ISP-Planet - Technology

DSL Prime News Weekly: The Inside Source Dave Burstein
[March 27, 2001] Security failure kills eFront, DSL subscriber numbers worldwide, and, in the News Briefs: Verizon's VDSL plans, news from Spain and Japan, new POTS-and-DSL testing equipment, and more job changes at the top.

DSL Prime News Analysis: The NorthPoint Buyout Dave Burstein
[March 26, 2001] Picking up the pieces: The number of stranded subscribers rises above 100,000, will AT&T soon compete against itself, and rember that if you need employees with DSL skills, consider headhunting the NorthPoint staff.

Equipment Makers Vie For U.S. Server Market Share Bob Liu
[March 22, 2001] Sun shoots for the mid-market, Gateway goes for space-conscious enterprises, and IBM debuts its Blue Hammer series of infrastructure solutions as the server season shifts into high gear.

VA Linux Debuts Remote Management System ISP-Planet Staff
[March 22, 2001] VA Linux 100 manages 1U server farms with powerful VACM technology—eliminates need to spend valuable tech time trying to locate a specific node in a large server cluster.

Not Storm or Virus nor Even Shoddy Modems Best of ISP-Lists
[March 21, 2001] Members of the ISP-Tech list discuss the most basic tech problem. When customers call your help desk saying they get no dial tone, how can you find out the cause of the problem, given so many possible culprits?

Red Hat Drops Anonymous up2date Services ISP-Planet Staff
[March 20, 2001] According to RHN Director Billy Marshall the change shouldn't be a surprise to users. Red Hat released an email several weeks ago informing users of the fee-based support program.

When Spam is Good Alex Goldman
[March 18, 2001] Spam spam spam spam. Lovely spam! Wonderful spam! Spam spa-a-a-a-a-am spam spa-a-a-a-a-am spam. Lovely spam! Lovely spam! Lovely spam! (Viking Chorus from Monty Python's Flying Circus: The Spam Sketch).

The Remote Access Conundrum Part 4: VPN Client Administration Lisa Phifer In previous columns, we have discussed protocol issues and alternatives facing ISPs that offer remote access VPN services, ranging from authentication to addressing. Here, in the final installment of this series we open Pandora's box—VPN client administration.
Part 1: Extended Authentication	Part 2: Tunneling at Layer Two	Part 3: Dynamic Addressing

DSL Prime News Weekly: The Inside Source Dave Burstein
[March 15, 2001] Optimism about video on demand and VDSL. As markets fall, telco financials become ever more opaque. Why did SBC raise DSL prices? The DSL News Briefs summarize a particularly eventful few weeks.

Finding My Footprint Best of ISP-Lists
[March 14, 2001] Members of the ISP-Satellite list discuss a simple question about satellites: How to find the area they cover (known as a footprint). As with many simple questions, there is not a simple answer.

The VDSL Experience Jim Wagner
[March 13, 2001] Very high speed DSL, like Jimi Hendrix's guitar work, arrived before its time. Hopefully, unlike Jimi Hendrix, the companies selling VDSL will survive to be appreciated. Beware the cold distance, the hour is getting late.

Education for Everyone Best of ISP-Lists
[March 9, 2001] Members of the ISP-Streaming Media list discuss sending educational content to areas that do not have basic telecommunications facilities. It's a dream of governments and charities—and there may be money in it.

The Closing of the Internet Frontier Niall Richard Murphy
[March 8, 2001] IP addresses are running out, and companies are fighting for unclaimed Internet real estate. There is a solution—we discuss whether IPv6 is right for you, and show you how IPv6 real estate is bought and sold.

Gobs of Data Storage in a Snap Alex Goldman
[March 8, 2000] Learn how one company plans to build a global storage dynasty through direct sales made by service provider channel partners selling its SAN systems.

Rate Raising Murmurs Jim Thompson
[March 2, 2001] What do you get when you add failing service providers with financially weakened DSL firms, and multiply it by vanishing venture capital? The outcome is plain to see—Internet users are going to have to pay more.

Nuts and Bolts Best of ISP-Lists
[March 2, 2001] Members of the ISP-Wireless list discuss the difference between bytes and bits. You probably know the difference, but if you don't, this article is required reading.

Satellite Content Delivery:
Cidera's Internet Broadcast Backbone-Part 1 Lisa Phifer
[March 1, 2001] Could satellite systems turbocharge The Web without eating ISPs bandwidth? Cidera says yes, the solution lies in avoiding point-to-point delivery in favor of broadcasting content over terrestrial links.

DSL Prime News Weekly: The Inside Source Dave Burstein
[March 1, 2001] Two million DSL lines in Japan this year, denser DSLAMs, a plea for telco honesty, ending reciprocal compensation will cause price hikes, Dave asks ISPs and CLECs to be nice to customers, and more news.

Caching in on Cell Phone Browsing Alex Goldman
[February 28, 2001] BoostWorks is already a success in Europe and Asia, where the mobile Internet market is in full bloom. So the company is bringing its direct-to-browser content accelerator to the U.S. in search of mobile Web clients.

Looking to Cache In? Best of ISP-Lists
[February 22, 2001] Members of the ISP-Caching list discuss everyone's first question: What's the best caching engine on the market. (Anyone making this decision should also check out ISP-Planet's Cache Review Series.)

Contest Heats Up for DSL Providers Jim Thompson
[February 20, 2001] As if current market conditions aren't enough to bring DSL down—new threats from rival broadband platforms and deregulatory fribble from federal regulators might be the kiss of death for resellers.

Fight The Powers That Be Best of ISP-Lists
[February 17, 2001] Members of the ISP-DSL list discuss the difficulties of fighting monopolies. They complain that when the telcos charge $39.95 to users, and charge $34.94 to resellers, they are effectively preventing competition.

Hacked! Best of ISP-Lists
[February 13, 2001] Members of the ISP-Security discussion list offer advice as to how to handle a network intrusion. Solutions vary, but a full-scale network security review is always in order.

To Scan or Not to Scan? Best of ISP-Lists
[February 12, 2001] That is the question—and if you do scan, do you tell your subscribers about it—or not? The ISP-Tech discussion list contemplates the merits of scanning for e-mail contagions.

The Remote Access Conundrum Part 3: Dynamic Addressing Lisa Phifer [February 8, 2001] Creating a secured VPN is like pulling a rabbit out of a hat—just as a magician performs the illusion, so too must your ISP make remote authentication seamlessly appear—as if it came out of nowhere.
Part 1: Extended Authentication		Part 2: Tunneling at Layer Two

NorthPoint Puts On A Happy Face Jim Thompson
[February 7, 2001] Deadbeat ISPs, fierce competition, falling prices, failed merger plans, and crappy service from ILECs have contributed to NorthPoint's troubles. But the scrappy little DSL provider's response to its current financial situation might surprise you.

Wireless LAN Primer Lisa Phifer
Part 1:	Market Opportunities	Part 2:	Securing Wireless Transmissions
[February 6, 2001] The allure of wire-free LANs is two fold—the systems are simple to build and inexpensive to operate. Cheap and easy—two fundamental features required to build a profitable service venture.

Do I Need a Laser Scope? Best of ISP-Lists
[February 3, 2001] From strobe lights to military hardware, members of the ISP-Wireless list have a variety of methods for ensuring that a customer gets broadband RF reception. For some equipment, however, the best method is just to read the manual.

DSL Prime News Weekly: The Inside Source Dave Burstein
[January 30, 2001] The DSL universe faces a growing list of casualties, Covad attacks NorthPoint, a new FCC commissioner, and declining telco investment. Meanwhile, equipment prices drop. Much more news in the Prime News Briefs.

Is DSL Service Possible in My Area? Best of ISP-Lists
[January 30, 2001] Members of the ISP-CLEC list discuss how you should determine if there are enough DSL-quality lines in your area for DSL service. Since the local phone company won't give you the information you need, research is required.

The Snow White Virus Best of ISP-Lists
[January 24, 2001] Members of the ISP-Tech list discuss blocking the Snow White virus. Veteran haters of viruses and spam share their ideas about what does and does not work, and share links to further information.

Baby Bells Bouncing Back Jim Thompson
[January 19, 2001] The RBOCs seemed poised to take a dominant position in providing DSL services—while ISPs and data CLECs drown in red ink. But Baby Bells must change their ways to win new customers.

DSL Prime News Special: News, Numbers, NorthPoint Dave Burstein
[January 18, 2001] What's next for NorthPoint, news from Rhythms and Winfire, and preliminary DSL subscriber numbers. The DSL Prime news briefs analyze the postponed Genuity offering and much other news.

Boosting Bandwidth through Bonding: Stallion ePipe Lisa Phifer
[January 18, 2001] The market for business-grade Internet and Intranet bandwidth is highly competitive. To compete effectively, ISPs must continually seek innovative solutions.

InternetConnect: Joining IP and ATM with MPLS Lisa Phifer
[January 10, 2001] MPLS speeds up Virtual Private Networks by ensuring that next-hop decisions are made before data is sent, not made while the data is in transit. It could cut bandwidth prices by a factor of ten versus Frame Relay.

Application Services Made Easy Jeff Goldman
[January 8, 2001] If your ISP targets local businesses chances are you're going to be asked to serve-up a few applications—sooner or later. Systemsfusion is one way to do it—sooner.

DSL Providers Facing Tough Times Jim Thompson
[January 5, 2001] In recent times, providing DSL access is like feeding the mouth that takes a bite out of profits. Instead, try changing your ISPs business plan and take a bite out of the market.

The Ice Storm Best of ISP-Lists
[December 23, 2000] Members of the ISP-Wireless list discuss surviving ice storms. Whatever you do, here's an important piece of advice: don't try to climb an eighty-foot tower if it's covered in ice!

The Remote Access Conundrum Part 2: Tunneling at Layer Two Lisa Phifer
[December 22, 2000] AT&T's approach to managed VPN services — multi-protocol support and simple client software — can teach us a lot about structuring such a business. The main take-away: One size does not fit all.

Up Hill and Down Dale Best of ISP-Lists
[December 22, 2000] Members of the ISP-Wireless list discuss providing wireless broadband Internet service in a valley surrounded by wooded hills. How expensive is a good solution, and can it be made profitable?

Device Doubles DSL Distance Jim Thompson
[December 20, 2000] Network-enhancement solution provider Symmetricom this week begins field trials of a loop extender system that promises to stretch the viable range of ADSL service to as much as six miles from CO.

Troubleshooting PM3 Disconnects Best of ISP-Lists
[December 18, 2000] Members of the ISP-Tech list discuss dealing with disconnect problems. They suggest that there are other possible problems to consider before you start second-guessing the quality of your downstream connection.

Hidden Towers Best of ISP-Lists
[December 16, 2000] Members of the ISP-Wireless list reveal the secrets of hidden towers: How to hide wireless sites in palm trees, pine trees, or disguise the sites as church towers or birdhouses.

Wireless Interference Best of ISP-Lists
[December 13, 2000] Members of the ISP-Wireless list discuss dealing with interference. Some possible solutions are illegal, so it pays to know the FCC rules on spectrum use and frequency hopping.

eTunnels VPN-on-Demand Lisa Phifer
[December 11, 2000] Speeding up deployment at the core of your ISPs network is a challenge. Review eTunnels VPN-On-Demand—designed to speed past bumps in the road and streamline high volume service deployment.

Why are DSL Resellers in Trouble? Best of ISP-Lists
[December 8, 2000] Members of the ISP-DSL list discuss why it's tough to be in the DSL business. As ISPs fail to pay their bills, and the CLECs start to suffer, some are calling for the government to act.

Licensed Versus Unlicensed Spectrum Best of ISP-Lists
[December 7, 2000] Members of the ISP-Wireless list discuss the pros and cons of using paid-for (licensed) spectrum versus using free (unlicensed) spectrum to deliver broadband radio Internet service.

Merit Network Transformation Builds ISP Profits ISP-Planet Staff
[December 5, 2000] What happens when world-class RADIUS programming meets venture capital? Interlink Networks. But this isn't the same old dial-up program—it's a radical authentication program that's a real moneymaker.

Get a Better DSL Deal from Your Telco Best of ISP-Lists
[December 5, 2000] Members of the ISP-DSL list share an important trick of the ISP trade: How to get a cheaper DSL line from the local phone company by ordering an alarm circuit or dry copper pair.

Acceptable Use of DSL Best of ISP-Lists
[December 4, 2000] Members of the ISP-DSL list discuss industry practice on Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs) for DSL services. A well-written AUP is a tool to prevent the abuse of broadband services.

The Remote Access Conundrum Part 1: Extended Authentication Lisa Phifer
[November 30, 2000] Can ISPs offer the security of IPsec-based remote access VPNs without the expense of massive Public Key authentication systems? There's no fully standardized solution, but there are ways. . . .

Build Your Own Tower Best of ISP-Lists
[November 30, 2000] Members of the ISP-Wireless list discuss the pros and cons of setting up your own towers. Anyone who does decide to build their own should work with qualified electricians and lawyers.

Video DSL: Coming Soon to a Computer Screen Near You Jim Thompson
[November 29, 2000] Video over DSL may be a working reality sooner than you think. Why chase after voice-based DSL revenue at your Internet service when you could set your sights on delivering video programs to your DSL users.

Public Access Broadband Gerry Blackwell
[November 28, 2000] Is it too late to get into the wireless public access game? Probably. But that shouldn't stop wired ISP owners from courting wire-free operators. After all, the only thing you have to lose is customers.

Satellites Versus the Wired World Best of ISP-Lists
[November 28, 2000] One member of the ISP-DSL challenges the rest to offer satellite access instead of DSL. The discussion heats up quickly as DSL providers defend their business and their technology.

Wireless Anywhere Best of ISP-Lists
[November 22, 2000] Members of the ISP-Wireless list discuss accessing a network through a remote wireless connection. Symantec and AT&T have solutions that will enable ISPs to allow customers to access their equipment remotely.

Is G.lite G.oing, G.oing, G.one? Jim Thompson
[November 20, 2000] G.lite made its debut as the savior of DSL access. It was quickly embraced as the digital darling for provisioning high-speed services worldwide. But as G.dmt evolves, some question whether G.lite is the splitterless salvation of copper — or just a PC put-on.

What To Look For In A Managed Security Provider Lisa Phifer
[November 13, 2000] A look at Managed Security Services from the customer's point of view may help you decide what to buy and what to sell.

Lightning and the Wireless Antenna Best of ISP-Lists
[November 11, 2000] One member of the ISP-Wireless list asks if it's really necessary to install a lightning arrestor on an antenna, and receives a definite answer.

Detecting Promiscuity on Your LAN Best of ISP-Lists
[November 10, 2000] Members of the ISP-Security list discuss finding and thwarting packet sniffers on your Local Area Network (LAN).

Wireless Ahoy! Best of ISP-Lists
[November 6, 2000] Members of the ISP-Wireless list discuss providing Internet access to marinas and to those at sea.

ME Hate DSL? Best of ISP-Lists
[November 4, 2000] Members of the ISP-DSL list discuss new configuration problems caused by Windows ME.

DSL's Top Speed Best of ISP-Lists [November 2, 2000]
Is there a top speed for DSL? Members of the ISP-Broadband list discuss.

Akamai Reaches Farther Alex Goldman [November 1, 2000]
Most of Akamai's revenues are recurring revenues from current customers, a fact that is driving Akamai to extend services and to increase the number of Akamai POPs around the world. All of this is good news for ISPs.

The Napster Saga Redux Best of ISP-Lists [October 31, 2000]
Wireline ISP admins have already faced the problem of Napster-loving bandwidth hogs. Now the admins of wireless ISPs are dealing with the same issues. Members of the ISP-Wireless list argue about various solutions.

The Strange Case of SWOMI Gerry Blackwell
[October 26 2000] Word has been getting around about some very cool high-bandwidth mobile wireless technology—from a company known for a completely different line of business. It sounds awesome, but no one we could find has actually seen it demo'ed, and unanswered questions abound.

Oh! Canada Patricia Fusco
[October 26, 2000] Canada's top cable access provider is shoveling its way out from under a landslide of customer complaints.

Theft of Fixed Wireless Internet Service Best of ISP-Lists
[October 24, 2000] Members of the ISP-Wireless list discuss a basic problem: preventing users from sharing wireless service. Unlike Napster, damage from this sharing is immediate and real; it causes bandwidth problems and IP conflicts.

Infrastructure To Go Lisa Phifer
[October 23, 2000] Well-funded, powerfully partnered, and staffed by legions of experts, Loudcloud is redefining the way online operations are put together. Just pick your platform; they do the rest.

Cutting the Tie that Binds Gerry Blackwell
[October 20, 2000] TeleCrossing.net is launching a hybrid satellite/fixed wireless solution that bypasses all wireline connections and should sell to consumers for about the same as basic DSL. The company is looking for ISP partners.

Which xDSL and How Far? Best of ISP-Lists
[October 13, 2000] ISP-DSL members discuss the physical limitations unique to the many flavors of copper-fed high-speed access.

Mirapoint Announces WAPmail Appliance Alex Goldman
[October 9, 2000] Need to deploy wireless e-commerce (m-commerce) fast? Mirapoint has a single appliance that can simplify deployment.

Refrigerated Wireless Best of ISP-Lists
[October 5, 2000] Members of the ISP-Wireless discuss using a small fridge to cool a fixed wireless antenna. Kids, don't try this at home.

Wireless News Briefs - October 3, 2000 Gerry Blackwell
* No Wires In South Florida?
* Fuzion and Adaptive Get Serious
* Meanwhile Up North
* Not That There's Any Doubt

PacBell Swimming in Sea of DSL Complaints Jim Thompson
[September 28, 2000] Customers of Pacific Bell's DSL service in California report billing problems, missed installation appointments, and poorly trained techs. The result: a record number of complaints and a DSL crisis for many.