by George Spain, CCIT Technical Writer

Faster, more reliable and consistent remote computing services are now available through a brand new PPP dial-up server, CCIT announced recently.

Sporting a new phone number, 577-7276, the PPP server adds 46 more connections with a top speed of 56kbps, the fastest modem connection speed available today from a common voice-grade telephone line.

PPP is the Point-to-Point Protocol that is the hub of MUSC's dial-up remote computing services. The protocol is available to Windows, Windows95 and Macintosh computers equipped with the proper software. CCIT is the Center for Computing and Information Technology, the campus resource for computing services.

x2 is the one for you

"To take maximum advantage of the new 56kbps service, you'll need a special modem, but everyone should get a better, more reliable connection regardless of their modem speed," said Kevin Moore, systems engineer at CCIT.

Moore cautioned that just any 56kbps modem won't do. Right now two different, incompatible "pre-protocols" are battling it out in the 56kbps modem market, with a third coming on strong. CCIT has adopted the “x2” technology. "If you intend to buy a 56kbps modem, make sure it supports the x2 protocol." Moore said. He also said to be careful that your new modem does not support the k56flex protocol. This protocol is not being implemented on campus and will not work with the new PPP server.

Additionally, you should be sure that the modem you purchase will be software upgradable to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) "56k" standard v.90. The ITU standard is supposed to allow for all 56K modems to interoperate, regardless of manufacturer. Moore recommended purchasing either the USRobotics x2 or the Practical Peripherals x2 modem.

Even the proper protocol doesn't guarantee you a top speed connection every time. "The reason is simple, 56K modems will not work everywhere. From your home line you might notice some negotiation failures, dropped calls, retrains, and renegotiations," Moore said. "The x2 protocol depends a lot on specific line conditions and it is common for some users to be unable to negotiate an x2 connection every time—or any time."

Even if you decide to keep your old modem for now, Moore said, you can connect to the new server with speeds similar to or better than those of the old PPP server.

To get started with PPP, go to the CCIT PPP website at <http://www.musc.edu/ccit/ppp/>