Q. What is ADSL?
A. Asymmetric DSL is the transmission of multiple data channels at different capacities. The signal going upstream is at a lower frequency and has less data-carrying capacity than the signal going downstream.

For example. A 256/64 speed ADSL line has a maximum download speed of 256 Kbps, and a maximum upload speed of 64 Kbps.

Q. What is the difference between ADSL and ISDN?
A. ISDN is a digital service supporting speeds of 64K and 128K in it's basic configuration. ADSL is many times faster than ISDN, and for most Internet-related applications, ADSL is a better choice. ADSL is also significantly cheaper than ISDN.

Q. What are the benefits of ADSL?
A. There are many benefits but the main ones are:
Speed - much faster than a dial-up connection.
Convenience - no dialling in and no local call costs
Always on - ADSL access is there as soon as your computer is turned on
Share a normal tel / fax line - usually you don't need a separate line for the modem.
Savings - save on line rentals and telephone costs

Q. What is the difference between static and dynamic IP addressing?
A. Computers use IP addresses to locate and talk to each other on the Internet, much the same way people use phone numbers to locate and talk to one another on the telephone.

When the Internet was first conceived, the architects didn't foresee the need for an unlimited number of IP addresses. Consequently, there are not enough IP numbers to go around.

To get around that problem, Internet Service Providers, temporarily assign you an IP address from a pool of IP addresses. The temporary IP address is called a dynamic IP address. This number will be different each time you connect to the Internet.

A static IP is a number that is assigned to you by to be your permanent address on the Internet. This number will not change as long as you are with us.

Q. Why is a static IP a good idea?
A. Your IP address is always the same allowing you to set up your own servers. For example, this means that you could host your own website, or run your own mail servers.

Q. Do I need any additional software to connect to ADSL?
A. No

Q. What is involved in the Telstra Line Check?
A. There are many requirements to be met before an ADSL service can be provided. Not all telephone services belonging to an ADSL covered exchange can necessarily have an ADSL service.

A service qualification check will test whether your telephone line will meet the following requirements:

o Your telephone line belongs to an ADSL enabled exchange.
o Your home or business is within a certain distance from a Telstra exchange building.
o Your telephone line is a straight PSTN service without any ADSL incompatible equipment such as PABXs, Commanders, OnRamp services, pair gain systems etc.
o There are no incompatible products associated with your telephone line such as EasyCall® Multiple Number or Duet® - Phone and Fax Multiple Number.

Q. Will the installation process disrupt my phone services?
A. No, the installation process will not disrupt your normal phone services.

Q. Once I am installed, am I immediately connected to the Internet?
A. Yes. As long as your equipment is plugged in and turned on, you will have 24-hour access to the Internet.

Q. How secure is my ADSL connection?
A. It must be said that no Internet connection is 100% secure. Most security principles that apply to dial-up modem connections also apply to ADSL. However, because ADSL is an "always-on" connection, there is increased likelihood that an unauthorised attempt might be made to access a computer or network.

It is very important, especially if you are running any sort of servers, that you are adequately protected.

Q. How can I protect my data and computer?
A. A number of precautions are essential, for example:
o Turn off "file and printer sharing" on all computers on your network. If you leave sharing enabled, there is an increased risk of unauthorised access to and/or manipulation of your data.
o Install anti-virus software on all computers. Ensure that the software is regularly updated. Refer to the question "What is the best virus software?" below.
o Regularly backup your data.
o In addition, operate these Virus precautions:
.. - Don't accept a download you didn't initiate.
.. - Don't open email attachments without scanning them with an anti-virus program first.
.. - Delete emails from people you don't know.
o Regularly check for security updates to your operating system.
o Business customers - ensure you have a good security plan in place (firewalls, password policies etc).

Q. What is the best virus software?
A. There is a lot of virus software to choose from but the following are recommended:
o Norton Antivirus: A sensible and easy to understand interface with automatic live updates and generally runs unobtrusively in the background.
o Vet Antivirus: Recommended by many high-end IT workers.
o PC-cillin: produced by Trend Micro
o Leprechaun: Quite good and locally produced.

[Home] - [About Us] - [Contact Us] - [netexcel Mk4] - [Mk4 FAQ] - [ADSL FAQ]

[Point Of Sale] - [Advertise With Us]