| An ISDN connection is an excellent alternative for a higher
speed dial-up connection than is possible with an analog modem.
This is because ISDN phone lines are true 100% digital circuits
and are conditioned to support higher speeds.
An ISDN line is comprised of two "B" or Bearer channels
and one "D" or Signaling channel. Each B channel supports
64K (64 thousand bits per second), and can be electronically "bonded"
with its mate for 128K service. A full 128K ISDN line is approximately
4 to 6 times as fast as a 28.8 modem.
One added benefit of an ISDN line is that, with the proper equipment,
one or both B channels can be configured as a voice, fax or analog
modem circuit. That way, you can surf the net at 64K (2-3 times
as fast as a modem) and receive or send faxes or talk on the phone
on the same telephone line!
Regardless of how it is used, an ISDN data connection requires
a terminal adapter much as an analog phone line requires a modem.
And like a modem, this terminal adapter is available as either an
internal or external device. However, expect to pay more for a terminal
adapter than the run-of-the-mill modem. Your local computer dealer
can help you choose an appropriate device.
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