| Features and Capabilities | What DSL Internet Access configurations
will you offer? Will business customers want to replace their existing DS-1 (T-1) Internet service with DSL Internet Access? Why would customers want Frame Relay service when they could have DSL Internet service? Why would customers want ISDN or analog modems when they could have DSL Internet service? Can multiple users sign on to the Internet at a time with a DSL Internet account? When will you support faster transports such as HDSL or VDSL? What advantages does DSL technology have over ISDN LAN? What is the difference between DSL technology and cable modem technology? Can I talk on the phone while connected to my DSL Internet line? Will I be able to use services such as Extra E-mail and Personal Home Pages? Can I run my own mail or web servers with Pacific Bell Internet Services' DSL Internet product? Is a custom domain name included with my Enhanced DSL Internet account? What are the Minimum PC System Requirements for DSL Internet Access? |
| General Product Information | What is xDSL or DSL technology? Will DSL Internet Access service include transmission of regular voice telephone service? Are industry standards in place for xDSL technology? Is DSL Internet service from Pacific Bell DMT or CAP? Why does DSL technology require a corporate customer or Internet Service Provider to connect with the Pacific Bell ATM network? Are DSL Internet Access speeds guaranteed? The term Private Virtual Circuit or PVC is being used a lot around this product. What does PVC mean? What is a POTS splitter and how does it work? How does the Network know whether I am placing a call or transmitting data? What does POTS mean and how does it work with DSL Internet Access as a newly featured product? What is an ATM Network? |
- Where is Pacific Bell DSL Internet service available?
- Pacific Bell Internet's DSL Internet Access is available in many locations throughout California. Check Pacific Bell's DSL Internet Availability Tool to see if DSL Internet Access is available to you right now.
- Will all customers qualify for DSL Internet service?
- In addition to having DSL technology available in their central office, customers must be less than 14,000 feet or less than three miles from their central office to qualify for DSL Internet service. Approximately 60 - 65% of customers out of each central office will qualify for the service. Eventually, the evolution of network technology will allow us to reach the small percentage of customers who are on the most distant ends of our local networks. To check if you qualify for DSL Internet service call 1-888-884-2DSL, or use Pacific Bell's DSL Internet Availability Tool.
- I want to order this service. What do I do?
- To order DSL Internet service call 1-888-884-2DSL. An order center representative will explain the product features and benefits to you. Information about anticipated transport tariff rates will also be included. If it is determined that the service is available in your area, the order center representative will then verify the distance and quality of your line. This process may take up to one business day. Upon completion, the DSL Internet Order Center will call you to explain the results of the line testing. If the line test reveals you qualify for the DSL Internet service, the order center representative will begin setting up your account for DSL Internet services.
- Will I be able to bill DSL Internet Access to my phone bill, as I am able to do with dial-up accounts?
- Yes. You can bill DSL Internet service to your Pacific Bell phone bill.
- How much are the DSL Internet Access line usage fees?
- There are no line usage fees with DSL Internet Access. However, there is a flat rate fee that will be charged by Pacific Bell to DSL Internet customers on a monthly basis. This fee will vary as it depends on the DSL Internet service you select. For more information please call the DSL Internet Order Center at 1-888-884-2DSL.
- Do you have an annual pricing plan for the Enhanced DSL Internet product?
- No. Pricing plan options and promotions will be considered based on public demand.
Availability
- What DSL Internet Access configurations will you offer?
- Two speed packages are currently available from Pacific Bell: an asymmetrical configuration with between 384 Kbps and 1.5 Mbps downstream and 128 Kbps upstream as well as a service of between 1.5 Mbps and 6 Mbps downstream and 384 Kbps upstream. Pacific Bell Internet Services currently offers Internet access for both speed packages.
- Will business customers want to replace their existing DS-1 (T-1) Internet service with DSL Internet Service?
- There are clear technological differences between DSL Internet Access and T1 Internet service. The first of which is that T1 service is 1.5Mbps both ways. This is important to many business applications including the hosting of a Web site. In addition, DS1 is a proven technology. While our technology tests demonstrate that DSL Internet Access is very reliable, businesses tend to rely on established technologies when business critical data is at stake. The final difference is in regard to availability. Currently, DS1 Internet service is more widely available than DSL Internet service.
- Why would customers want Frame Relay service when they could have DSL Internet service?
- Frame Relay is an excellent choice for enterprise networking where many points must interconnect with each other. In addition, as with DS1 Internet service, Frame Relay provides higher bandwidth options for upstream traffic from a customer's site to the Internet. Furthermore, Frame Relay is a proven technology more suitable to business critical applications, making it a better choice for many businesses. Finally while Frame Relay Internet service is available throughout most of California, DSL Internet access is not yet widely available.
- Why would customers want ISDN or analog modems when they could have DSL Internet service?
- ISDN and analog modems are switched access technologies that offer the ability for customers to dial many different locations for Internet access or other online services. With DSL Internet services, the connection is a permanent connection to the Internet Service Provider. ISDN and analog modem customers who qualify for DSL Internet service and only need to connect to the Internet from one location will want to switch to DSL Internet in order to take advantage of the benefits of higher speeds and an "always on" connection. However, customers who do not have DSL Internet service available from their central office, or who live beyond the local loop requirements, or need the mobility and flexibility of a switched service will remain as ISDN or analog modem customers.
- Can multiple users sign on to the Internet at a time with a DSL Internet account?
- The number of connections you can make to the Internet at one time is limited by the number of IP addresses you have. Basic DSL Internet Access comes with one dynamic IP address therefore you will only be able to make one connection to the Internet at a time. However, if you are using the Enhanced DSL Internet Access which comes with five usable static IP addresses you will be able to make up to five simultaneous connections to the Internet.
- Will you support faster transports such as HDSL or VDSL?
- HDSL (High-bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line) supports a symmetric upstream and downstream information transfer rate of 1.5 Mbps. VDSL (Very high-data-rate Digital Subscriber Line) supports an upstream information transfer rate of 1.5 Mbps to 2.3 Mbps and a downstream information transfer rate of 13 Mbps to 52 Mbps. These transports as well as faster ADSL options have closer distance requirements (local loop restrictions) between the customer and the central office to allow for the faster speeds.
- What advantages does DSL technology have over ISDN LAN?
- The following is a list of customer advantages DSL technology has over ISDN LAN:
- Uses POTS line - DSL Internet Access makes use of the existing telephone line. This eliminates the need to install an additional phone line, much less a digital one. While there is still a fee, the fee is a flat rate, not based on usage.
- Relative equipment cost - The cost of the equipment necessary to use DSL technology is relative to the cost of a terminal adapter.
- Faster Speeds - The upstream speed of a Pacific Bell Internet Services DSL Internet product (384 Kbps) is three times greater than the speed of an ISDN LAN line.
- Permanent Internet Presence - A static IP is provided with our Enhanced and Business DSL Internet service. This allows you a constant connection to the Internet. It also allows you to host your own Web sites and setup servers (FTP, mail, etc.) that can be continually accessed via the Internet. While establishing additional servers is done at an additional cost, this is a feature which is currently unavailable to analog, ISDN, and LAN ISDN customers.
- What is the difference between DSL technology and cable modem technology?
- DSL technology provides instantly available high-speed Internet access over a dedicated telephone line. Cable modems offer high-speed Internet access over a shared cable
television line.
- DSL Technology Advantages
- Flexible enough to grow with the skills and interests of our users
- Customers can also use dial-up connections, and access services like email remotely
- DSL technology is as reliable as your phone
- Cable Modem Disadvantages
- Privacy, since bandwidth is shared over the local cable network
- Cable modem services often do not support a virtual private network (VPN) which allows the user to connect to a corporate network.
- DSL Technology Advantages
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- Can I talk on the phone while connected to my DSL Internet line?
- Yes. One of the most appealing features of DSL Internet Access is your ability to use the same POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) line to speak and surf simultaneously. A passive splitter also known as a low-pass/high-pass filter, which separates the POTS and DSL Internet signals onto different wire pairs facilitates this function. The customer premise splitter allows two wires to activate phone jacks and the other two to activate data jacks. The splitter at the central office provides separate POTS and DSL Internet signals, which go to the PSTN (Public Service Telephone Network), and the DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Loop Access Multiplexer), respectively. Both splitters must be present and compatible to allow for simultaneous voice and data transmission. To ensure customers have this functionality the DSL Internet Modem which will be provided to customers via Prime Services comes with a splitter compatible with our Network.
- Will I be able to use services such as Extra E-mail and Personal Home Pages?
- Yes; currently, the Basic DSL Internet product includes one (1) e-mail account, two (2) Extra E-mail boxes and two (2) Extra E-mail Aliases. The Enhanced DSL Internet product includes one (1) e-mail account, four (4) Extra E-mail boxes and three (3) Extra E-mail aliases. Both products include with the option to add additional e-mail boxes and aliases at the price of $4.95 per address per month. A Personal Home Page account including 15 MB of disk space is also included with both Basic and Enhanced DSL Internet accounts.
- Can I run my own mail or web servers with Pacific Bell Internet Services' DSL Internet product?
- Yes, if you have Enhanced DSL Internet Access. Setting up your own mail or web servers involves registering a custom domain name and setting up DNS services. If you have Enhanced DSL Internet Access, you have the option to purchase DNS services from Pacific Bell Internet Services for a one-time fee of $100. If you need help in registering your custom domain name, you can also purchase this service from Pacific Bell Internet Services for a one-time charge of $100. If you have Basic DSL Internet Access, these services are not available. Click here for more information on Custom Domain and DNS services.
- Is a custom domain name included with my Enhanced DSL Internet account?
- Custom domain names are included as an optional service with Enhanced DSL Internet Access, but are not available with Basic DSL Internet access. For Enhanced DSL Internet customers there is a one time charge of $100 to set up your custom domain name. This charge does not include the InterNIC subscription charges. The InterNIC fees for custom domain name registration must be paid directly to the InterNIC at the time of registration. Click here for more information on Custom Domain and DNS services.
- What are the Minimum PC System Requirements for DSL Internet Access?
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*Note: For more information about the specific hardware that Pacific Bell supports, please contact the DSL Internet Order Center at 888-884-2DSL for more details.TECHNICIAN-ASSISTED INSTALLATIONS Windows - Pentium-class processor, 166 MHz or faster (including Celeron and AMD K6-2 or K7-x or faster)
- Windows 95/98/NT 4.0 with service pack 3 or above
- Internet browser (for example, Netscape Navigator or MS Internet Explorer)
- CD-ROM or DVD drive
- 65 MB of free disk space (if you install the customized browser) or 25 MB of free disk space (if you already have a browser)
- 32 MB of RAM
Notes
- You must have your computer manufacturer's Owner's Guide and your computer's Operating System on installation media (CD or diskettes)
- Windows 2000 and Linux are compatible, but not yet supported
Macintosh
- Power PC Macintosh computer, G3, G4 or iMac
- Mac OS version 7.6 through 9.0
- Internet browser (for example, Netscape Navigator or MS Internet Explorer)
- CD-ROM or DVD drive
- Open Transport 1.2 through 2.6 (networking software from Apple)
- 65 MB of free disk space (if you install the customized browser) or 25 MB of free disk space (if you already have a browser)
- 32 MB of RAM (64 MB RAM for OS 9.0)
Notes
- You must have your computer manufacturer's Owner's Guide and your computer's Operating System on installation media (CD or diskettes)
- G3, G4, and iMac do not require NIC
- Macintosh not yet supported in Ameritech (targeting 3rd quarter 2000)
CUSTOMER SELF-INSTALLATIONS Windows
- Pentium-class processor, 166 MHz or faster (including Celeron and AMD K6-2 or K7-x or faster)
- Windows 95/98/NT 4.0 with service pack 3 or above
- Internet browser (for example, Netscape Navigator or MS Internet Explorer)
- CD-ROM or DVD drive
- 65 MB of free disk space (if you install the customized browser) or 25 MB of free disk space (if you already have a browser)
- 32 MB of RAM
Notes
- You must have your computer manufacturer's Owner's Guide and your computer's Operating System on installation media (CD or diskettes)
- Customer Self Install capability for the Windows NT will be available 9/5/00
Macintosh
- Power PC Macintosh computer, G3, G4 or iMac
- Mac OS version 7.6 through 9.0
- Internet browser (for example, Netscape Navigator or MS Internet Explorer)
- CD-ROM or DVD drive
- Open Transport 1.2 through 2.6 (networking software from Apple)
- 65 MB of free disk space (if you install the customized browser) or 25 MB of free disk space (if you already have a browser)
- 32 MB of RAM (64 MB RAM for OS 9.0)
Notes
- You must have your computer manufacturer's Owner's Guide and your computer's Operating System on installation media (CD or diskettes)
- G3, G4, iMac do not require an additional NIC
- Macintosh not yet supported in Ameritech (targeting 3rd quarter 2000)
- Customer Self Install capability for the Windows NT will be available 9/5/00
Features and Capabilities
- What is xDSL or DSL technology?
- DSL stands for high-speed Digital Subscriber Line. It is a digital circuit from your home to the telephone company's central office, using normal, copper telephone line. DSL technology also provides a separate channel for voice phone conversations, which means analog calls (voice, fax. etc.) can be carried at the same time high-speed data is flowing across the line. xDSL is a generic term that includes several variations:
- Will DSL Internet service include transmission of regular voice telephone service?
- Yes, DSL Internet service will share a customer's telephone line (POTS) without affecting the customer's ability to place and receive voice calls. This means that customers do not need to provision a second phone line for DSL Internet service. They can keep their existing phone number and add DSL Internet as a feature to that line. Therefore, they will be billed for both the analog line (1 MB or FR) and the DSL Internet service. If the line is a measured business line, usage will only be measured on the voice calls. DSL Internet access is billed at a flat rate.
- Are industry standards in place for xDSL technology?
- Some industry standards have been established and the ADSL Forum is developing technical guidelines for architecture, interfaces and protocols for telecommunications networks incorporating DSL transceivers. Examples include standards for discrete multi-tones (DMT) and carrier amplitude (CAP). Pacific Bell participates in and supports various industry forums that develop network standards including the UAWG DSL Lite standard currently under consideration.
- Is DSL Internet service from Pacific Bell DMT or CAP?
- Pacific Bell offers DMT service.
- Why does DSL Internet Access require a corporate customer or Internet Service Provider to connect with the Pacific Bell ATM network?
- The central office technology supporting DSL Internet Access requires a single ATM connecting point, which is the Pacific Bell ATM network. Frame Relay to ATM interconnections are planned for the near future.
- Are DSL Internet Access speeds guaranteed?
- The actual throughput rate that a customer receives may be impacted by conditions on the Internet. Pacific Bell will make every attempt to connect the customer's service at the optioned speed. It is important to note that DSL Internet service is provided with a best-effort (Unspecified Bit Rate) Quality of Service on the ATM backbone, and as such, does not guarantee a specific constant or throughput rate.
- The term Private Virtual Circuit or PVC is being used a lot around this product. What does PVC mean?
- PVC, or Permanent Virtual Circuit, is a Frame Relay network term used
to describe a point-to-point connection from the customer site to Pacific
Bell Internet Services. One of the customer benefits of a PVC is an "instantly
available" connection to the Internet. There is no phone number to dial and no
delay in establishing a connection. DSL Internet access includes a point-to-point
"instantly available" connection to Pacific Bell Internet Services and thus, the Internet,
much like a PVC in a Frame Relay network.
- What is a POTS splitter and how does it work?
- This device separates the voice portion of the DSL Internet line from
the portion that will carry the DSL Internet data. A POTS splitter is also
known as a low-pass/high-pass filter. The customer premise splitter allows
two wires to activate phone jacks and the other two to activate data jacks.
The splitter at the central office allows for separate POTS (Plain Old Telephone
Service) and DSL Internet signals, which go to the PSTN (Public Service
Telephone Network) and the DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Loop Access Multiplexer),
respectively. Both splitters must be present and compatible to allow for
simultaneous voice and data transmission.
- How does the Network know whether I am placing a call or transmitting data?
- The signal used for voice is different than the signal used for data transmission. A device known as a passive splitter or low-pass/high-pass filter is used to separate the POTS and DSL
Internet signals onto different pairs (2 wires) which are eventually handled by separate Networks.
- What does POTS mean and how does it work with DSL Internet Access as a newly featured product?
- POTS is an acronym which stands for Plain Old Telephone Service. POTS
lines, which generally consist of 2 to 4 wires, are what we use everyday
to place phone calls and make analog connections to the Internet. DSL technology
also uses POTS lines for Internet connectivity but with a different method.
The difference in transfer speeds and overall functionality of the analog
versus DSL technology does not reside in the line. Instead, the difference
in product performance has to do with the difference in the line frequencies
used for analog versus DSL technology (analog uses 3.4 kHz and DSL technology
uses up to 1.2 MHz), the equipment (analog modem versus a NIC, bridge, splitter
combination), and the Network configuration (Circuit Switch Network Vs Cell
Relay Network).
- What is an ATM Network?
- An ATM Network is a network that runs according to the Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) protocol. This transmission protocol outlines a means of transferring data on this Network. ATM data transmission requires the information be packaged into 53 byte cells (5 byte header and 48-byte payload). One of the reasons this protocol is so efficient is it allows different types of information such as voice, data, and video from different or same user(s) to be transmitted in the same cell. This makes use of every byte of space available on the Network at all times. Because it is an efficient transport, the bandwidth is higher with ATM
than with other types of Network. ATM is generally used for megabit and gigabit bandwidths.
General Product Information
ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line): 1.5 Mbps/64 Kbps-384 Kbps
HDSL (High-bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line): 1.5 Mbps/1.5 Mbps
SDSL (Single-line Digital Subscriber Line: 1.5 Mbps/1.5 Mbps
VDSL (Very high-data-rate Digital Subscriber Line): 13 Mbps-52 Mbps/1.5 Mbps- 2.3 Mbps
RDSL (Rate Adaptive Digital Subscriber Line): various speeds
Pacific Bell is currently offering ADSL technology.
