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Internet Connection Types

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To connect to the Internet and the NU Network, choose from dial-up, digital subscriber line (DSL), or cable modem services. NUIT recommends DSL or cable modems for service that most closely matches on-campus connection speeds and allows for quicker access.

See NUIT's Internet Provider Comparison for information about local and national vendors.

	Dial-Up	DSL	Cable
Description	Uses telephone lines; phone cannot be used while online	Uses telephone lines and digital technology; allows phone to be used while online	Uses cable TV's coaxial and fiber-optic lines
Known Issues	Slow speed may not meet expectations of today's user; will interfere with telephone usage	Subscribers more than 18,000 feet from a switch station may experience slower speeds; will not interfere with telephone usage	Number of subscribers sharing a connection may cause slower speeds; not all cable segments can support service
Cost/Month estimate	Lowest cost	Typically mid-range cost	Typically higher-range cost
Ease of Installation	Provided over existing telephone lines	Provided over existing telephone lines	Provided over existing cable television lines
Speed	About 56 to 91 kilobytes-per-second (Kbps)	Up to 5 megabits per second (Mbps); proximity to the phone switching station enables fastest speeds	Up to 5 megabits per second (Mbps); actual speeds may be slower if many users share a segment of the network
Security	Same as DSL	Uses dedicated cabling, so you are the only one on your network	Other people in your area share the same network; install personal firewall software as a precaution
Options for Travel	Nationwide dial-up numbers available	Same as dial-up; check with provider	Not available for travel; instead, research inexpensive resources for travel