Broadband cable and DSL

What is it?

Cable modem service -- also known as "broadband" cable -- piggy-backs on the lines used for cable television service to connect your home to the Internet.  Currently, many cable modem services provide "shared" connectivity -- that is, you share the bandwidth that is allocated for a geographic area with other cable broadband subscribers.  So, on a night when the usage in your neighborhood is high, you might experience slower connection speeds to the Internet.

Asynchronous and Synchronous Digital Subscriber Line service -- ADSL/SDSL, commonly referred to as DSL -- uses existing home/business phone lines for connectivity to the Internet.  Asynchronous DSL is typically used for basic residential connectivity.  SDSL is used for commercial and small business applications.  You need a DSL modem and phone line to use this service with your computer(s). 

Does it work on campus?

No, and it isn't needed.  This service requires extension of phone or cable lines into University facilities, hospitals and clinics and is not intended for use in larger corporate environments.  Our network is also a private network and maintains sensitive and confidential data.  Introducing such connectivity directly to this private network creates serious information security problems.  Therefore, the organization provides it's own high speed network for your business use.

Connections from home/remote:

Troubleshooting a high-speed or "broadband" connection can be difficult due to the number of variables involved.  Some problems may be related to the service, provider, your local phone line(s)or cables, or your computer's configuration.

• Failure to connect to your Internet Service Provider (ISP).  This can be a result of a malfunction in your phone line, cable, hardware (cable/DSL/dial-up modem) or software configuration problem.
   
• You are having problems reaching Medical Center computing resources over your high-speed connection due to a configuration or account issue.

DSL or cable modem connections frequently require the installation of new wiring in your home, the addition of a high-speed modem to the home computer, as well as the configuration of networking components and sometimes application software on that computer.   We cannot resolve issues that arise from faulty home wiring installation or incompatible equipment provided by your Internet Service Provider.

At this time, we do not have the services available to troubleshoot faulty cable modem or DSL connections.

Common issues at home

• Password / account issues:  Your high-speed service often requires a user-ID and password that is different than your Medical ID.  If you have forgotten your ISP password or use a password that has denied you access, you will need to contact your service provider which may be able to confirm your identity over the phone and reset your password.   (Cable services typically do not require user-IDs/passwords.)
   
• Temporary access interruptions:  ISPs occasionally upgrade their infrastructure or suffer hardware failures that cause interruptions in service.  Call your ISP to ascertain whether there is a known issue with access in your area.
   
• Self-installation:  Many ISPs offer a no-fee "self-install" option.  If your self-install initially fails, you have the option to call your ISP's technical support (usually free for a period of time) or to have the ISP send a technician (usually not free!).  If your machine is not able to access the Internet using your DSL / cable modem during a period defined by your ISP (also known as "failed self-install"), the ISP may decline to offer further phone technical support and suggest that a technician visit your home.
   
• DSL operates using your existing home phone lines.  It operates around the 2.4Ghz frequency range.  We have recorded a few cases where older 2.4Ghz cordless phones have interfered with the DSL service.   Note that such phones may also interfere with home wireless networks, which also usually use the 2.4Ghz frequency.
   
• Make sure you are using the "DSL Filter" mechanisms that often come with the intial box that contains your DSL router, software and instructions.

Please contact your ISP and attempt to resolve any issues prior to contacting Medical IT.  This will help both you and our team to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

There are two types of broadband connection methods typically available for computers.  One connection comes with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface and the other with an Ethernet (sometimes call "NIC" or Network Interface Card) interface.

Here is a comparison of the two:

Problems accessing Medical Center network resources from home

Some online resources at the Medical Center such as DMAS, FRS, clinical systems or other restricted areas require secured, authenticated access; they are not viewable with an Internet browser otherwise.

If you are sure that your broadband connection is functioning properly -- because you can get to Internet web pages other than those particular ones -- and need access to these systems, the next step is to establish a secure session with the Medical School network.

• Need to create a secure connection from home/remote to the Medical Center?  Click here >>