1. Multilink PPP and Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation
2. Setting up the 3ComImpact Digital Modem for Multilink PPP
3. Setting up the 3ComImpact External Digital Modem for DBA
4. Access Solutions with the 3ComImpact External Digital Modem
5. Determining Throughput
As a means of connecting remote offices and telecommuters to their corporate LAN, or for high-speed Internet access, ISDN modems and ISDN bridges and routers all offer viable solutions. Although the throughput of bridges and routers tends to be higher than that of digital modems, the average difference in speed may not be significant. Also, digital modems such as the 3ComImpact External Digital Modem cost much less than a bridge or router and are easier to configure and use.
Performance
Performance tests of some of the top-performing, medium-range ISDN bridges and routers demonstrated an average throughput of 100 Kbps for a precompressed file (as published in NetworkWorld, July 10, 1995). By comparison, the 3ComImpact External Digital Modem provides throughput of 85-90 Kbps for a pre-compressed file. When a 1 MB file is downloaded, a difference of 15 Kbps in transmission speed results in a 2 second difference in transfer time.
Cost
The average list price for the top-performing, medium-range bridge/router is $1300. The 3ComImpact External Digital Modem costs over 40% less.
Ease of Installation
Because bridges and routers are Ethernet-based, additional configuration is required, such as routing tables, protocol configuration, and authentication for multiple users. Configuring a 3ComImpact External Digital Modem only requires the provisioning of the following three ISDN parameters: ISDN switch type, the telephone number for the ISDN line, and the Service Profile Identifier (SPID).
7. Interoperability with Equipment from Other Vendors