Servers access the internet through means that you are already familiar with, regular telephone lines. The main difference is in the type of telephone line the Server uses. Most professional Servers use what is called a data lease line. This is a very high speed telephone line that can receive and send information very quickly. With this speed, comes an amazing price tag of around Rs.15,000 a month. That is why we have providers that can share the expense over communities of subscribers like you and I.

Now even though the physical telephone line connecting to the computer looks familiar, the method that it uses to connect to the computer is a little more complex than your average modem. Usually this connection involves a customized configuration based on what your provider needs. This information is not vital at this time.

ISDN Modems

In addition to modem access, there are special modems called ISDN modems. This stands for Integrated Services Digital Network You can usually find these for sale in computer catalogs. ISDN modems require a special connection service from your local telephone company. The whole set up initially averages about Rs. 30,000. It includes the purchase of the modem and sign up for a year of service. To put this into perspective, ISDN modems are what several companies use to access the internet. You are charged by how much data you access. ISDN modems usually have an access rate of about 56 to 128 kbps (kilobytes per second), that's about two to four times as fast as a 28.8 baud modem and about four to eight times the speed of a 14.4 baud modem.

To be exact, these aren't really modems. Modems have to convert information through something called "modulation", hence the name. ISDN "modems" do not convert information. Data traveling to ISDN modems is pure digital information that requires no modulation, which is partially responsible for the faster transfer rates.

ISDN modems use something called channels to establish connections with the internet. This is the same as your normal modems, but there is something advanced about how the ISDN modems use channels. Now don't think that channels are something complex. They are actually very simple. There are two main channels. Channel A, and channel B. Both channels can access 56 kbps individually. When you are using an ISDN modem, you have the option to turn on the second channel, B in this case. This will double your access rate to 128 kbps. This is very quick, and saves a lot of time. It will cost the same per kilobyte, but obviously you'll be more apt to access more information at this rate, so your overall bill might increase considerably.

Broadband Solutions

A growing alternative to the slower modem solutions, are solutions that are referred to as broadband. These are methods of connecting to the internet that don't cost an arm and a leg and they keep your computer connected permanently and at MUCH higher speeds.

ADSL / DSL

One of the first affordable broadband solutions for your home is ADSL aka DSL. This is a network box that uses your normal phone line and connects your computer to the internet permanently. What this means is that you never have to wait for the computer to dial a service and connect. The trick with ADSL is that the downloads (which is what you do 95% of the time) are VERY fast, but the uploads aren't quite as fast. An example would be downloading at 180k/second when a 56k modem downloads at 6k/second. You can see that there is a large difference between the two solutions. Again, depending on the service your upload rates will be limited to 15k/second.

Cable Modem

Direct Connect

You can also access the net via your work place, if your company has what is called a "direct" connect to the internet. This could simply be an ISDN modem hooked up to the network somewhere or, if you're real lucky, you might even have a lease line connection. This is extremely fast and is usually reserved for large companies.

This concludes your introduction to how the internet is connected together. More detailed lessons will follow to address individual issues as they become available. This is the basic information you need to begin constructing internet services of your own, i.e., web pages.

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