Overview
KIS
Support Policy
Kellogg Information Systems provides information
about accessing Kellogg network resources using an off-campus high-speed connection.
However, KIS does not support cable modem or DSL connections. All
other questions should be directed to your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Advisories
SBC/Yahoo! DSL:
We have received multiple reports of students, faculty and staff having difficulty
using SBC/Yahoo! DSL to connect to Kellogg & Northwestern network resources.
Problems include not being
able to connect to Northwestern's
VPN service, send e-mail, and connect to Kellogg file servers. We have not
received any reports of problems with other DSL providers, such as Speakeasy
or Earthlink.
If you sign up for SBC/Yahoo!
DSL, be sure to request a DSL modem with an Ethernet connection, not
a USB connection. The USB modem may conflict with other network settings, and
has compatibility problems with Northwestern's VPN service.
Pros
and Cons of DSL vs. Cable Modem
The most frequently
asked question about high speed access is "Which is better? Cable modem
or DSL?" Both have their strengths and weaknesses, as outlined in the table
below.
| Feature |
Cable
Modem |
DSL |
| Contract |
No contract
required.
Edge: Cable modem |
DSL providers usually
require a 1-year contract. If you're unhappy with the service, the contract
may prevent you from canceling it. |
| Speed |
Top
speed is 8 megabits per second (Mbps) or 10,000 kilobits per second (kbps).
Actual speed will vary and can be significantly lower if there are many
users on your segment of the cable network.
Edge: Cable Modem |
Top
speed is 6 Mbps, but speeds vary by package. DSL providers offer a variety
of packages, with the most expensive ones offering the fastest speed. You
must be close to a phone company switching station, however, to get the
fastest speed. The further away you are from the switching station, the
lower the maximum speed for your location. For prices comparable to cable
modems, speeds range from 768 kbps to 1.5 Mbps. |
| Ease of installation |
Cable
modems generally require only one installation visit and orders are usually
complete within a week.
Edge: Cable Modem |
DSL
installation times vary widely from under a week to a month or more. Some
self-installations can be finished within a week or two, but any problems
with the telephone wiring inside your home will add significantly to the
installation time and cost. |
| Availability |
Cable
modem service is widely available and is not restricted geographically,
as DSL is. However, not all segments of the cable network have been upgraded
to support cable modem service, so the service is not universally available.
Edge: Cable Modem |
You
must live within a certain distance from an Ameritech switching station--generally,
within 22,000 feet, with the best speed available within 12,000 feet. Even
if you meet the distance requirement, there may be "obstacles"
on the line between your home and the switching station that will prevent
you from getting DSL service. Sometimes, the phone company or DSL provider
will spend weeks on the installation process, only to finally inform you
that your phone line does not support DSL. |
| Cost |
Cable
modem service costs $45-50 per month and installation is often free. Reduced
rates are available if you provide your own cable modem.
Edge: Draw |
DSL
starts at $35 a month and prices increase with the maximum speed. Free DSL
routers and installation are often available, but unlike cable, you have
to sign a one-year contract to get the free installation and DSL modem.
Other packages require you to pay for the installation and/or modem but
offer a rebate that will later refund the cost. |
KIS
Suggestions
If ease of installation
is important to you, KIS suggests a cable modem over DSL. KIS does not have any recommendations on which ISP you
should choose.
Sending
e-mail and accessing Kellogg Network Resources From Home
Sending e-mail / "We do not
relay" error message
The most common problem reported by students, faculty, and staff using cable
modems or DSL is that you can't send e-mail from home. "None of your e-mail accounts could send to this recipient,"
is the enigmatic response. For a solution to this problem,
see our instructions
on how to send e-mail from home.
Kellogg domain (file &
print servers)
You must be connected to the Northwestern
Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access the Kellogg domain. See
our Windows XP VPN Documentation or Windows Vista VPN Documentation for details.
Northwestern
University Library research databases
Some research databases
or other network resources require you to be on the Northwestern network. Connect
to VPN to access these resources. See our VPN
instructions for more information.
High-speed
Internet Service Providers
Cable Modems —
Evanston
The cable modem provider
in Evanston is Comcast.
Cable Modems —
Chicago & surrounding suburbs
In Chicago, cable modem
service is available through RCN and Comcast.
If you live outside
of Chicago or Evanston, Comcast operates most of the cable companies in the
suburbs ringing Chicago. Check their web page
to see if cable modem service is available in your ZIP code.
DSL
There are several DSL
providers in the Chicago and Evanston areas. For a list of service providers,
with availability, pricing, and contact information, go to Broadband
Reports.
|
