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UW-Eau Claire Connectivity Options


UW-Eau Claire faculty, staff, and students connecting to the Internet and campus resources need an Internet Service Provider (ISP). This page describes the types of connections available and gives some information on providers in the area. Please note that each connection option may have special pricing available for UW-Eau Claire users. Check with the local provider or the LTS Help Desk (836-5711).

Important: Users trying to connect from off campus may not be able to access all of their campus resources because of security measures taken by UW-Eau Claire. Campus VPN (Virtual Private Network) services have been implemented to provide remote connection (as though on campus) through any ISP. For details on how to activate VPN on your home computer, see www.uwec.edu/help/General/vpn-faq.htm.

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Dial-up Telephone
Wireless On Campus
Broadband Cable
Broadband DSL
Satellite Dish

Dial-Up Modems

Connection is achieved through the telephone lines that already exist. DiscoverNet is the contractor that markets and collects fees for the use of the modem pool which previously was monitored by the university (http://uwec.discover-net.net). Several additional dial-up providers are listed at the bottom of this page.

Advantages:

  • Inexpensive.
  • Many PCs have the dial-up modem built in.
  • Provides access in areas which have no other connectivity option available.
  • Competition allows for a choice in vendors, options, and fees.
  • Standards-based, so modem is functional in other locations.

Disadvantages:

  • Connection speed is considered slow for many users. Web page speeds are considered adequate except when downloads are needed.
  • Some applications (designed with high speed access in mind) are not useable through dial up connections.
  • Not an "always on" connection so dialing/timeouts/disconnects can be frustrating.

VPN Necessary for Access to Campus Resources?

  • Yes
More Providers 

Wireless - On Campus 802.11x

Wireless 802.11b (Wi-Fi compatible devices) connectivity is provided to the Internet via a system of access points/antennas located in different areas on campus. For additional information on wireless coverage and authentication procedures, see http://wireless.uwec.edu.

Advantages:

  • Always on connection. No dial up. No busy signals
  • Free access provided by the University (authenticate to UW-EC username and password).
  • Wireless hardware is built in to many laptops/Wi-Fi compatible devices.
  • Campus-wide coverage (excluding Residence Halls) allows mobility/roaming within the campus. Connection is also possible in some locations adjacent to the campus, Bollinger Field and within the Hobbs Ice Arena.
  • Access in areas where no data outlets are available.
  • Standards based so Wi-Fi device is functional in other locations (airports, at home, etc.)

Disadvantages:

  • Not as fast as a hard-wired connection on the campus.
  • Speed is affected by location and number of users "sharing" a given access point.
  • Security of transmissions is a concern if encryption is not enabled. To enable encryption: once your connected to the wireless network, connect to the Virtual Private Network to secure your connection.

VPN Necessary for Access to Campus Resources?

  • No
More Providers 

Cable Modem - Charter Pipeline

Connectivity is provided through the combination of fiber optic and coaxial cables installed over the years throughout the city of Eau Claire and surrounding communities. Access is made through cable TV connections that already exist in many homes. See the Charter website http://www.charter.net for additional details including costs.

Advantages:

  • Always on connection. No dial up. No busy signals.
  • Speeds are 20-100 times faster than a dial-up modem. Speed is comparable to DSL and wireless broadband.
  • Access the Internet, watch cable TV and be on the phone at the same time (does not interfere with TV).
  • There may be bundled discounts for TV and high-speed Internet access.

Disadvantages:

  • Not as fast as a hard-wired connection on the campus.
  • Upload speeds are often much slower than download speeds.
  • Shared bandwidth could result in slowdowns during periods of heavy demand in a given neighborhood.
  • Service is limited to areas where cable TV is available.
  • There is only one cable modem service provider in the Eau Claire area.

VPN Necessary for Access to Campus Resources?

  • Yes
More Providers 

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

Connectivity is provided through the combination of fiber optic and coaxial cables installed over the years throughout the city of Eau Claire and surrounding communities. SBC is the primary provider of DSL in the Eau Claire area; however, within the areas covered by SBC, value added resellers may market DSL provided by SBC and their own applications of email, web pages, etc. See the SBC website www.sbc.com for additional details including costs. DSL options may be available in neighboring communities from vendors other than SBC.

The SBC DSL service is also available on state contract if issued from a university PO. The site http://www.doit.wisc.edu/network/sbc_dsl.asp has various DSL based options.

Advantages:

  • Always on connection. No dial up. No busy signals.
  • Speeds are 20-100 times faster than a dial up modem. Speed is comparable to cable modem and wireless broadband.
  • Access the Internet and be on the phone at the same time (does not interfere with phone connection).
  • Speed is generally not affected by the number of users as each line supports just the DSL connection to your home.

Disadvantages:

  • Not as fast as a hard-wired connection on the campus.
  • Upload speeds are often much slower than download speeds.
  • Is only as reliable as your phone line and may be subject to interruption by severe weather.
  • Service is limited to areas where DSL is available.
  • There is only one provider of phone lines within the Chippewa Valley.

VPN Necessary for Access to Campus Resources?

  • Yes
More Providers 

Satellite

Connectivity is provided via satellites orbiting above the earth. Skysat DSL-Broadband publishes a FAQ at http://www.skysatdsl.com/FAQ.htm which provides general information about satellite connectivity and some of the vendor options. Options include download from the satellite and upload via a dial-up modem (www.skysatdsl.com) and two-way communication with the satellite (www.starband.com and www.direcway.com).

Advantages:

  • Always on connection. No dial up. No busy signals.
  • Speeds 10 times faster than a dial-up modem (two-way satellite). Download speeds can approach speeds comparable to other broadband options.
  • May be only broadband option (beyond dial up) available in rural areas. Mobile options are available for RVs (two-way Internet).
  • Access the Internet and watch TV via the satellite at the same time (does not interfere with TV channels).
  • There may be bundled discounts for TV and high-speed Internet access.

Disadvantages:

  • Not as fast as a hard-wired connection on the campus.
    • Costs are generally higher than other broadband options. Upload speeds are often much slower than download speeds. Some applications are not useable through satellite connections because of the transmission delays (causing timeouts). "Sun spots" can cause interference for brief periods of the day for 5 to 7 days during the spring and fall equinoxes.

VPN Necessary for Access to Campus Resources?

  • Yes

All internet service providers offer some type of customer support for assisting with connection issues. We strongly urge you to choose a provider with whom you are comfortable and in whom you feel confident regarding the assistance they offer.

The LTS Help Desk will continue to provide support and trouble-shooting for connecting to campus resources once you have successfully connected to the internet through your new service provider.

This is just a sample of providers in our area and NOT a complete list.

Provider
Service
Phone number
Web-site
Clearw˙re Wireless 888 253-2794 www.clearwire.com
Charter
Communications		 Broadband
Cable		 800 581-0081 www.charter.net
SBC (Ameritech) Broadband
DSL		 800 638-8775 www.sbc.com
DiscoverNet Inc. Dial-up
DSL		 715 830-1500 uwec.discover-net.net
www.discover-net.net
BlueBuzz.com Dial-up 877 912-8324 www.bluebuzz.com
West Wisconsin
Telcom		 Dial-up 888 247-2035 www.wwt.net
Juno Dial-up   www.juno.com
NetZero Dial-up   www.netzero.com
 
Other sources for Internet Service providers are your local Yellow pages, and www.thelist.com which provides links to companies that offer service by state, by area code.

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