Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
At some point in time you may be considering getting your own Internet access. Whether you're leaving the dorms to move off campus, leaving behind the speedy ResNet, or simply haven't had Internet access in the past and are ready to be online, you will need some way of getting connected. When it comes to Internet Service Providers (ISPs), there are several options in the Iowa City area that you can choose from. See ISP Options in the Iowa City Area for a list of providers and their contact information. Or read on for an explanation of the different types of ISPs available, including the University's dial-up service, which is free for students enrolled at the University of Iowa.
Remote Access
One option is the University's Remote Access service, which is a 56k dial-up connection to the internet. The University has dial-up numbers for many areas surrounding Iowa City. This may be the best option if you are on a tight budget; many students like this option since it is free for all of those enrolled and already set up for their use. The process of getting set up for dial up is usually a simple - all that is required is a computer with a modem, a phone cord, and a telephone line. Instructions on how to set up a Remote Access connection can be found on the Help Desk's Remote Access site. Faculty can also access the service for a monthly fee ($5). While the University can't help you troubleshoot issues with other ISP's, the Help Desk guarantees support for our dial-up Internet access.
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
Another option for the internet is DSL, which stands for digital subscriber line. This is Internet access that you connect to through your phone line using a special modem, which can either be bought or rented from the ISP. DSL is high speed and always connected to the Internet. By using DSL you will be able to use the Internet and your telephone at the same time. It is very important to realize that getting DSL doesn't mean that you automatically have access to the Internet. When you chose a DSL you will also have to chose an Internet Service Provider, such as MSN. Where you live and what company you chose will determine how much this service will cost. Another bit of DSL that many potential subscribers forget to factor in is the phone line filter. These are small filters (usually around $20 each) that go between your telephone and your wall jack. You install them on all phone jacks that you do not want to hook the modem into, but where you want to be able to plug in a telephone. They are used to prevent interference between the Internet signal and the vocal signal transmitted on the phone line (i.e. it allows you to talk on the phone and be on the Internet simultaneously).
Cable Internet
Cable Internet uses your coaxial cable line to gain Internet access. A cable modem connects to the Internet via a cable line, and to your computer using either an Ethernet or USB 2.0 cord. Using cable Internet also provides a dedicated and high-speed connection to the Internet, but unlike DSL, your cable provider is also you Internet Service Provider. In Iowa City, the only provider of cable Internet is Mediacom.
Satellite Internet
If you can't get cable or DSL where you live, and dial-up service just doesn't work out for you, there might be another option. High-speed (though somewhat pricey) satellite Internet is available to anyone in the northern hemisphere with an "unobstructed view of the southern sky". Emerging technologies now allow for bi-directional traffic. What this means is that in the past, you would have to be connected through a phone line to send data, and the satellite would be used to receive data. The new technology now allows for a dedicated high-speed connection to the Internet that won't tie up a phone line , as it is now capable of sending data. The speed available with satellite Internet is not as great as with a direct line (like DSL or Cable), but if you are in an area that does not have access to cable or DSL and you would like an option besides dial-up, this may be a solution.
Return to the Networking Support Center
Last Updated: 04/24/2008