Would I need a dedicated ISDN line or modifications on existing lines for regular 64k ISDN dial-up access?

[Madcowz]

I just got an ISDN modem and I'm not exactly sure how to get connected with it. I heard from someone that you can use it on your existing lines as a dial-up connection for a limited connection of 64bps. Someone else told me that it's required that I have either get a new dedicated ISDN phone line or modify my existing one's to support ISDN. I heard this info from 2 different customer reps at my ISP, but the one thing that their information agreed with was that I don't have to upgrade my existing 56k dial-up service with them (Erols, which is now RCN) for regular 64bps access. It would cost no more and I would use my account the same as on my 56k dial-up connections. If I wanted a dedicated 128bps service I would have pay more; much more... but now all I want to know is if I can get the lower 64k access with my existing lines somehow. From the two people my guess is that there are two types of ISDN: standard dial-up for 64bps connections, or a dedicated ISDN connection in which I would need a dedicated ISDN line and could get either 64bps or a full 128bps

Can anyone shed some light on this?

 

[oldfart]

You need an ISDN line. Its a digital line consisting of 2 64k B channels and one 16k D channel. No can do with the regular line.

 

[mikable]

Although it can "use" standard telephone copper lines it needs support from the telco, a special circut in the CO, and a repeater along the way if your a fair bit from the CO. It's a good alternetive if you can't get DSL, Cable, or other broadband internet connection. only about 5 bucks higher for EZ-ISDN1 then normal analog telephone lines. However when the power goes out (storms) so do your phone lines....








M

 

[Madcowz]

Wait, so what exactly is this "EZ-ISDN1" stuff... is it the same as a dedicated digital ISDN line b/c I hear ISDN lines cost about $50-80/month just from your phone company... $5/month extra sounds really cheap. Can you give me further info on it?

 

[Soccerman]

yeah I've been wondering about this too..

"you need an ISDN line. Its a digital line consisting of 2 64k B channels and one 16k D channel. No can do with the regular line."

that sounds STUPID! think about it, if it sends a digital signal (somewhat like Ethernet), the only thing limiting the speed would be distance.

can you be more specific in terms of the type of wire etc?

 

[oldfart]

Soccerman, you are usually pretty bright. That last post was pretty lame. I'm a telecommunications professional. Believe me, an ISDN is not a regular phone line. BTW, IDSN technology is not top secret stuff. How about looking this information up and learning?? Take a look here for a start or here. A BRI line (Basic Rate ISDN) line is 2 64k B channels and one D (signalling) channel.

 

[Soccerman]

thanks for the links.. sorry for making a dumb post! I've been wondering this for a LONG time.. my thirst for knowledge is insane..

 

[oldfart]

Ah, thats better!