Infopeople - Archive June 1994 to June 1995: Re: ISDN

Re: ISDN

San Benito County Library (libsben2@nic.cerf.net)
Thu, 25 May 1995 14:54:12 -0700 (PDT)

Gerald,

Thanks for noting that Pac Bell's Education First program works only if
you are in Pac Bell Territory. Unfortunately, I fear that Glenna in
Independence is in independent (non-Bell) territory. What a shame - I'd
have loved for her to get toll-free service all the way to San Diego (400
miles or more, I think).

BUT - It is important to know that the ISDN line can be equipped for
either analog or digital. It is completely controlled by how you equip
the interface with the line at your computer.

Pac Bell gives you a bi-polar digital signal that requires interface
equipment to be useful to you. You can obtain two 56 kb circuits, two
voice band circuits, or one of each - by selecting the proper combination
of equipment. A voice band circuit is just like what you have now - your
modem will transmit over it just as it does over the phone line now. The
56 kb circuit requires a digital interface instead of the modem. I
haven't priced any of this stuff, but I expect a voice interface will be
the cheapest. But the 56 kb interface should be well under $1000.

So supposing you equip one line for voice (modem), and the other for 56
kb. The voice line can be used to call other voice lines (the same lines
you call now), and the 56 kb line can only be used to call other 56 kb
lines (i.e. suppliers who provide a special phone line for 56 kb
customers). The situation is kinda like Fax lines - if you dial a Fax
line you can't talk to it unless you also have a Fax machine.

One caveat: Though you can equip an ISDN line for voice, you can't
(aren't supposed to) use it for voice calls. That would be bypassing the
regular toll network.

Richard Fish, Community Partner
San Benito County Library
470 Fifth St., Hollister CA 95023
408 637 2013
libsben2@cerf.net

On Thu, 25 May 1995, Gerald Maginnity wrote:

> I hve seen some comments lately on ISDN and pac Bell's Education First
> program. Please remember that not all libraries have Pac Bell as their
> telephone company.
>
> Also ISDN is fine if you understand the true costs and if there is an
> Internet provider that gives ISDN service. Most of the new providers I talk
> to say that ISDN service is in their plans. Don't get me wrong, there are
> ISDN providers out there, just make sure you have one before you install
> your lines.
>
> A couple of years ago when I first heard the term ISDN a asked a technician
> what it stood for. He replied "It Still Does Nothing".
>
> Gerry
>
> Gerald Maginnity, Coordinator
> Mountain-Valley Library System Voice: 916-264-2722
> 828 I St., Suite 524 FAX: 916-441-3425
> Sacramento, CA 95814-2508 Internet: GMAGINN@CELLO.GINA.CALSTATE.EDU
> "I feel good today...... hibernicisms are in the Eire."
>
>