FAQs: USA Voice & Data

What are these services going to cost me?
What can/can't I do on the Internet?
How does the campus Acceptable Use Policy apply?
Can I host a .com service out of my apartment?
What determines the DSL speed rate I receive?
Is the DSL service compatible with Macintosh computers?
How do I install the modem?
What if I want to network multiple devices?
Can I install a wireless access point in my apartment?
Do I need a network card?
What about long distance, Caller ID, and other enhanced voice features?
How do I use the free features of my phone service?
How do I place an operator-assisted call?
Can I have multiple phone lines or another Internet service provider?
What are my long distance carrier options?

What are these services going to cost me?

The Office of Information Technology provided voice and data services are part of your USA monthly rental fee.

What can/can't I do on the internet?

You can use your Internet access to do anything lawful, with exceptions being that you cannot provide server applications over your USA DSL connection, nor can you host a commercial, money-making application. Peer-to-peer file sharing where your computer both uploads and downloads media is illegal.

How does the campus Acceptable Use Policy apply?

The Campus AUP does apply to all traffic over your network connection, regardless of who in the home is using the connection.

Can I host a .com service out of my apartment?

No. If you choose to do this, you must work with a commercial provider and use a separate network connection to do so. This will be in addition to your NetCom-provided DSL.

What determines the dsl speed rate I receive?

The speeds for the Long-Range Ethernet (LRE) in the USA project are ultimately determined by the Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) between the ethernet switch and the LRE (DSL) modem in the apartment. This SNR is determined by the quality and length of the phone cable between the phone demark closet and the apartment. The longer and poorer the cable, the slower the speeds.

We have determined that we can run 4.5 Mbps UP/DOWN with a minimal amount of errors. Please be aware that this 4.5 Mbps is a "low-latency" connection; meaning that very little of the bandwidth is used for signaling and error checking. (In the case of a 1.5Mbps DSL connection with Qwest, a significant percentage of your bandwidth is used for signaling and error checking, and you will never achieve a full 1.5Mbps during a file transfer.)

IS the dsl service be compatible with Macintosh computers?

Yes. The modem is the same for both the PC and Macintosh systems, however the DHCP configuration instructions are different.

How do I install the Modem?

The modem is provided with setup instructions. The setup is only a few simple steps. You can find the instructions online, as well. NetCom's Technical Support team will provide support during implementation and can troubleshoot connection and network configuration issues at no cost to get you started. However, every user is responsible for the maintainance and overall configuration of their own computer. Tech Support cannot update, install or troubleshoot operating systems or software.

What if I want to network multiple devices?

The DSL modem has a single Ethernet port for either a direct link into your PC or an uplink into a hub-type device. You are free to purchase a hub or switch from your local electronics store to add additional ports for a second computer, printer, etc.

Can I Install a Wireless Access Point in my apartment?

Unsecured wireless access points are a prime way for hackers to get into the campus network. If you must have a wireless network in your apartment, please configure your access point so that it only allows known computers to use it. This should be a configurable option on most access points that allows connections by the unique network MAC address. Encryption between the access point and the computer should be turned on so that hackers can't "see" the traffic; this should be an option called WPA or WEP on most access points.

You'll need to work with your wireless router vendor for support in setting up and configuring your device. NetCom/Campus Help Desk does not support individual access points on the campus network.

Do I need a network card?

Yes - a standard Ethernet card is all that is required. The specification variables are dependent on your particular type of system and if you plan to incorporate a hub into your environment. Check the vendor of your system for what cards are available for the model type you currently own. If you incorporate a hub, be sure that the speeds 10, 100, 1000 Mbps are the same on both the hub and the Ethernet card.

What about long distance, Caller ID, And other enhanced voice features?

Your telephone service is basic dial-tone.

A very competitive prepaid long distance telephone service is available through MobileSphere, a third party vendor the Office of Information Technology has partnered with. Click here for rates, information, and to sign up.

Caller ID is available at USA residences at no additional charge. Your telephone set must be capable of the caller ID function.

Voicemail is not available. A telephone set with a built-in answering machine or a separate answering machine is recommended.

How do I use the free features of my phone service?

Call Forwarding
Call Transfer
Three-Way Calling
Speed Calling
Call Waiting

How do I place an operator-assisted call?

Operator-Assisted Calls

Can I have multiple phone lines or another internet service provider?

Yes. You can get a second telephone line through Qwest, our local telephone company, by contacting them at 1-800-244-1111. You will be responsible for installation and monthly charges associated with additional services and will be billed directly by Qwest.

What are my long distance carrier options?

The Office of Information Technology has partnered with MobileSphere, a third party prepaid long distance service. Click here for more information and to sign up.

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