Many of today's businesses possess multiple computers and/or computer networks. The manner in which these businesses access the Internet varies widely. Listed below are some of the methods used, along with the advantages and disadvantages of these different solutions.

1. Individual Computers, Individual Modems.
   Configuration: 2 or more computers, not networked, with individual modems for each computer.
   Advantages:
   · Each computer is unaffected by the performance of the other computers
   Disadvantages:
   · No file or printer sharing between computers.
   · Security: None
   · High Cost: Each computer requires its own modem and telephone wires. If simultaneous use is desired, more than one telephone number is required. Multiple Internet accounts are required for simultaneous use.
   · Different Providers: In configurations such as this, it is common for more than one Internet Service Provider to be used. This can create confusion in the accounting department. Also, trouble shooting connection issues can be confusing due to uncertainty of who to contact.
   · User Conflicts: Conflicts arise relating to phone line use. This results in what is euphemistically called "Hey, You" communication. Examples are: "Hey, are you on-line?" and "Hey, you just torpedoed my download!"
2. Computer Network, Individual Modems
   Configuration: Each computer within the network has it's own modem along with telephone wires.
   Advantages:
   · Each computer is unaffected by the performance of the other computers.
   Disadvantages:
   · Security: None
   · High Cost: Each computer requires its own modem and telephone wires. If simultaneous use is desired, more than one telephone number is required. A network with 4 computers configured in this manner would require 4 modems totaling $140.00 and 4 telephone numbers totaling $200.00 per month and 4 Internet accounts totaling $80.00 for simultaneous use.
   · Different Providers: In configurations such as this, it is common for more than one Internet Service Provider to be used. This can create confusion in the accounting department. Also, trouble-shooting connection issues can be confusing due to the uncertainty of who to contact.
   · User Conflicts: Conflicts arise relating to phone line use. This would also result in "Hey, You" communication.
3. Central PC installed Modem
   Configuration: 2 or more networked computers that access a modem that is installed in one of the network PC's.
   Advantages:
   · Lower Cost: The need for individual modems is eliminated. Telephone numbers are limited to 1. The need for additional telephone wiring and wall plates is eliminated.
   · User Conflicts: "Hey, You" communication is reduced. Problems with aborted downloads or connections due to other user interference is eliminated.
   · One Internet Service Provider is used.
   Disadvantages:
   · Security: None
   · User Conflicts: Because all computers on the network use the same modem, performance is affected by the amount of computers accessing the Internet at any given time.
   · PC Performance Degradation: The computer that houses the modem must provide all processing for that modem. Intermittent, high demand can cause slow operation of that PC. In many cases, this can also cause the computer to "crash".
4. Network Address Translation (N.A.T.)
   Configuration: Networked PC's accessing a networked, stand-alone modem box.
   Advantages:
   · Networked computers have the capability to share files and printers.
   · Security: Excellent. Computers in this type of environment are effectively "hidden" from the Internet. The only portion of the network that is visible is the N.A.T. modem router.
   · PC Performance: All Internet connectivity processing is accomplished by the N.A.T. modem router. This leaves all networked computer resources available for other tasks.
   · Lower cost: Significantly savings over solutions #1 and #2.
   · User Conflicts: "Hey, You" communication is reduced. Problems with aborted downloads or connections due to other user interference is eliminated.
   Disadvantages:
   · Higher cost: Higher than solution #3
   · User conflict: Because all computers on the network use the same modem, performance is affected by the amount of computers accessing the Internet at any given time.

Out of these four options, Locl.Net recommends N.A.T. The advantages to using this type of Internet access are listed above. In addition, there is another advantage to this method. Locl.Net's N.A.T. hardware will act as a stand alone network hub. In plain terms, this allows the non-networked office with 4 computers or less to enjoy network advantages without the high cost of a server.

There are two basic considerations when determining the best way to add N.A.T. to your office environment. Simply put, it is whether or not there is an existing computer network.

If there is an existing network, simply configuring the N.A.T. modem router and installing into your network will allow it to operate. If there is no computer network, some basic hardware installation will be necessary for your PC's. This can normally be accomplished in house or we can recommend a firm to do the work for you.

In either case, Locl.Net will consult with your company to determine the best method for accomplishing this. We will also configure the N.A.T. modem router for your network.

N.A.T. Pricing: