[500] in Resnet-Forum
Re: Remote Access
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Steve Morytko)
Tue Feb 21 03:40:37 1995
Date: Tue, 21 Feb 95 02:29:30 EST
From: Steve Morytko <STEVE@UConnVM.UConn.Edu>
To: resnet-forum@MIT.EDU
In-Reply-To: <3323560DD8@main.rmwc.edu>
Something to consider about Internet providers: They can (and probably
will) sell as many accounts as possible and run them over the cheapest
(read slowest) link possible. This could be hundreds of users hammering
on a single 56KB link - that would seem like a sloooow link to me. Also,
you're clients (are they students that have to get REAL work done for
classes?) will be competing with everyone in the neighborhood for access.
That could mean a lot of frustrated users/students getting busy signals.
Perhaps it wouldn't be true if you're lucky enough to have a provider
without a lot of business.
Anyone have any first-hand experience? Say with Net Cruiser or some
other vendors. A computer store in our area is planning to go into this
business.
I like the idea of a private network for our University affliated users.
They get to use our higher speed pipe (T1). We've installed PPP servers
(that *can* also do IPX and ARAP) and we're selling the service back for
$25 startup/$60 per 6 month period (and I think we make a small profit).
The downside is managing the whole thing (accounts, money transfer, etc.).
It's a pilot project now but I see it getting a whole lot bigger.
We can get a better feel for how much demand there is too and, hopefully,
manage our resources accordingly. Once you've established a server/modem
template it's fairly easy to replicate. Our first pass we expect a 4-1
ratio of users to ports (any comments?).
Yes, it works for Mac's (Mac TCP, Mac PPP) and PC's (Trumpet Winsock PPP)
and you get full Internet access. We use (today) Xyplex 1620 Access Servers
and 28.8 modems (USR Sportster standalone). Kerberos for authentication.
Other vendors selling access servers are Xylogics, Livingston, Cicso, Asante,
Cayman, and more.
======================================================================
Steve Morytko, University of Connecticut Computer Center
E-mail: steve@uconnvm.uconn.edu ; Ph: 203-486-1405 ; Fax: 203-486-5744
USMail; 196 Auditorium Rd., Storrs, CT 06269-3138
