Using SOFTCOM HIGH-SPEED DSL

Are DSL customers able to use their telephone or fax machine while accessing the Internet over DSL?

Will my telephone work even if my computer or modem is unplugged or disabled?

Can I connect more than one computer to my DSL service / Can I use a router?

Can I host a server?

Does SOFTCOM High-Speed DSL filter any ports?

Will my current phone features work with DSL?

Can I still use AOL or MSN?

What other features do I receive with SOFTCOM High-Speed DSL service?

Equipment and Installation

Billing

DSL and Internet

DSL Technology Overview

What is Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)?

How does DSL work?

How fast is DSL?

How does DSL support both voice and data on the same line?

Are DSL customers able to use their telephone or fax machine while accessing the Internet over DSL?

Yes. DSL allows customers to use their existing phone line for voice or fax communications while they use the DSL service for Internet access or data communication services.

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Will my telephone work even if my computer or modem is unplugged or disabled?

Yes. DSL modems have been designed so that your normal telephone service will operate even if the computer or DSL modem is unplugged or otherwise disabled.

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Can I connect more than one computer to my DSL service / Can I use a router?

• Static connections can connect more than one computer using a third party router.

• Dynamic connections are designed and supported for only single connection. If a customer would like to install a third party router they may do so, but this is not supported. The DSL modem that the customer is using must be configured in bridge mode and the third party router must support dynamic connections.

** We do not offer help with configuring routers or network support. If you use a Router/Hub/ Switch, you will need to disconnect it to get help from our support department.

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Can I host a server?

Yes. You may host a server on your connection as long as it is within our acceptable use policy. Spamming is not allowed and strictly enforced. If you plan on hosting a server we recommend a static IP address package with ample upload speed for your server applications.

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Does SOFTCOM High-Speed DSL filter any ports?
A port 25 (outgoing mail) filter is applied to all customers to prevent against spam generated from our network.

Softcom reserves the right to block any port without prior notice to protect the network and the end users from potential virus attacks spreading over a certain port.

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Will my current phone features work with DSL?

DSL won't affect Caller ID, voice mail, call waiting or other advanced calling features; however, Distinctive Ring may not work with DSL in some areas.

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Can I still use AOL or MSN?

Yes, America Online and MSN offer a special "Bring Your Own Access" plan that connects using TCP/IP for customers who already have high-speed Internet access (ISDN, DSL, etc.). This allows you to use your DSL service to access AOL & MSN content.

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What other features do I receive with Softcom High-Speed DSL service?

SOFTCOM High-Speed DSL comes with six 50 MB of Web sites, six e-mail accounts with 50 MB of mailbox storage space each, anti-spam filtering, email virus protection and one of the highest rated technical support and customer service departments.

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Will my VPN work with the DSL service?

Virtual Private Networks (VPN) will work with the Dynamic connections but static IP connections are HIGHLY recommended.

Due to the variations in VPN clients we do not guarantee that your VPN will work nor do we provide support for your VPN.

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Does DSL require installing an additional phone line?

No. DSL technology utilizes higher frequency spectrums for data transmissions that are not being used by voice communications. This allows simultaneous analog voice or fax and DSL data transmission over the same telephone line. You still use your phone as you do now.

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What equipment do I need for DSL access?

A DSL end-user must be equipped with a DSL modem, Ethernet card and a computer. The DSL modem must be compatible with our DSL equipment and can be ordered from Softcom. In addition, the end-user's computer must meet recommended minimum system requirements.

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Can I use any modem with my SOFTCOM High-Speed DSL service?

No. For ATM circuits you must have an ADSL modem that supports rfc1483 bridge mode. SDSL modems are not compatible. Frame relay circuits will only work with Fujitsu DSL modems. Regular 56k dial-up modems will not work as a DSL modem. If you want to use a modem from another source, please check with us first to determine compatibility.

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What are the steps of self-installation?

Step 1 - Install DSL Filters

DSL filters, also known as micro-filters, allow the DSL signal and your regular phone signal to share the same line. These filters keep the DSL signal from interfering with your phone service. You will need to plug a DSL filter into every phone jack in your home that is being used by a phone, fax, or any other device. You will then plug the phone or other device into the DSL filters. Installing them is as easy as plugging in your phone.

Step 2 - Install DSL Modem

If you don't already have a DSL modem, you may order one as part of your service, including detailed installation instructions. With some computers, you may need to install an Ethernet card. If your computer requires an Ethernet Card you will need to purchase one at your local computer store and insert it prior to installing your DSL service.

Step 3 - Setup TCP/IP

TCP/IP setup

Note you must have an Ethernet card installed in your computer.

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Can DSL work with our multi-line phone setup?

It is possible, but it will usually require the full install. We HIGHLY recommend that you use a direct line not associated with your phone system such as a fax line.

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Am I charged for the time my DSL modem or computer is online?

No. SOFTCOM High-Speed DSL Internet access is unlimited. You will not have to worry about how long your modem or computer is in use or turned on.

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How much does DSL cost?

Click here to view our DSL Pricing/Plans.

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What is a Static IP address?

An IP (Internet Protocol) address identifies a computer or other device on the Internet for the purposes of sending or receiving data. It is much like a telephone number. Having a static IP enables you to be able to host a server or setup VPN's or remotely administer your computer. Basically you always know where on the internet your machine is because it isn't moving around. Also, you never have to click connect or use the Dial-up software emulator called PPPoE.

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Can I register a domain name for my personal web-space?

No. Personal web-space is not IP address specific.

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How is DSL different from other Internet connections?

Dial-up (Analog) Modems

Analog modems were designed to work on regular telephone lines and usually operate at speeds ranging from 28.8K to 56K. The main difference between analog and DSL modems is that an analog modem works over voice frequencies. It can't handle the higher - and much faster - digital frequencies. DSL actually takes a load off the voice channels by using the higher, non-voice frequencies.

Cable Modems

Some Internet connections are available through cable television lines that have been upgraded to carry data in two directions. However, you share bandwidth and this access with your neighborhood, so there is a possibility of slowdowns during peak-use periods just because your neighbors log on.

DSL

DSL technology provides a dedicated service over an existing local connection to the Softcom central office near you. This means that you don't have to share your local access connection with other users.

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What is Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)?

DSL is a modem technology that turns a customer's existing phone line into a three-channel data delivery system. One channel transmits voice services, so normal phone or fax usage continues whether or not you are accessing the Internet. A second channel transmits data downstream at high speeds, and a third bi-directional channel transmits data upstream. The downstream and upstream channels carry information to and from the Internet. Phone or fax calls occurring on the voice channel are not affected by your online activity occurring on the two data channels. To learn more about speeds click here.

There are modems at each end of the phone line. One is at your computer; one is in the Softcom central office. Working together, they provide a dedicated connection that avoids the need to dial-up for access like with traditional analog modem Internet access. The modem in the Softcom central office points your Internet traffic to the DSL network and on to the Internet.

With DSL Internet access, you have a fast connection to the Internet. You just click on the desktop browser icon to get online without dialing-up and - without busy signals like you may get with analog modems.

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How does DSL work?

SOFTCOM High-Speed DSL is based on Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), a super-fast modem technology that can provide data transmission at significantly higher speeds than your standard 56K modem. DSL transforms standard twisted-pair copper telephone wires into a high-speed digital pipe. Since this wiring is already in place in most homes and offices, millions of users can switch to DSL service without the need to run new wires to your location. DSL is designed to take advantage of the portion of the bandwidth not used for voice calls. DSL technology splits your phone line into three information channels. One carries data at high speeds from the Internet to your home computer. Another channel transports data at moderate speeds from your home computer to the Internet. The third channel handles regular phone calls and faxes. You'll be able to surf the Internet while making phone calls or sending a fax. Your regular phone line will continue to work in the event that a power failure affects your computer.

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How fast is DSL?

Softcom offers several packages with download speeds ranging from 384kbps - 6.0mbps. SOFTCOM High-Speed DSL customers enjoy the ability to download files and surf the Internet at lightning speeds. Throughput speeds experienced will be lower than connection speeds based on factors including the distance between your home and the telephone company central office; the condition of your line; traffic on the network and the Internet; and the performance of servers hosting Web sites you visit among other factors.

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How does DSL support both voice and data on the same line?

A device called a "splitter" assigns voice and data transmissions to different frequencies. Digital bits travel on the inaudible frequencies of your phone line. That keeps them separate, and that's why all the signals - voice and data - can work in parallel without colliding with each another. A DSL modem spreads signals over many frequencies on the line, carrying many times more information than an analog dial-up modem.

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