ISDN - pros and cons

Advantages

Considerations

 1.

Uses existing local loop/twisted pair cabling.

 1.

ISDN suffers from poor brand awareness; is perceived as old technology. There is competition from the newer technologies.

 2.

Can use multiple devices — telephones, faxes and PCs — with multiple data types such as voice, video, and data on existing cabling.

2.

ISDN service is not available in all areas. There is also a distance limitation of 18,000ft. between your location and your service providers telephone switching equipment.

 3.

Up to 5 times faster than normal dial-up.

 3.

Requires special equipment. ISDN is a dedicated telephone wire pair. Rewiring may be necessary.

 4.

ISDN speed is dependant on whether you are using a single channel or dual channel. Single channel will give you speeds up to 64k/sec speeds. Dual channel ISDN gives you speeds up to 128k/sec speeds.

 4.

Depending on where you are located, you could be charged a per minute access fee.

 5.

All transmissions are free of background noise - no hissing or popping on the line.

 5.

ISDN terminal adapter is more expensive than an analog modem.