CMS DSL Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ) 1.0
What is CMS DSL?
DSL is a modem technology that turns your existing
phone line into a three-channel data delivery system. One channel transmits voice
services, so normal phone and fax usage continues whether or not you are accessing
the Internet. A second channel transmits data downstream at high speeds, and a third
bi-directional channel transmits data upstream. The downstream and upstream channels
carry information to and from the Internet. Therefore, phone or fax calls occurring
on the first channel are not affected by your online activity. There are modems
at each end of the phone line. One is at your home; one is at the telephone central
office. Working together, these modems provide a dedicated connection that avoids
the need to dial-up for access to the Internet. The modem in the telephone Central
Office points your Internet traffic to the DSL network and on to the Internet. With
DSL Internet access, you have a fast connection to the Internet.
-How does CMS DSL compare to cable modems?
Cable modems offer service over a shared cable. Multiple
users may be connected to the same local cable line. DSL provides a dedicated connection
to the telephone Central office, so that you don't have to share your local access
connection with other users.
SPEED
-How fast is DSL?
CMS DSL is a powerful connection that loads data
and images at such a rate that you won't want to go back to your old dial-up connection
again. CMS DSL speed brings you the convenience you want, making your work (or play)
that much easier and more fun.
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Super High-Speed
Internet Access
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Dial-up vs. CMS
DSL: A quick comparison
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Application
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Dial-up
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CMS DSL
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Download 1MB family
reunion photos
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Over 4 min.
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About 25 sec.
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Download 1.5 MB
research proposal
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Over 6 min.
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About 40 sec.
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Download 2.5 MB
MP3 music
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Over 10 min.
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About 60 sec.
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Download 6 MB sports/news
video clip
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Over 25 min.
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About 2.5 min.
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-What affects my connection speed?
When you connect to the Internet using a DSL modem,
the speeds that you will experience will vary based on a variety of factors, including
the following:
. Distance of your telephone line
from a Telephone Office.
. Condition of telephone wiring
inside and outside your location
. Computer configuration
. Network or Internet congestion
. Server and router speeds of the
Web sites you access
. Other factors
Connection speed is the speed that data is transferred
between your computer and your local telephone central office during your initial
connection to the DSL network. Throughput speed (also called download speed) refers
to the rate that information is transferred from the Internet to your computer.
It is the speed at which you receive data. Examples of receiving or downloading
are reading a Web page, downloading a program, or receiving e-mail. Send speed (also
called upload speed) refers to the rate that information is transferred from your
computer to the Internet. Examples of sending or uploading are sending e-mail or
sending files.
AVAILABILITY
-Is CMS DSL available on my phone line?
To find out now, please submit your phone number
on our DSL Pre-Qualification page which can be reached at
click here . This process allows us to tell you if your line is capable
of DSL. If it is, one of our representatives will contact you and you can decide
if you want to start the service at that time.
-My neighbor has CMS DSL, but my phone line doesn't
qualify. Why?
DSL is a distance-sensitive technology that works
solely over copper phone lines. Currently, CMS DSL is only available to customers
residing within 3 "wire-run" miles (up to 18,000 feet) from their Telephone
Central Office. In addition, customers must be served over copper wires. Some wires
may be capable of handling DSL and others may not, even in the same area. We are
working with your local telephone company to overcome the distance limitation and
make DSL more widely available. So, while you may not qualify for the service today,
it is possible that you could be able to receive it in the near future as the technology
improves.
-Can I change my phone number to get a phone number
that qualifies for DSL?
No, because a telephone number change does not change your physical telephone line.
-If one number doesn't qualify, will another number
at the same location qualify for DSL?
Definitely! We have seen this happen in many cases. It is sometimes possible that
a customer location could have more than one telephone line, so one telephone line
might qualify while another telephone line does not.
HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
-Does CMS DSL support Macintosh?
CMS DSL supports Macintosh and Macintosh-compatible
computers, including the iMac.
-What equipment do I need to get DSL?
You will need DSL Filters and a DSL modem, both of
which are included in your DSL Self Install Kit. You will also need an Ethernet
Network Interface Card. A NIC is not included in the CMS DSL Self-install Kit, however
they are available from CMS.
-Can I use any DSL modem with my CMS DSL service?
No, at this time you need to use a DSL modem that
is compatible with CMS DSL. If you want to use a modem from a source other than
CMS, please check with CMS first to determine compatibility.
-Is CMS DSL compatible with Windows XP?
Yes - CMS DSL works with every version of Windows
from Windows 95 up. (98, ME, NT, 2000, and XP)
INSTALLATION AND SETUP
-What's involved in the DSL self-installation process?
After you place your order for CMS DSL, we will send
you our CMS DSL self-install kit. The kit will walk you through the installation
process, including installing your DSL modem, using DSL filters. Instructions are
included in the kit, and our 24/7 technical support is always available for help.
We can also send a CMS Technician out to install
your service for a nominal fee. Most customers find this option the easiest and
quickest.
-How long will it take to install my new DSL service?
Installation time can vary, however we recommend
that you reserve about one hour.
The actual time it takes you may be more or less.
Generally, our customers install DSL in about one hour. This hour also includes
time for installing the DSL filters on each phone jack. This is a generous estimate
that allows for various unexpected delays.
Once you have your new DSL service running, you will
be able to experience so much more on the Web, allowing you to be more productive.
The one-hour investment of your time to install the service will really be worth
it.
-How will I know when my DSL service is ready?
We will notify you via e-mail or telephone on your
service ready date.
SECURITY
-How secure is my DSL connection?
From a security perspective, DSL (and cable modem)
networks are not very different from analog modem-based dial-up networks. They connect
customers to ISPs and the Internet using IP as their network protocol. However,
DSL and cable modems are more attractive than dial-up connections to hackers for
the same reasons that make them more attractive to customers. The ease of connection
and available bandwidth of these networks often results in customers staying online
much longer, making them more vulnerable to attack attempts. Fortunately, there
are precautions you can take to improve the security of your DSL connection, such
as firewall software. We strongly recommend that you install a commercially available
firewall and antivirus products. CMS can provide these firewalls and anti-virus
solutions at a nominal cost.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH DSL?
-Can I host a Personal Web page?
Yes, CMS DSL service includes 1MB of Personal Web
space. (Business websites are billed separately)
-Can I hook up more than one computer with a single
DSL connection?
Yes, CMS DSL service can be connected to more than
one computer with the addition of a broadband router which we carry and can install
for a nominal fee.
-Can I access the Internet if I'm traveling?
Yes, CMS DSL also comes with a complimentary nationwide
dialup account, so when you are away from your primary connection you can dial-up
and access the Internet and your e-mail.
DSL AND YOUR PHONE LINE
-Does DSL require installing an additional phone
line?
No. You will not need an additional phone line. DSL
technology allows simultaneous analog (voice or fax) and DSL (data) transmission
over the same telephone line. You still use your phone as you do now.
-Can I use my fax machine and the Internet at the
same time?
Yes. DSL technology allows simultaneous analog voice or fax and DSL data transmission
over the same telephone line.
-Will my current phone features work with DSL?
Yes. Adding CMS DSL to your phone line does not affect
your other telephone services and features. DSL will not affect Caller ID, voice
mail, call waiting, or other advanced calling features.
-If my DSL modem loses power, do I lose phone service?
No. The DSL modem is designed so that your normal
telephone service will operate even if the modem is unplugged or otherwise disabled.
YOUR ACCOUNT
-How many e-mail accounts come with my DSL service?
CMS DSL service includes up to five e-mail accounts.
Multiple e-mail accounts allow other household members to have their own private
email account or have personal and business e-mail accounts. You can set up your
additional e-mailboxes with our account management tool.
-Are CMS DSL charges in addition to my current monthly
phone bill charges?
Yes, CMS DSL monthly recurring charges are in addition
to your monthly telephone service charges from CMS.
-What type of technical support is available?
CMS DSL provides technical support 7 days a week,
24 hours a day. Online tutorial, user guides, frequently asked questions (FAQs),
and our extensive online help site are also available.
-I am already a CMS DSL customer and am moving. How
can I keep my DSL account?
Depending on availability at your new location, you
may be able to have your service transferred to your new location.
Click Here To Go Back to the CMS DSL Service Page