1. What is ISDN?
2. Is special cabling required for ISDN?
3. Can one use existing analog modem with ISDN?
4. What do I need in order to use ISDN?
5. What are the benefits of ISDN?
6. How fast is ISDN compared to analog modems, DSL and Cable?
7. Will 5 Star Internet configure my modem/router for me?
8. What type of ISDN equipment should one buy?
9. Where is ISDN internet access available?
10. How much does ISDN internet access cost?
11. Is there a monthly time limitation?
12. Do you support 2-B (128Kbps) connections?
13. What is Multilink PPP?
14. What is dynamic bandwidth allocation?
15. Where do I order ISDN access?

What is ISDN?
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) is a digital telephone service that provides fast accurate data transmission over existing telephone wiring.

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Is special cabling required for ISDN?
No. ISDN line is provided over existing copper wires used in standard telephone connection, however, your local phone company must setup your line and put in a special jack.

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Can one use existing analog modem with ISDN?
No. Internet access over ISDN line requires the user need to have terminal adaptor, router or ISDN modem.

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What do I need in order to use ISDN?
1. In order to use ISDN you must have an ISDN line setup and installed by your local phone company. Although ISDN uses your existing wiring, the phone company must set up the line and a special jack must be installed.

2. Once you have you line set up you must purchase and ISDN modem or router. This can be purchased from a store like CompUSA.

3. After having your line installed and purchasing your ISDN modem or router you are ready to set up your account with us for a connection to the Internet. Simply search for the type of connection you want, 64k single channel or 128k dual channel on our access number search page and continue through with the signup process to activate your account. Your account will be ready to use immediately upon activation.

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What are the benefits of ISDN?
Quite simply, speed. ISDN offers upload and download speeds at up to 128kbs, and because you have a digital connection, dropped calls are almost non-existent.

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How fast is ISDN compared to analog modems, DSL and Cable?
The speed of transmission using a regular telephone line and standard V.34 modem is generally 28.8 Kbps ,with ISDN line the line speed can go as high as 128 kbps with out compression...almost 4 times faster; however, DSL and Cable are still 2-4x faster than ISDN.

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Will 5 Star Internet configure my modem/router for me?
While we try to provide the highest level of customer service, we do not provide ISDN modem or router configuration services. We will provide you with all of the information you need from us to connect to our service. If you are new to ISDN and have a limited knowledge of modems and/or routers, we recommend that you have someone with a technical background handle your configuration and setup.

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What type of ISDN equipment should one buy?
There are many types of modems and routers that support ISDN. Depending upon your specific application (single computer, network, etc.), the decision as to what is best for you should be made by someone with technical knowledge in Internet connectivity. Most single computer users will do just fine with a 3com terminal adapter. Network applications my require specific equipment depending upon your needs.

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Where is ISDN internet access available?
Our ISDN internet access is available nationwide. You will need to perform a search to check for a local access number in your area.

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How much does ISDN internet access cost?
There are generally three costs involved in ISDN access: your local phone company's charge to install and setup the line (a one-time fee), a monthly line usage charge from your local phone company (contact them for details), and a monthly service provider charge (5 Star Internet) - $23.95 a month.

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Is there a monthly time limitation?
While many of our competitors offer limited access, our ISDN is UNLIMITED ACCESS for all MegaPop access numbers.

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Do you support 2-B (128Kbps) connections?
Yes. You will need to setup your equipment configuration for a 2-B connection.  Your ability to use 2-B channel simultaneously is dependent on type of ISDN terminal adapter you have purchased.

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What is Multilink PPP?
The Multilink point to point (MPP) bundles multiple B channels for data rates over 64 Kbps. It allows dynamic bandwidth allocation. We support the Multilink PPP protocol.

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What is dynamic bandwidth allocation?
Dynamic bandwidth allocation is the ability for a device to drop and add channels as needed. True dynamic bandwidth would allow a terminal adapter to allocate a second channel if the load on the first one becomes too heavy. Using dynamic bandwidth allocation is also helpful in reducing the number of hours used monthly overall. We recommend this to our 128k dual channel users to minimize their usage.