CITES : Networking : Network provider options

Note that the links to the Internet Service Providers (glossary: ISPs) listed below are not an endorsement of the mentioned products and services. They are provided simply as a sampling of the options that are available to users.

If you are an ISP manager and would like for your ISP to be included on this list, contact cites-webmaster@uiuc.edu with the details of your service's price structure and area of availability.

Budget-based options:

Free ISPs
UIUCnet options (range of network types)
Local ISPs (range of network types)
Nationwide ISPs (range of network types)

Network connection types:

Phone lines (dialup, ISDN)
Ethernet / cable modem
Wireless (including satellite)

Note: This page is intended to provide assistance in choosing a particular service and provider, assuming that you already know the differences between dialup, ISDN, wireless, etc. For a side-by-side comparison of the different technologies' speeds and requirements, see Network connection options.

Free, local high speed ISPs
Advantages	Disadvantages
Free. Local support provided.	Limited areas of availability (UIUCnet high-speed access is restricted to campus; CUWireless does not yet cover the entire Champaign-Urbana area.)
Some free ISPs
Campus affiliates only	All area residents
UIUCnet	CUWireless.net

UIUCnet options
Advantages	Disadvantages
One of the least expensive ad-free options available to UIUC affiliates: Ethernet, UIUCnet Walkup, and UIUCnet Wireless access are free on campus. UIUCnet Dialup is free, aside from any phone company fees for the time. UIUCnet Premier is under $10/month. Local technical support providers offer free walk-in assistance at the Help Desk. UIUCnet Premier and UIUCnet Dialup can be used for nationwide access at local phone rates with the 800-number option.	Must maintain UIUC affiliation to be eligible (students lose eligibility after graduation). Direct connections only available on campus; must use dialup to connect from elsewhere. 800 number gives discounted rates only in USA; any 800 number is considered an international call when dialed from outside USA.
More information about ways to connect to UIUCnet

Local high-speed ISPs
Advantages	Disadvantages
Local technical support providers.	If you're using a non-dialup network, you may not be able to connect to your high-speed service provider from another location.
Some local ISPs
Under $20/month	Over $20/month
ISDN: UIUCnet Premier ISDN Wireless: CUWireless.net	ISDN: Shouting Ground Cable modem: Comcast Satellite: Volo Broadband Satellite: Illicom Satellite: Prairie iNet

Nationwide ISPs
Advantages	Disadvantages
Local dialup numbers in a wide range of area codes (calling a number in a local area code means no long-distance charges). Many nationwide dialup providers have expanded into higher-speed networking as well. Therefore, you can use high-speed networking from your usual location and switch to dialup from the same provider when traveling.	Some nationwide ISPs charge for technical support or don't provide telephone-based technical support. Some for-fee nationwide ISPs will force banner ads even though they also charge for the service. Nationwide ISPs are often more expensive than local ones.
Some nationwide ISPs
Under $20/month	Over $20/month
CITES is not aware of any nationwide high-speed ISPs with fees under $20 a month.	Broadband: America Online ISDN or DSL: Innernet ADSL: SBC Yahoo DSL Satellite: DirecWay Satellite: MyBlueDish.com

Phone line networking (dialup, ISDN, DSL/ADSL)
Advantages	Disadvantages
Almost any building has 56K-capable standard telephone lines. Many buildings can also perform higher-speed ISDN or DSL connections over existing telephone cable.	While ISDN and DSL/ADSL are much faster than regular dialup, they can be slower than other forms of broadband access. If you have difficulty getting 48K out of your phone lines with a regular modem, the existing line noise will have a greater impact on the higher-speed protocols.
Some phone line networking options
Dialup (56K maximum speed)	ISDN (128K max), DSL/ADSL (6M max)
See Choosing a dialup service provider and Dialup ISP options for more details about 56K dialup services.	ISDN: UIUCnet Premier ISDN ISDN: Shouting Ground ISDN or DSL: Innernet ADSL: SBC Yahoo DSL

Ethernet or cable modem networking
Advantages	Disadvantages
Ethernet networking is the fastest network type available, and most computers have an Ethernet port built in. Cable modems use the same cabling as your television, so there are no extra wiring issues to consider. An external cable modem can connect to your computer through USB, Ethernet, or wireless methods.	Ethernet is not distributed on the same cable type as any public utilities such as telephone lines or television cables; therefore, its area of availability is more limited. Cable modems are slower than Ethernet, though potentially faster than any phone line method. The actual rate you experience depends on network use in your area.
Some wired networking options
Ethernet	Cable modem
UIUCnet Some local apartments provide Ethernet network access as part of the rental agreement. Check with your landlord.	Comcast

Wireless networking (wireless or satellite)
Advantages	Disadvantages
Among the fastest network types available Your speed is not dependent on the quality of your phone line, your distance from a phone switch, or the number of your neighbors also using cable modem networking	Security: Wireless signals can be detected by anyone else in the area with a wireless network card. Other wireless computer users will be able to read any unencrypted network traffic you send or receive. See wireless security concerns.
Some wireless networking options
Wireless	Satellite
UIUCnet Wireless (on campus) CUWireless.net (limited area) Many local coffee shops, bookstores, hotels, and other businesses provide wireless networking for their customers. Look for signs and ask at the customer desks.	Local: Volo Broadband Local: Illicom Local: Prairie iNet National: DirecWay National: MyBlueDish.com