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With the trend towards working from home, there is an increase
in communication equipment in the home such as telephones, fax
machines, computers and modems to access the internet. Multi-function
machines are now available which offer fax, copier, printer,
PC-fax, scanner and e-mail from one unit. |
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Internet, Modem and Interactive Services
A modem is a device which allows a computer or Digital Set Top
Box (STB) to send and receive information over a telephone line.
It can be an internal device built into the desktop, laptop,
or STB, a separate external box that connects to a computer’s
serial port, or a PC card that plugs into the PC card slot found
on most laptops. |
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Telephone
There are basically four types of telephone:
1. Analogue Corded The traditional telephone with a fixed
cord from the phone base to the handset.
2. Analogue Cordless The first system of cordless technology
with limited operating distances.
3. New Frequency Analogue Cordless
An enhanced system which uses eight channel technology, a new
frequency range of 31-39MHz and gives clearer call and larger
operating distance approx. 100m away from the base station.
4. DECT-Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephony
DECT phones that use digital cordless technology operate on
1.8GHz and allow multiple handsets to be used from a single
base station, offering significantly greater range than analogue
models, improved reception and clearer speech.
Combined mobile/DECT cordless phones provide mobile and DECT
features in one smart handset, which can accept or make calls
on both mobile and land line networks. These use DECT protocol
close to the home and automatically switch to mobile use outside
a certain range.
Fax Machines
Fax machines plug into a telephone socket and have built-in
software to enable the user to transmit data for instance, a
letter, which can be received normally by another fax machine.
Early fax machines used thermal paper but more modern machines
print directly onto standard A4 paper.
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Modems are available in a variety
of speeds. The faster the modem, the quicker the data can be
transferred and hence the shorter and cheaper the phone call
will be. This is provided the telephone line and other end of
the line can support the modem speed and protocol.
To connect a modem to a telephone line, the socket will need
to be a BT style socket. See following section on BT style sockets
and installing extensions. Faster access speeds are possible
using ISDN digital phone lines, or services such as BT Highway
which adds a digital line alongside your existing phone line.
To connect your computer to the digital line you need an ISDN
adapter rather than a modem, and the Internet Service Provider
you choose must offer ISDN support.
An alternative to the PC-modem-phone line or PC-ISDN approach
is to connect through the mobile phone networks, either by linking
a laptop to a mobile phone through a data card or an infra-red
link. Cable modems and STB modems are often used as the return
path for the interactive services offered by the terrestrial,
satellite or cable operators. These modems may also offer internet
access via the STB.
Telephone Extensions
Before installing a telephone extension, it is important to
note the Ring Equivalent Number (REN). Telephone lines have
a REN of 4- they can operate up to 4 telephone accessories (e.g.
phones, fax, answerphone), each with a REN of 1. |
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