DSL is an amazing enhancement to surfing the net on the order of 25 to 50 times faster than traditional dial up modems. DSL is a totally digital technology and uses an always connected gateway rather than a modem. Speed can be as high as 1.4mbs with 7-800kbs being more typical, due to net and server traffic. Currently the technology is limited to you being within 18,000 ft of a digital telco switching office. In Key West that means most, but not the extreme east side of the island or Stock Island.
Depending on what provider (ISP) you decide to go with, the equipment is often self installable, saving you the cost of a service call. Anyone who could set up their own computer should have no problems. If your computer is a newer one with a USB port it is virtually plug it in and install the software. If you have been using an all in one service like AOL, then you will also have to configure a browser and email client. Currently AOL does not offer DSL, however if you MUST have AOL, you can use their bring your own ISP option.
Like long distance, the local phone company is not your only choice for a
provider. $49/mo seems to be pretty universal, but some provide the account
setup and hardware (modem) for free, which others charge $150 to $200 for.
Also if you had a second phone line for your computer you no longer will
need it, as DSL can do data and normal voice (or fax) simultaneously. So,
if you put together the $20/mo for an ISP, another $18/mo for the second
line, the difference in cost for DSL is really only about $10 for a 5000%
increase in speed.
If you find a provider you like, and they tell you service
is not available; if they serve south Florida, insist they place a line check
or the order any way. DSL has only been available here since early May 2000,
and many company's number databases are not that current.
To connect the modem you have several options. All will connect to an ethernet hub, or to a USB port. Some also will connect to a parallel port, but this is less desirable from a performance standpoint. Also that port is limited to doing one thing at a time, so you could not surf and print at the same time for instance. A USB or Ethernet card can be had pretty cheap if your computer does not have one, with ethernet being the preferable connection. It is also possible with additional equipment to share that DSL connection between two or more computers.
A great resource for finding DSL providers and reviews of them from actual subscribers, as well a wealth of information can be found at
Now please read on for VERY important SECURITY considerations by clicking here.
TECH INFO/REQUIREMENTS, TROUBLESHOOTING
Or
to site main page
All contents copyright 2000 by
Hayward McKee