cyberMIND DSL Internet Service - Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

General Questions

What is DSL?
DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. DSL is a high-speed Internet access product for homes and businesses that uses existing copper telephone lines.

What are the benefits of DSL?
Fast Access - DSL allows you to access the Internet up to 35 times faster than a 28.8k dial-up modem. This means web sites will appear much faster, especially those with large graphics. Your e-mail will arrive and be sent much quicker, and advanced business applications are possible, like web hosting and e-commerce.

Always On - DSL is a dedicated service, meaning it is always on, so there is no need to dial up to connect to the Internet. No more busy signals, and no more waiting to connect. Simply click a desktop icon and you're online.

Inexpensive - DSL offers high-speed Internet access at a fraction of the cost of other dedicated services, such as a T-1 line. T-1 lines can cost over $1,000 per month, while DSL is priced so that small and medium-sized businesses can afford to buy it.

What speeds does cyberMIND offer?
The following details cyberMIND service offerings. It is important to note that the speeds listed can vary by +/- 20% depending on the line quality of the copper loop to the end-user's location. All speeds will not be available to all customers based on the quality and length of local phone lines from the Central Office. Distances are approximate.

Speed	Delivery	Maximum
128 kbps	IDSL	36,000 Ft
192 kbps	SDSL	17,700 Ft
384 kbps	SDSL	16,000 Ft
768 kbps	SDSL	13,500 Ft
1.1 Mbps	SDSL	12,000 Ft
384 Kbps / 128 Kbps	ADSL	12,000 Ft
768 Kbps / 384 Kbps	ADSL	12,000 Ft

What is meant by upstream and downstream?
Downstream means downloading information from the Internet to your computer. Information travels downstream when a web page is loading on your computer screen, or you open e-mail messages that someone sent you.

Upstream means sending information from your computer to the Internet. Information travels upstream when sending e-mail messages, hosting a web server, providing video streaming, or holding a video conference. If you have ever tried to send an e-mail with a large attachment, like pictures, large spreadsheets, or electronic presentations you understand how a sluggish upstream connection can really slow down your business.

Why should I use cyberMIND instead of my phone company?
There are many advantages to using cyberMIND over your phone company.

In addition to residential ADSL service cyberMIND offers a true business class SDSL service. Most local phone companies focus only on ADSL service for residential users.
cyberMIND monitors their network 24x7, which means our customers benefit from high-quality service. In fact, cyberMIND offers stringent service level agreements which guarantee high quality DSL service.
Many of the local phone companies have focused their DSL services in large cities, while cyberMIND is taking DSL to smaller and midsize communities.
End-users can count on cyberMIND DSL to work when they need it, without worrying about network downtime or poor quality service.

Can a DSL line be shared among multiple users?
Yes, multiple computers can use the same DSL line. Using a DSL router will allow you to connect virtually limitless numbers of computers to one DSL connection. This is perfect for businesses that need to connect an entire office to one DSL connection.

Do I need to upgrade my computer to use DSL?
A Network Interface Card (NIC, or Ethernet card) must be installed in your computer. A simple 10BaseT Ethernet NIC will work. Once the NIC is installed it provides a jack on the back of the computer allowing you to connect your new DSL modem or router to the computer.

Does DSL require special equipment?
Yes. DSL requires that the customer use a special DSL bridge or router. Also, cyberMIND must have a similar modem located in the Central Office. Together, these two pieces of equipment increase the capacity of the copper phone line between them so it is capable of moving data at extremely high speeds. cyberMIND sells the DSL bridge or router you need to get connected to DSL. There are different options available based on the type of service you purchase.

Who installs this equipment?
A cyberMIND authorized installer will install the inside wiring and equipment for end-users who purchase authorized bridges and/or routers. The installer will complete standard inside wiring and connect the DSL equipment to the wiring, making certain that the connection is live and functioning properly. However, the installer will not connect the equipment to a computer. End-users are responsible for connecting the equipment to the computer, and must consult cyberMIND if they need assistance.

Does my wiring need to change to support DSL service?
A new line will be installed at your location, and additional wiring is needed. cyberMIND installs inside wiring during your DSL service activation.

Can I buy my own equipment and install it myself?
No. The only equipment that will work is supplied by cyberMIND.

Will the phone company charge me extra for receiving this service from cyberMIND?
No. All fees associated with your new DSL service will come from cyberMIND.

What if I want to upgrade my DSL connection to a faster speed?
Normally, you will be able to upgrade to a higher speed service without needing to upgrade your equipment. For example, the equipment used for 192 Kbps SDSL is the same equipment used for 1.1 Mbps SDSL. However, IDSL, ADSL, and SDSL equipment is not cross functional (an ADSL router would not work on an SDSL line).

Can DSL help telecommuters?
With VPN software DSL will make your home an extension of the office LAN. You will experience high-speed access from home as though you were sitting at your desk in the office.

What is the distance limit for DSL service?
The distances are measured in cable length, not as the crow flies. Generally the cable connecting a customer to a Central Office does not run in a straight line. Instead, the cable twists and turns underground so the distance measured in cable feet is always longer than the distance measured as the crow flies. The limitations are different for the different flavors of DSL. Customers who are located further from the Central Office than the distances listed below will not qualify for that particular DSL service. All distances are approximate.

SDSL	approx. 18,000 cable feet	(about 3.5 miles)
ADSL	approx. 12,000 cable feet	(about 2.2 miles)
IDSL	approx. 36,000 cable feet	(about 6.5 miles)

Comparing Internet Access Options:

How does DSL compare to 56 Kbps analog modems?
DSL is significantly faster than a 56 Kbps modem. Also, DSL is always on so there is no need to dial up to connect to the Internet. And because the connection is dedicated you will be able to host a web server whereas this is not feasible with a dial-up connection. DSL also makes it easy to connect multiple computers to one high-speed line to share the speed on that line among an entire office.

How does DSL compare to Cable modems?
Although cable can be appealing because of its price, there are some inherent drawbacks to cable modem service. First, the cable network is shared, which means as the number of cable users increases the speed on each individual's line decreases. Second, a shared network is inherently less secure than a dedicated service like DSL, as neighboring cable customers can more easily intercept data or hack into another user's computer. Third, the upstream speed on a cable modem is generally no higher than 128 Kbps. Thus, cable modems are unable to provide acceptable levels of speed or security for business purposes.

How does DSL compare to a T-1 line?
T-1 lines provide access speeds of 1.544 Mbps. The decision between DSL and T-1 access when DSL is readily available is a straightforward one due to pricing. Normally, for the same high bandwidth access, a business will pay significantly more every month for a T-1 line than it would for DSL. Additionally, installation of a T-1 line is generally far more expensive than installation and setup of DSL services.

How does DSL compare to ISDN?
DSL will be the cause of ISDN's demise for several reasons:

ISDN is only available in two speeds: 64 Kbps and 128 Kbps, both of which are significantly slower than most DSL connections.
ISDN sometimes offers dedicated, always-on access but not always. Often, ISDN is subject to additional per-minute fees. Monthly ISDN fees can easily be in the hundreds of dollars.
DSL is easier and less expensive to install than ISDN.

Technology Questions:

What type of backbone equipment are you using to provide DSL service?
cyberMIND uses an ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) backbone and a DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer) to deliver your service. This equipment is located in telephone company Central Offices where cyberMIND leases space to collocate their network equipment. The DSLAM is manufactured by Newbridge.

Does cyberMIND DSL work with Windows and Macintosh?
Yes.

Does DSL require a special Internet browser?
No. You can use whatever browser you choose.

Is a custom domain name included with my DSL account?
No. A domain name must be licensed seperately. We currently offer domain name registration at $27.50 per year.

Can I host a web server or e-mail server?
Yes, and with SDSL, a web site is included with the service