In an earlier contribution to this discussion,
daibhidh <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
> Hello kind folks of u.t.broadband.....
>
> My exchange (Stornoway) has recently been ADSL'd, giving me the
> option of changing how I access the internet. However, due to the way
> my current set-up is organised, I haven't got a clue which of the
> million or so options open to me would be best; so I thought I'd ask
> here and see what the wealth of experience on this newsgroup can come
> up with.
>
> Here's how my stuff is set up at the moment.
>
> I've got four PCs (two WinXP, one Win98, one Debian Linux) all
> networked (wired network) and connected to BT HomeHighway through an
> ancient Compaq Microcom ISDN Router. It all works pretty well, but my
> main reasons for wanting broadband are :
>
> 1) Cost - HH is really expensive for a 150 hour-per-month service.
> 2) Speed - I've got the router setup to only connect at 60Kbps, to
> try and save on those precious hours.
> 3) Monthly Limits - Even with my router set to disconnect
> automatically after 30 seconds of inactivity, I'm *constantly* going
> over my 150 hours, and having to connect through back-up ISPs
>
> I figure that for a similar (or less) monthly cost, I can get rid of
> the speed and time-limit problems. I've also got a couple of other
> problems.
>
> 1) My network - From what I understand, all of the "modems" that come
> with the broadband offerings from the main ISPs are just fairly dumb
> USB windows-based things that I wouldn't be able to just plug into my
> network. At the moment, my router also works as a DHCP server, making
> all of my network stuff operate pretty simple. I'd like to replace it
> with a "broadband" equivalent, but don't want to spend a fortune. Is
> this possible?
>
> 2) The phone numbers - The two numbers from HH have been used for a
> home number and a business number, so I'd need to keep at the very
> least the business number, and get a separate new line for the home
> number. Can I keep either of these numbers as they are at present?
>
> Sorry for the probably quite dumb questions, but I never thought it'd
> be so difficult to find this stuff out.
>
> Thanks folks,
> David
The "standard" solution would be to replace your ISDN router with a combined
ADSL modem/router/firewall. The device sold by Solwise
http://www.solwise.co.uk/modems.htm#304TA for under 40 quid looks as if it
should do the job ok.
In most domestic circumstances, going from Home Highway to ADSL actually
*saves* on running costs (once you have paid the conversion and setup
costs). In round figures, you save 15 quid per month by having a standard
phone line rather than HH and you save your internet call charges (or flat
rate monthly fee). That usually leaves more than enough to pay for the
monthly subscription for a 512k ADSL service.
BUT your situation is a bit different in that you appear to need two phone
lines. Do you actually need to use both of these at the same time, or do you
simply need two numbers?
If the latter, you could use BT Call Sign which gives 2 numbers - each with
a distinctive ring - so you can tell whether it's the "home" or "business"
phone ringing. You can even get a switch which detects the ring flavour and
switches to a different handset depending on which number was called.
If you *do* need to use both phones at the same time, you really need a
second PSTN line - which is going to cost 11 quid per month in rental on top
of the installation charge. You just *might* be able to get one of the
redundant HH numbers assigned to it. [Getting the main number assigned to
the line which is downgraded from HH to PSTN is not a problem, it's the
default].
To avoid a second physical line, you could consider Broadband Voice which -
for about 7 quid per month (I think) - gives you a virtual voice line over
ADSL. You certainly won't be able to transfer an existing number to this
because it uses a different range (05xxx I think).
How about a totally different solution?
How much of a limitaion is the 64k provided by a single ISDN channel? How
much are you paying for your 150 hours per month? If you can live with 64k,
and are paying an arm and a leg for your 150 hours, why not switch to a
service which has no limit? Until recently upgrading to ADSL, I was using HH
with Freeserve Anytime at 15 quid per month - with *no limit* on connection
hours. [It's even cheaper to new customers for the first few months].
You could keep all your existing kit, would avoid the 50 quid downgrade fee
for HH to PSTN and the ADSL activation fee, and it would probably cost no
more per month than your current limited service - especially if you are
having to top up the 150 hours with paid calls.
Is this your solution?
--
Cheers,
Tim
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