Speed comparisons are based on the following throughput comparisons: 32 Kbps for 56 Kbps modem and 320 Kbps for 768 Kbps DSL. Download speeds are not guaranteed. See question No. 2 below for more information.
2. 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 Verizon Central 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 the Verizon 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.
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1. Is Online@GMU DSL available on my phone line?
To find out now, please enter your phone number on the
Qualification Form. This process allows us to tell
you if your line can be equipped with DSL. If it is, the next step is to see if DSL is available and can be provisioned on your line.
Online@GMU representatives do this as part of the order process. Activation of DSL to your location is subject to final confirmation of service availability.
2. I am a Online@GMU dial-up
customer. Can I switch to DSL and keep my GMU
email address?
Yes. We will refund any unused dial-up service to
you and you can use that money towards the purchase of
the Online@GMU DSL modem. You will continue to be
able to use your dial-up account until the DSL service
is installed at your location. You will be able to
keep your GMU email address since it is provided by GMU.
3. My neighbor has
Online@GMU DSL, but my phone line doesn't qualify. Why?
DSL is a distance-sensitive technology that works solely over copper phone lines. Currently,
Online@GMU DSL is only available to customers
residing within 3 "wire-run" miles (up to 18,000 feet)
from their Verizon 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. Verizon is working 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.
4. 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.
5. If one number doesn't
qualify, will another number at the same location
qualify for DSL?
Please check the availability for any of your telephone numbers. 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.
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1. Does Online@GMU support Macintosh?
Online@GMU supports Macintosh and Macintosh-compatible computers, including the iMac.
2. What equipment do I need to get DSL?
You will need DSL filters and a DSL modem. DSL
filters are included with your DSL modem purchased
through Online@GMU. You will also need a 10Base-T Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC). You can get a NIC at
the Online@GMU store, if your computer does not have one.
3. Can I use any DSL modem with my
Online@GMU service?
No. You need to use a DSL modem that is compatible with
Online@GMU DSL. If you want to use a modem from a source other than
Online@GMU, please check with Access Technology first to determine compatibility.
(866-355-1189)
4. Is Online@GMU DSL compatible with Windows XP
and Vista?
Yes.
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1. What's involved in the DSL self-installation process?
After you place your order for Online@GMU DSL, we
will send you a DSL modem, instructions and DSL filters. The
instructions will walk you through the installation
process, including installing your DSL modem and using
DSL filters. Live technical support is available for help
as well.
2. 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.
3. How will I know when my DSL service is ready?
We will notify you via e-mail or telephone on your service ready date.
4. Once I order DSL , how can I check the status of my order?
Please call 866-355-1189 to check on the progress of your DSL order.
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1. 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 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) product. Some firewall products are even available for personal use free of charge.
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1. Can I host a Web page?
Yes, Online@GMU DSL offers 10mb of space for a personal home page.
2. Can I hook up more than one computer with a single DSL connection?
Yes. With the use of a hub or router.
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1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Will my current phone features work with DSL?
Yes. Adding Online@GMU 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.
4. 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.
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1. How many e-mail accounts come with my DSL service?
Online@GMU DSL service includes up to three e-mail accounts. Multiple e-mail accounts allow other household members to have their own private e-mail account.
Please email
support@gmu.us if
you wish to add more.
2. Are Online@GMU DSL charges in addition to my current monthly phone bill charges?
Yes, Online@GMU DSL monthly recurring charges are in addition to your monthly telephone service charges from
your local phone provider.
3. What type of technical
support is available?
Online@GMU provides live technical support 7 days a week.
A tutorial, user guides, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and our extensive help site are also available.
We also offer on-site
technical support as well.
4. I am already a Online@GMU DSL customer and am moving. How can I keep my DSL account?
To learn how you can keep your Online@GMU DSL account when you move to a new location,
please call 355-9999.
5. How do I cancel Online@GMU DSL
service?
If you need to cancel the service, please call 866-355-1189
or email support@gmu.us
Cancellation requires a seven day notice, prior to your
monthly renewal date. There are no partial month
refunds.
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