.00
    • Qwest Corporate 1.5MB/384k $64.95/mo+$60.00+$99.00
    • Qwest Corporate 3MB/768k $99.95/mo+$60.00+$99.00
    • Qwest Corporate 5MB/768k $114.95/mo+$60.00+$99.00
    • Qwest Corporate 7.1MB/768k $129.95/mo+$60.00+$99.00
    • Verizon 768k/128k $64.95/mo+$60.00+$99.00
    • Verizon 1.5MB/128k $64.95/mo+$60.00+$99.00
    • Verizon 1.5MB/384k $64.95/mo+$60.00+$99.00
    • Verizon 3MB/768k $99.95/mo+$60.00+$99.00
    • Verizon 5MB/768k $114.95/mo+$60.00+$99.00
    • Verizon 7.1MB/768k $129.95/mo+$60.00+$99.00

Note: Extra filters can be acquired at CompUSA, Radio Shack, and similar computer stores that carry networking supplies. yes, the big flat metal hanging wall-jack is used for your DSL line (or plug your modem essentially directly into the wall (hopefully through a surge protector), so your modem, router, and one Vista/XP/2000 computer should be located there. Sorry, windows ME/98 are not supported for the Qwest installation process. Once the router is up though, you can plug in your win9x and winME computers just fine (into a router), even wirelessly. I suggest you don't choose MSN on your Qwest - it's easy to mess up and it's a hassle, and the software breaks a lot (and it doesn't work under anything less than Windows 2000/XP/Vista).
Don't plug in your router the first time you have set up your connection software and modem directly through a computer first. Nothing will work until you do.
You can get modem lockups sue to spyware and due to power spikes. I suggest you get a small separate ISOBAR surge supressor strip just for the modem [& router] - it will eliminate the possibility of line noise & eliminate most expensive storm damage (and reconfig time!). This will also allow you to cycle the power on both when needed (but unplug the router and let the router power up last after modem is up solid).
Always power up the router AFTER the modem has come up!
Modern-day DSL modems contain routers/gateways now. a router isn't really necessary. however, if you are looking for wireless range, you should probably get a wired modem and a MIMO router or other long-range router.

VDSL (Broadband), up to 100Mbps

You must have a phone line for DSL to work but you don't have to pay for phone service. you must get your DSL from your phone company that covers your area. filters must be installed on all phones, faxes (sorry, no direct faxes on DSL! try Packet8 FAX service over IP, plug in FAX machine), answering machines, and other telephone devices - 4 are provided in the package (1 may be a flat wall-mount with a filter on the side, the thru jack on the front is for the modem: See your wiring diagram) + there may be an extra filter jack built-in to the modem. some modems are wireless, depends on what you want when you buy the service or which modem you buy.
I have seen dialup modems destroyed by storms here in Vancouver, WA. I suggest running your DSL modem through a phone line surge protector, which may be built into better surge protector outlets or you can get one from Radio Shack - it may or may not mangle your signal or slow things down.

Not only do you have to pay for the DSL, I *think* you also have to pay for the phone line, but I am not sure about that. ASK.

Get line protection and any other kinds of protection you can. it will save you money down the road if something happens! and I have seen things happen.

Note: Apparently fiber-optic lines are a bonus, shortening the total telco wire length (wire must be <4000' or 1219m). The shorter, the faster: Verizon specs it at no more than 600' which gives 100Mbps. Extra filters can be acquired at CompUSA, Radio Shack, and similar computer stores that carry networking supplies. yes, the big flat metal hanging wall-jack is used for your DSL line (or plug your modem essentially directly into the wall (hopefully through a surge protector), so your modem, router, and one Vista/XP/2000 computer should be located there. Sorry, windows ME/98 are not supported for the Qwest installation process. Once the router is up though, you can plug in your win9x and winME computers just fine (into a router), even wirelessly. I suggest you don't choose MSN on your Qwest - it's easy to mess up and it's a hassle, and the software breaks a lot (and it doesn't work under anything less than Windows 2000/XP/Vista).
Don't plug in your router the first time you have set up your connection software and modem directly through a computer first. Nothing will work until you do.
You can get modem lockups sue to spyware and due to power spikes. I suggest you get a small separate ISOBAR surge supressor strip just for the modem [& router] - it will eliminate the possibility of line noise & eliminate most expensive storm damage (and reconfig time!). This will also allow you to cycle the power on both when needed (but unplug the router and let the router power up last after modem is up solid).
Always power up the router AFTER the modem has come up!
Modern-day DSL modems contain routers/gateways now. a router isn't really necessary. however, if you are looking for wireless range, you should probably get a wired modem and a MIMO router or other long-range router.

ARTICLES: what is VDSL(wisegeek), isp planet on VDSL's first products,

Fiber-to-the-house (Broadband), 5/2Mbps-150/35Mbps

  • Verizon FiOS $50-230/mo no cap, shared line, now bought in some states by Frontier.
    RESIDENTIAL (3/10/2011):
    • Tier 1: 15/5Mbps $49.99/mo
    • Tier 2: 25/25Mbps $64.99/mo
    • Tier 3: 50/20Mbps $139.99/mo
    SMALL BUSINESS: (3/10/2011)
    • 15/5Mbps $94.99/mo, $64.99/mo 2YR CONTRACT
    • 25/25Mbps $114.99/mo, $84.99/mo 2YR CONTRACT
    • 35/35Mbps $129.99/mo, $99.99/mo 2YR CONTRACT
    • 50/20Mbps $179.99/mo, $149.99/mo 2YR CONTRACT
    • 150/35Mbps $229.99/mo, $199.99/mo 2YR CONTRACT
  • Frontier FiOS $55-145/mo (to see the higher-end plans, click on "show additional plans" in small text). shared, although comcast has some limitations like a cap (max GB/mo).
    RESIDENTIAL (3/10/2011):
    • Tier 1: 15/5Mbps $54.99/mo
    • Tier 2: 25/25Mbps $69.99/mo
    • Tier 3: 50/20Mbps $144.99/mo
    SMALL BUSINESS: (3/10/2011)
    • 15/5Mbps $94.99/mo, $64.99/mo 2YR CONTRACT
    • *25/25Mbps $114.99/mo, $84.99/mo 2YR CONTRACT
    • *35/35Mbps $129.99/mo, $99.99/mo 2YR CONTRACT
    • 50/20Mbps $179.99/mo, $149.99/mo 2YR CONTRACT
    • 150/35Mbps $229.99/mo, $199.99/mo 2YR CONTRACT
  • Qwest (click here to see upgrades on existing svc. fiber not available in all areas)
    RESIDENTIAL:
    • DSL 1.5Mbps/896kbps Residential Fiber $19.99/mo+$19.99activation without phone for 1st 6 months ($40/mo after 12 mo)
    • DSL? 7Mbps/896kbps Residential Fiber $19.99/mo+$19.99activation without phone for 1st 6 months ($45/mo after 12 mo)
    • 12Mbps/896kbps Residential Fiber $19.99/mo+$19.99activation without phone for 1st 6 months ($50/mo after 12 mo)
    • 20Mbps/896kbps Residential Fiber $19.99/mo+$19.99activation without phone for 1st 6 months ($60/mo after 12 mo) - not available in all areas
    • 40Mbps/5Mbps Residential Fiber $19.99/mo+$19.99activation without phone for 1st 6 months ($70/mo after 12 mo) - not available in all areas
    SMALL BUSINESS (1, 2):
    • Qwest Office Basic High Speed Internet with Office Basic 40Mbps/1.5Mbps $52/mo
    • Qwest Office Basic High Speed Internet with Office Plus 40Mbps/1.5Mbps $60/mo
    • Qwest Office Basic Core Connect 1: 40Mbps/7Mbps Residential Fiber $85/mo
    • iQ Networking Internet Port, Scalable to needs $800/mo starting price with 3 year service agreement
    • iQ Data Bundle, Scalable to needs $450/mo starting price with 3 year service agreement

Fiber Optics to the house. base is same cheaper than cable and slightly faster, but has a higher upper limit on speed. if you transfer a lot of files, this may be the way to go.
Don't plug in your router the first time you have set up your connection software and modem directly through a computer first. Nothing will work until you do.
You might want to choose a gigabit router for this that has a gigabit switch built-in, such as an older Linksys model if you plan to do much internal networking. Use Cat5e (preferably) or Cat6 cables - those handle gigabit.
I suggest you get a small separate ISOBAR surge supressor strip just for the modem [& router] - it will eliminate the possibility of line noise & eliminate most storm damage. This will also allow you to cycle the power on both when needed (but unplug the router and let the router power up last after modem is up solid).

Choose FIOS 25Mbps/25Mbps or 35Mbps/35Mbps plan if you are uploading .ISO files to a web server. FiOS comes with a wireless router.

Always power up the router AFTER the modem has come up!

Cable (Broadband) 1Mbps-50Mbps (peak) - higher speeds available upon special request

  • Xfinity(Comcast)
    • RESIDENTIAL:
    • Extreme50 w powerboost(50Mbps/10Mbps)$99.95/mo(price requires TV or voice)
    • Ultra w powerboost(30Mbps/7Mbps)$62.95/mo(price requires TV or voice)
    • Blast! w powerboost(20Mbps/4Mbps)$52.95/mo(price requires TV or voice)
    • Performance w powerboost(15Mbps/3Mbps) $42.95/mo(price requires TV or voice)
    • Economy(1Mbps/384k)$42.95/mo $24.95/mo(price requires TV or voice)
    • Fast Pack Nationwide 3g/4g [eligibility criteria](???Mbps/???kbps)$69.99($97.95)/mo+$49activation+$9.95shipping+5¢/MBabove5GB/mo3g+$1roamingabove100MB/mo3g
    • Fast Pack Metro 3g/4g [eligibility criteria](???Mbps/???kbps)$54.99($82.95)/mo+$49activation+$9.95shipping+5¢/MBabove5GB/mo3g+$1roamingabove100MB/mo3g
    • BUSINESS:
    • Deluxe50(50Mbps/10Mbps)$189.95/mo
    • Premium(22Mbps/5Mbps)$99.95/mo
    • Starter(12Mbps/2Mbps)$????/mo
    [no cap on business accounts as on residential]. The higher rates are not available in all areas. Excessive use is 250GB/mo (gaming doesn't come up to this). Comcast doesn't have a specific link I can just insert in this list due to the "what's your address?". sorry. If you already have service at that address, they will refer you to the comcast phone number: 1-888-COMCAST (1-888-266-2278). They implement PowerBoost, which gives you more than your bandwidth in an exponential curve that ramps down to your download rate within a minute or 3. So if you see this, don't get excited - you are getting more than your share of bandwidth. They also implement "Network Management" on peer-to-peer networking (such as file sharing protocols). They will notify you by phone if you are an "excessive user" ("using more than a business uses over a T1 line in a month", which is about 1.544e6/10*8hrsPerDay*4wksPerMo*5DysPerWk*3600secPerHr/1e9=88GB?). available as of Feb 2008 are 6Mbps/384kbps, 8Mbps/768Kbps, and an 8Mbps/768Kbps with 12Mbps/? for long downloads/uploads. Configuration Note: our particular comcast location no longer requires setting the router's hostname and domain as of Nov 9, 2008. You will want to choose FIOS or high-end comcast or DSL(768k) if you are uploading .ISO files to a web server. You can probably sign up for a slightly cheaper package deal through whitefence.com.
  • Adelphia (now time warner cable) $50/mo (recently some areas bought out by Comcast)

Note: cable modems lock up periodically and need to be reset once every few months, and they generate heat and don't like to be in hot places. To reduce the problems with the need for resetting, I suggest you get a small separate ISOBAR surge supressor strip just for the modem & router - it will eliminate the possibility of line noise & eliminate most storm damage. This will also allow you to cycle the power on both when needed (but unplug the router and let the router power up last after modem is up solid). coax line quality can also affect the modem. a separate branch line for the modem works best.

Don't plug in your router first. set up your cable modem, run the software, and register your modem first. don't give the technician permission to touch your computer if you can avoid it - irreversable damage to your software packages can result. the technician I worked with was trained to wipe out all the startup programs - that included my antivirus, database, cd burning program, paint program, and a lot of other programs which were valid. Maybe they have changed their policy by now, but I had no peace about that, I should have listened.

time you have set up your connection software and modem directly through a computer first. Router will not work until you do. Always power up the router AFTER the modem has come up!

Comcast [in my apartment, but a friend says this is not a problem in their house] has a problem with its service. At 1-2am, service drops out for at least several hours, I never stayed up long enough to figure out how long. so if you are counting on comcast for high-bandwidth uploads, get high-bandwidth internet and start it in the morning!

Comcast is a "shared" internet connection, meaning your bandwidth is reduced if other people are using comcast in your area. so at times everybody can get really slow performance depending on what time of day you are on. Customer complains of somewhere around dialup speeds. Some days I get 174kbps way late at night, and during the day/evenings I get 33-64kbps.

100Mbps was supposed to come to Cable in 2008. What happened was that 50Mbps service was offered to residential customers at a high price. but a high rate of speed is available. article1, article2 about Docsis 3.0 300Mbps cable to come in 2010 (already here, it's the 50Mbps service, soon to be 100Mbps). see article on comcast 50Mbps service and docsis 3.0 modems.

Satellite (broadband) - dish 700Kbps-16Mbps

  • DirectWay/HughesNet $60-100/mo+$0-300setup alternate link
    • Home 1Mbps/128Kbps $59.99/mo
    • Pro 1.2Mbps/200Kbps $69.99/mo
    • ProPlus 1.6Mbps/250Kbps $79.99/mo
    • Elite 2.0 Mbps/300Kbps $119.99/mo
    • ElitePlus 3.0Mbps/300Kbps $189.99/mo
    • ElitePremium 5.0Mbps/300Kbps $349.99/mo
  • WildBlue (directly, or through Digital Connex) $50/mo (good for outlying areas that don't normally have internet access), up to 1.5Mbps download speeds
    • 512kbps/128kbps 7.5GB/2.3GB Cap, $49.95/mo 2yr contract
    • 1Mbps/200kbps 12GB/3GB Cap, $69.95/mo 2yr contract
    • 1.5Mbps/256kbps 17GB/5GB Cap, $49.95/mo 2yr contract

Note: satellite is subject to dropouts due to airplanes flying overhead and rainy or other such weather - anything that could block the line-of-sight communication between the dish and the satellite could cause a dropout, and would take some time to recover I am told. I do not know if the recovery time has changed since I last checked in 2002.

satellite has an extremely long delay in both directions (to, from satellite). earth to satellite to earth. fine for TV. bad for internet.

may be needed if you need to get internet in middle of nowhere.

and note this: TCP portion of TCP/IP works by sending a packet and waiting for a reply. no reply in about 2 minutes, then it sends the packet again. so take into account your delays in both directions and that doubles the length of your trip... TCP does this over and over for one file transfer.

3G/4G Mobile/Cell Broadband Wireless (broadband) - kbps

All these cards are Wi-Fi enabled and work off the EDGE network.

Note: Good for outlying areas where there is no normal internet access.
There is a router available that looks like a pyramid that only takes PCMCIA cards. Check your router manual first, but you may have set up your connection software and modem directly through a computer first before inserting your modem into the router. The router may not work until you do.
I suggest you get a small separate ISOBAR surge supressor strip just for the modem [& router] - it will eliminate the possibility of line noise & eliminate most storm damage. This will also allow you to cycle the power on both when needed (but unplug the router and let the router power up last after modem is up solid).
I don't know if they allow routers on satellite connections yet or not. they didn't used to. it used to be box-per-computer with DirecWay (now HughesNet).

Carrier Class Wireless (broadband) - dish 384K-8Mbps

  • Air Speed ($60/mo res, $99/mo bus) for Clark County, WA. 360-835-1000
    • residential 384kbps/384kbps $59.99+$249.99setup
    • residential 768kbps/768kbps $69.99+$249.99setup
    • residential 1Mbps/1Mbps $79.99+$249.99setup
    • business redundant wireless T1 or OC3 1-8Mbps wireless $179.99+$300setup
    • business metro ethernet
    • business private net
  • Infinity Internet ($149/mo+) enterprise class services for WA. 360-835-1000 [1.5-45Mbps, T1-DS3/T3 speeds]. guarantees 99.99% network uptime.
  • Stephouseinstallation is $99. enterprise-class services in Portland, OR: 98209,97204,97203,97205 and Woodland, WA area) 503-548-2000/1-877-622-4678 you may get a dish on the side of your building(?), but then again it could be an indoor modem.
    • residential 1Mbps/256kbps $19.99/mo
    • residential 3Mbps/384Kbps $35/mo
    • residential 6Mbps/768Kbps $45/mo
    • residential 10Mbps/1Mbps $55/mo
    • residential 15Mbps/1Mbps $65/mo
    • residential 20Mbps/1Mbps $75/mo
    • business 3Mbps/768Kbps $55/mo
    • business 6Mbps/1Mbps $75/mo
    • business 10Mbps/1.5Mbps $99/mo
    • business 15Mbps/2Mbps $149/mo
    • business 20Mbps/3Mbps $175/mo

Note: you get a dish on the side of your building. Good for outlying areas where there is no normal internet access.
Don't plug in your router the first time you have set up your connection software and modem directly through a computer first. Nothing will work until you do.
I suggest you get a small separate ISOBAR surge supressor strip just for the modem [& router] - it will eliminate the possibility of line noise & eliminate most storm damage. This will also allow you to cycle the power on both when needed (but unplug the router and let the router power up last after modem is up solid).

WiMax Wireless (broadband) - (T1 speeds - 1.544Mbps+, 1Mbps-6Mbps/1Mbps,IEEE802.16m/WirelessMAN Advanced/WiMAX-2 300Mbps/? net 100Mbps

  • Stephouse enterprise-class services in Portland, OR area) 503-548-2000/1-877-622-4678 you may get a dish on the side of your building(?), but then again it could be an indoor modem.
    • T1[1.544Mbps]
    • T3/DS3[44.736Mbps]
    • Fiber grade[14Tbps?]
  • Clear $35 activation,modem lease $4.99/mo, Portland, OR and Vancouver Metro Area currently but is spreading. Indoor modem. outages on a regular basis. signal goes up and down for unknown reasons. I get about 1-3 out of 5 or it is searching for signal. ethernet modem works with router. least expensive broadband. If you sign up on the web it's a 2-year agreement.
    • HOME:
    • basic home, 768kbps/384kbps, 2 email accounts, $25.37/mo
    • fast home, 3Mbps/1Mbps, 2 email accounts, $30/mo
    • pick 1 unlimited home, unlimited[10Mbps]/1Mbps, 2 email accounts, $45/mo
    • MOBILE:
    • 2GB mobile 4Mbps/1Mbps, $10/1GB over 2GB, 2 email accounts, $35/mo
    • pick 1 unlimited mobile, unlimited[10Mbps]/1Mbps, unlimited usage, 2 email accounts, $45/mo
    • 4G+ Mobile Internet, unlimited usage, unlimited[10Mbps]/1Mbps, $70/mo
    • Mondi 2GB Promo, $10 per 1GB over 2GB, 4Mbps/1Mbps, 2 email accounts, $35/mo
    • Mondi Unlimited Promo, unlimited usage, unlimited[10Mbps]/1Mbps, 2 email accounts, $45/mo
    • SMALL OFFICE/HOME OFFICE:
    • Fast Office, unlimited usage, 4Mbps/1Mbps, 4 email accounts, $55/mo
    • Faster Office, unlimited usage, unlimited[10Mbps]/1Mbps, 8 email accounts, $75/mo
    • Professional 2GB Mobile, $10 per 1GB over 2 GB, 4Mbps/1Mbps, 2 email accounts, $40/mo+$35 activation
    • Professional Unlimited Mobile, unlimited[10Mbps]/1Mbps, 2 email accounts, unlimited usage, $50/mo+$35 activation
    • 4G+ Mobile Internet, unlimited[10Mbps]/1Mbps, 2 email accounts, unlimited usage, $70/mo+$35 activation fee
    • 15GB Shared Mobile, 6Mbps/1Mbps, $10 per 1GB over 15GB, $100/mo
    • 30GB Shared Mobile, 6Mbps/1Mbps, $10 per 1GB over 30GB, $120/mo
    • BUNDLES:
    • Pick 2 Unlimited: Home & Mobile, unlimited usage, unlimited[10Mbps]/1Mbps, $60/mo+$17.50 activation
    • Pick 2 Unlimited: Mobile & Mobile, unlimited usage, unlimited[10Mbps]/1Mbps, $60/mo+$17.50 activation
    • Voice Bundle, Clear Voice, 3Mbps/1Mbps, unlimited usage, $55/mo+$35 activation
    • Pick 3 Unlimited, mobile+home+voice, unlimited usage, unlimited[10Mbps]/1Mbps, $80/mo+$17.50 activation

Note: Clear (Clearwire) is available in Portland OR and Vancouver, WA to my knowledge, but supposed to be national soon. Modem is large, flat and well ventilated (vertical) and installs indoors, and doesn't require a technician.

See wikipedia article. There can be slowdowns and disconnects. line-of-sight. "throughputs are often closer to 2 Mbit/s symmetric at 10 km with fixed WiMAX and a high gain antenna."

Some Laptops have WiMAX ability. higher data rates coming with 326Mbps/86Mbps LTE - tell 'em if you want it! (wimax currently at 10Mbps/1Mbps max)

Transceiver tower coming near you. USB modem for mobile available, uses high-quality Skycross antenna. Modem has ethernet connection and works with a router.

it used to be what they first started out that if you signed up on the web, it was a 2 year contract and they didn't tell you about that ( only option) until after you printed the invoice. they have since fixed that. They now have month-to-month service, which is cool, and their bandwidth for transmitting has gone up on some of their products!

Stephouse/WiMAX Good for outlying areas where there is no normal internet access.
Don't plug in your router the first time you have set up your connection software and modem directly through a computer first. Nothing will work until you do.
I suggest you get a small separate ISOBAR surge supressor strip just for the modem [& router] - it will eliminate the possibility of line noise & eliminate most storm damage. This will also allow you to cycle the power on both when needed (but unplug the router and let the router power up last after modem is up solid).

Airspan makes a easy CPE that clearwire/clear doesn't use that is non-line-of-sight (NLOS) and uses the Intel rosedale chipset and includes VoIP and WiFi capabilities. They also make a Pro CPE for outdoor deplotment that has a 4-port LAN, 802.1q VLAN port switching, VoIP IAD, up to 16 SSID's, optional integral 802.11b/g WiFi AP. The catch is, the ISP must also use their ?backhaul? equipment. so it's not a simple switchover. If you want 100Mbps WiMAX, you want backhaul (a feedhorn on a tower I think).

article: Clearwire will ditch WiMAX, move to LTE "Clearwire's new CEO, Bill Morrow, says that the company has built a flexible infrastructure that will allow it to change from [WiMAX to LTE] quickly and inexpensively. Right now, the company focuses on getting more subscribers and building out a footprint in the markets that matter to its valuation."

A newer article than that (Mar 24, 2010) can be found at pcworld.com business center.

Airspan makes a easy CPE that clearwire/clear doesn't use that is non-line-of-sight (NLOS) and uses the Intel rosedale chipset and includes VoIP and WiFi capabilities. They also make a Pro CPE for outdoor deplotment that has a 4-port LAN, 802.1q VLAN port switching, VoIP IAD, up to 16 SSID's, optional integral 802.11b/g WiFi AP. The catch is, the ISP must also use their ?backhaul? equipment. so it's not a simple switchover. If you want 100Mbps WiMAX, you want backhaul (a feedhorn on a tower I think). LTE is already being implemented by clear.net mixed with WiMAX.

300Mbps (100Mbps effective) WiMAX IEEE 802.16m standard approved Mar 31, 2011. WiMAX gets new standard of 300Mbps, (read:clear.net, clearwire.net).

and by the way, Clear has said it is sticking with WiMAX, rather than go with 45Mbps LTE. They joined with Sprint. I didn't understand this as a "forward kind of statement", until I read the IEEE standard recommendation! WiMAX, to my best understanding, has no caps and is not "shared" like comcast.

3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) Cellular (broadband) - (TCP/IP protocol, 326Mbps/86Mbps but TCP goodput tests show 42.8Mbps/5.3Mbps, some tests show average of 25Mbps+.)

  • Clear $35 activation,modem lease $4.99/mo, Portland, OR and Vancouver Metro Area currently but is spreading. Indoor modem. outages on a regular basis. signal goes up and down for unknown reasons. I get about 1-3 out of 5 or it is searching for signal. ethernet modem works with router. least expensive broadband. you can choose a 2-year agreement or monthly.
    • HOME:
    • basic home, 768kbps/384kbps, 2 email accounts, $25.37/mo
    • fast home, 3Mbps/1Mbps, 2 email accounts, $30/mo
    • pick 1 unlimited home, unlimited[10Mbps]/1Mbps, 2 email accounts, $45/mo
    • MOBILE:
    • 2GB mobile 4Mbps/1Mbps, $10/1GB over 2GB, 2 email accounts, $35/mo
    • pick 1 unlimited mobile, unlimited[10Mbps]/1Mbps, unlimited usage, 2 email accounts, $45/mo
    • 4G+ Mobile Internet, unlimited usage, unlimited[10Mbps]/1Mbps, $70/mo
    • Mondi 2GB Promo, $10 per 1GB over 2GB, 4Mbps/1Mbps, 2 email accounts, $35/mo
    • Mondi Unlimited Promo, unlimited usage, unlimited[10Mbps]/1Mbps, 2 email accounts, $45/mo
    • SMALL OFFICE/HOME OFFICE:
    • Fast Office, unlimited usage, 4Mbps/1Mbps, 4 email accounts, $55/mo
    • Faster Office, unlimited usage, unlimited[10Mbps]/1Mbps, 8 email accounts, $75/mo
    • Professional 2GB Mobile, $10 per 1GB over 2 GB, 4Mbps/1Mbps, 2 email accounts, $40/mo+$35 activation
    • Professional Unlimited Mobile, unlimited[10Mbps]/1Mbps, 2 email accounts, unlimited usage, $50/mo+$35 activation
    • 4G+ Mobile Internet, unlimited[10Mbps]/1Mbps, 2 email accounts, unlimited usage, $70/mo+$35 activation fee
    • 15GB Shared Mobile, 6Mbps/1Mbps, $10 per 1GB over 15GB, $100/mo
    • 30GB Shared Mobile, 6Mbps/1Mbps, $10 per 1GB over 30GB, $120/mo
    • BUNDLES:
    • Pick 2 Unlimited: Home & Mobile, unlimited usage, unlimited[10Mbps]/1Mbps, $60/mo+$17.50 activation
    • Pick 2 Unlimited: Mobile & Mobile, unlimited usage, unlimited[10Mbps]/1Mbps, $60/mo+$17.50 activation
    • Voice Bundle, Clear Voice, 3Mbps/1Mbps, unlimited usage, $55/mo+$35 activation
    • Pick 3 Unlimited, mobile+home+voice, unlimited usage, unlimited[10Mbps]/1Mbps, $80/mo+$17.50 activation

Note: Clear (Clearwire) is planning to upgrade to LTE. Clear/Clearwire currently sells WiMAX wireless. Clear (Clearwire) is available in Portland OR and Vancouver, WA to my knowledge, but supposed to be national soon. USB modem for mobile available, uses high-quality Skycross antenna, higher data rates coming with LTE or 4G (currently at 10Mbps/1Mbps.

article: Clearwire will ditch WiMAX, move to LTE "Clearwire's new CEO, Bill Morrow, says that the company has built a flexible infrastructure that will allow it to change from [WiMAX to LTE] quickly and inexpensively. Right now, the company focuses on getting more subscribers and building out a footprint in the markets that matter to its valuation."

results of LTE TCP/IP network tests

MetroFi (Skypilot) Wireless cloud (broadband) 1Mbps

Note: this is available in Portland OR very soon, soon in downtown Vancouver, WA. It sounds like all you will need is a wireless card and *maybe* a Skypilot SkyConnector for your building (SkyExtender to extend range, SkyGateway for MetroFi to go out to the internet).Upcoming cities: Hillsboro, OR, Forest Grove, OR (now live), Oregon City, OR (not city-wide), Vancouver, WA (Ester Shore Park and another), Gresham, OR (pending Portland).

Free WiFi Networks

Note: most are 802.11b or g networks. This is a starting list - Intel and jiwire have a really big list. "The best protection is just to always be aware of the interface you plug into. Change your passwords frequently and connect through a provider that offers an encrypted site using a VPN. Look for certified equipment and providers and ASK QUESTIONS before you log on. If you have doubts, DON'T SIGN ON." (Computerchips magazine May06 issue)

Dialup (26.4kbps-56kbps, usually 26.4kbps with today's fiber optic multiplexed phone lines and other reasons)

  • www.copper.net, 9.95/mo regular dialup, $14.95/mo highspeed dialup, $19.95/mo+ broadband (DSL, etc). no antivirus or other software that breaks, unless you are using highspeed.
  • www.netzero.com, 9.95/mo regular dialup, $12.95/mo dialup regular w antivirus (that works with windows 98!). software requires reinstallation often. netzero also offers free internet service.

Not only do you have to pay for the dialup, you also have to pay for the phone line.

Get line protection and any other kinds of protection you can. it will save you money down the road if something happens! and I have seen things happen.

There is now a dialup router that doubles as a wireless broadband router. cool tool.

Warning: Even though AOL offers broadband and dialup, I do not recommend AOL because of the intrusive nature of its TCP/IP networking drivers: they embed themselves into the operating system, take over, and never come out, even if you uninstall all of AOL's parts. The only way I know of is to format the hard disk and reinstall the operating system. There are other cd-based ISP's I do not trust such as older versions of Netzero which I could find no uninstall, but they seem better behaved than AOL.
Do not insert an AOL CD into the computer! it installs immediately. I hope AOL changes its tactics.

T-Carrier (64kbps-400.352Mbps, comes from a phone company)

  • DS0, 64Kbps
  • DS1, 1.544Mbps
  • DS1C, 3.152Mbps
  • DS2, 6.312Mbps
  • DS3, 44.736Mbps
  • DS4, 274.176Mbps
  • DS5, 400.352Mbps

see wikipedia article and public domain Federal Govt article and public domain federal govt paper. T-Carriers are essentially raw high-speed data lines from the phone company (can be fiber[OC] or copper). usually it is charged by the minute.

Backhaul (10-900Mbps)

one thing you can try is google your state's name and append " microwave backhaul" or whatever type of backhaul you might be looking for. (example: "montana microwave backhaul"). just google "wireless backhaul" and you should get some ads from google listing some backhaul equipment companies touting their wares. take a look at what they have, and do some digging to find more kinds. I have only listed a few that I have found based on ads.

ROUTER: If you are going to get a router for this, I would suggest you contact Cisco and confer with a consultant to find a solution that would work for you. off-the-shelf routers are going to limit your bandwidth! it's probably going to be somewhere around $1000 for the router I should think, but don't quote me on it.

the best Surge Protectors - TrippLite ISOBARs
ISOBARs are the best in surge protection. you are better off to look in the surge protector section of my web site. there are some really good ones in there with line conditioning! you should know that the Joules rating is one of the things you look at in a surge suppressor - the higher the better there is an 8-outlet that does 2850 Joules. other things to know about are clamping voltage, etc, but ISOBAR shines in that respect. One thing about an ISOBAR compared to other surge protector strips is that it its case is made with metal, so it is not very likely to cause a fire (as many a plastic one have been known to do). A power conditioner adds an extra level of protection to your system. If I remember right, it protects from brownouts and the like.
TrippLite ISOBAR H10DBS, available from neewegg.com $100, nextag.com $60-272
3570 Joules. Power Conditioner / Surge Protector, 8 outlets, 8ft cord, (4 outlets spaced for adapters), coax protection
TrippLite ISOBARs, available from newegg.com $50-400,