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Click for the The definition of ISDN.

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is a digital telephone connection that provides two digital phone lines capable of carrying voice, data, or a combination of the two. Each digital channel can support 64kbps (56kbps on some systems) of bi-directional data and the two channels of an ISDN Basic Rate Interface (BRI) line can be combined together to produce speeds of up to 128kbps.

ISDN phone lines are all digital which results in cleaner, error-free, and reliable data transmission. Analog phone lines used by modems are subject to data errors caused by line noise and other numerous transmission interruptions. An ISDN modem will dial and connect much faster than an analog modem. Many times it can dial, connect, be authenticated and online in less than 5 seconds.

ISDN is not very well known by the average computer user because local phone companies do not promote the service. However, unlimited ISDN service is a cost competitive service that is available to many homes and business in the US. Considering the overall improvement of bandwidth, reliability and cost, ISDN has become a viable solution for businesses and power-users who are unable to get DSL, cable modems, or other broadband connections. Additionally, with local ping-times typically under 100ms it is very popular with those who like to play games online.


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by redxii See Profile edited by brawney See Profile
last modified: 2002-09-08 09:52:09