Access Network. Basic Telephony Network. Mirador

Communications Networks

Technological evolution of the telecommunications world are introducing to the Virtual Campus a whole range of new connection possibilities. The aim of the following sections is to throw light on the new concepts in order to help you to choose the configuration that will best suit your needs.

Connection from home to the Virtual Campus can be effected by means of the following networks: BTN, ISDN, ADSL and CABLE. Tests have also been conducted to search for new ways linked to mobile telephony such as the GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) system. Even though from a technological standpoint this is a valid option, it is not an effective one for the UOC's educational system, owing to the costs involved. In the near future, new ways will appear, which will be linked to satellite. The following possibilities are currently available.

Basic Telephony Network (BTN)

This is the traditional solution using analogue technology and designed for the transmission of voice, although data can also be sent by means of a modem. It is the fixed telephone line which one usually has at home. All you need here, therefore, is to equip your computer with a modem and to have a phone plug near your equipment.

Possible configurations at your home

Two BTN lines, one for voice and another for data

Advantages:
	When you are working at the Virtual Campus your phone is not engaged.
	The same telephone number can be maintained.
	This option is available almost everywhere.

Drawbacks:
	Speed of transmission is less than that of other options.
	You must apply for connection to a new line.

A single BTN for voice and data

Advantages
	It is the simplest option and there is no need to apply for a new line.

Drawbacks
	The speed of transmission is less than that in other options.
	When you are working at the Virtual Campus your phone is engaged.


As a summary of the main drawbacks, we would point out:
	First of all, that while your computer is connected (whether to the Virtual Campus, to the Internet, or to other telematic services), your telephone line is being used, and therefore your phone is engaged. This means that you cannot make or receive any phone calls. Experience from previous courses shows that the members of the UOC community tend to seek connection to the Virtual Campus between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., which coincides with the time when the greatest number of phone calls is being made to private homes.
	Second, the speed and the quality of information-transmission through BTN is modest if compared to that of ISDN. It is obvious that if transmission speed is lower, connection time will be longer. As a result, your phone bill will be higher.