Ordering my ISDN line!

[francois3G]

Hi!

Got all the info today. Ordering a ISDN 2a line soon with 150 surfmore hours. (I don't have ADSL in my area! So don't ask)

Can't wait! This GPRS is just killing me!

Another thing, can anyone tell me how online gaming will be with this 128K ISDN line?

Thanks!

[nGAGEd55]

From what I'v heard, pings are better on ISDN than ADSL, havn't experianced it myself tho.

[Scooby_Doo]

international pings will be better than ADSL but ISDN doesn't have as much bandwidth...

[Freshy-ZN]

Cost?

[ajax]

Hi!

Got all the info today. Ordering a ISDN 2a line soon with 150 surfmore hours. (I don't have ADSL in my area! So don't ask)

Can't wait! This GPRS is just killing me!

Another thing, can anyone tell me how online gaming will be with this 128K ISDN line?

Thanks!

If you connect at 128k doesn't that mean you only effectively have 75 internet hours??

[francois3G]

Cost?
The cost is pretty high. According to my calculations, round about R580 a month.....but that still beats the R700 a month I'm paying for GPRS, right now (dont have 3G coverage anymore :( ).


If you connect at 128k doesn't that mean you only effectively have 75 internet hours??
No, you get your full 150 internet hours a month. Spoke to Tekom yesterday. :p
More Info (http://www.telkom.co.za/athome/services/closer/optionthree.html)

[mikef]

If you connect at 128k doesn't that mean you only effectively have 75 internet hours??


No, you get your full 150 internet hours a month. Spoke to Tekom yesterday

Please make very sure (telkom support are wrong more often than they are right) - AFAIK the 150hours is metered calltime and when you are connecting at 128k on isdn you are running 2 calls simultaneously

[ajax]

No, you get your full 150 internet hours a month. Spoke to Tekom yesterday. :p

Get that in writing...

[francois3G]

CLICK ME! (http://www.telkom.co.za/athome/services/closer/index.html)

Just scratch around there. Hopefully that's what you are looking for.

[ajax]

CLICK ME! (http://www.telkom.co.za/athome/services/closer/index.html)
Just scratch around there. Hopefully that's what you are looking for.

Francois3G, that hardly qualifies. The webpage does not explicitly say it is for 128k calls as well. Be warned...

[mikef]

Francois3G, that hardly qualifies. The webpage does not explicitly say it is for 128k calls as well. Be warned...

Also note that when I queried above with telkom I was advised that each call will use up your 150 hours

[francois3G]

Ok, maybe I'm wrong, but I spoke to a guy on the phone that sounded at least like he knows what he was doing. Not one of those 'Eish....please say again" types. I also confirmed with him that I would get 150 free surfmore hours with my ISDN (2a) line.

And I don't know if I have the dog by the balls here, but according to THIS (http://www.telkom.co.za/athome/services/closer/optionthree.html) page, it does say the service is availbale to ISDN 2a customers (at bottom of page).

I qoute:

Don't miss out on the additional Internet add-on
For just R150 per month you get 150 local Internet hours to access the internet during Callmore time.

* Normal per second tariffs will apply to Callmore calls for the period exceeding one hour.
These options are also available for ISDN 2 and ISDN 2a customers, but will result in a higher monthly rental.

Anyway, don't want to make too much of a debate out of this. :rolleyes:

I rest my case.
Thank you very much for all the positive input!

[francois3G]

Another thing i notice there....


* Normal per second tariffs will apply to Callmore calls for the period exceeding one hour.

Does that mean that you have to recconect before the hour expires?

If so, I wonder if Infinit call might be better.

[ajax]

Another thing i notice there....

* Normal per second tariffs will apply to Callmore calls for the period exceeding one hour.

Does that mean that you have to recconect before the hour expires?

If so, I wonder if Infinit call might be better.

Good point, check that out too.

We're only trying to spare you from a nasty shock when the bill comes :)
The rule of thumb with Telkom is - if there is ANY dought with a Telkom service, assume they will take the route that gets them more money.

[mikef]

An attempt to clarify
You do get 150 hours on isdn 2a - but only when connecting at 64k i.e one call.
As regards the normal tarifs that apply for calls after 1 hour my understanding is that that relates to voice calls only - internet calls are excluded. If you take the 150 hours internet option you can connect at R1/hour for a cumulative 150 hours in callmore time.

[ajax]

Infinitcall is a good idea, provided you won't suffer from disconnect problems.
You can then just order a normal ISDN line without the CLOSER option and use infinitcall.
Note, on infinitcall if you dial in at 128 k, you are making two calls, so the cap will be somewhere around R17 per call AFAIK.
The cheapest 128 k ISP (from www.hellkom.co.za) is @lantic it seems - R90/month.

A tip from my brother, he is a gamer on ISDN and lives in Cape Town - he says he dials a pop in Joburg, that way he gets lower latency.

[francois3G]

Wow!

Thanks mikef! It does clarify things indeed!

So it's only 75 hours for 128K then? Well, I'll only be usin 128K mode when playing games. 64K should be fine for browsing. :)

[francois3G]

Thanks ajax.

That pop might come in very handy I think! :D

I think the 150 hours scheme might still work out cheaper, since I go on the internet almost everyday. R16 X 30 = R480..........eish.

I just wanna go on the internet say 1 -2 hours a day (after 7pm ofcourse!), maybe play a online game or two and disconnect.

Just wanna get this straight....ISDN 2a is 128k, right?

Thanks again!

[ajax]

Thanks ajax.

That pop might come in very handy I think! :D

I think the 150 hours scheme might still work out cheaper, since I go on the internet almost everyday. R16 X 30 = R480..........eish.

I just wanna go on the internet say 1 -2 hours a day (after 7pm ofcourse!), maybe play a online game or two and disconnect.

Just wanna get this straight....ISDN 2a is 128k, right?

Thanks again!
2a means you can connect an analog phone to the line to make phone calls or a fax machine etc.
the one without the "a" means you can only use digital devices on the line, so you will have to buy an ISDN phone (about R1000 or more AFAIK) to make phone calls or use your modem and pc sound card with the telephone software that comes with it.
Both ISDN 2 and ISDN2a give you 2x 64k channels

Just make sure if the internet hours are for long distance internet calls too!!

[francois3G]

Spoke to telkom again today.

Asked the guy if I would get 150 hours using 128K. He said ...................YES. :p

You get 150 hours, doesn't matter if you are using 128K or 64K.

Must say, it does sound a little fishy though.

[mikef]

The problem with telkom is that almost none of the sales and support staff have any idea what isdn is. Did you point out that you need to make 2 simultaneous calls to achieve 128k.
I wish I was wrong but I am almost certain you wil only get 75 hours if connected all the time at 128k

[ajax]

Spoke to telkom again today.

Asked the guy if I would get 150 hours using 128K. He said ...................YES. :p

You get 150 hours, doesn't matter if you are using 128K or 64K.

Must say, it does sound a little fishy though.
Record the conversation. Then get the connection and use it to the full. Then when the bill comes use the recording as evidence to demand a refund and continued service as you were told, or a refund of the installation costs.

[francois3G]

Thats an idea..

Can anybody tell me how to record a phone call? Please.

Thanks!

[francois3G]

An attempt to clarify
You do get 150 hours on isdn 2a - but only when connecting at 64k i.e one call.
As regards the normal tarifs that apply for calls after 1 hour my understanding is that that relates to voice calls only - internet calls are excluded. If you take the 150 hours internet option you can connect at R1/hour for a cumulative 150 hours in callmore time.

Was wondering about this now...

I understand that you get 150 hours when using 64K......but what happens when you use 128K? Does the callmore rule not apply to 128K and do you then pay the normal rates OR do you then only get 75hours a month durin callmore time?

[mikef]

My understanding of the closer internet option is that you get 150 hours of call time to a registered internet data number. As 128K on isdn requires you to make two calls each call would use up your available 150 hours, i.e. effectively only 75 hours. Of course you would normally only connect at 128K when you require the additional bandwidth. For gaming & browsing 64K would normally be adequate

[PaulZA]

well, i had to order ISDN too... ordered online. NO ADSL in my area - i'm in fibre-optic hell. I'm on InfiniteCall and think I'll stay there. Anyone know how long it takes Telkom to install?

[Gladiator]

ive had isdn (5yrs) and adsl

pings are 10000% more stable, if u get a 50 ping to a server (ie. say 33 dos ping) then it will be 50 throughout the game, no warping

but this is only for 1on1 games, in a game like cs, u need more than 128k bandwidth, more like 192k at least. so the game is gonna get a bit choppy.
dont wanna even get into bf2,ns, or dod. those games need at minimum 384k. on a full server which is usually the case. et as well (last ive seen there arent anymore servers for et)

basically what im saying is that isdn is very stable (Compared to adsl) but is meant for 1on1 games only cos of bandwidth restrictions, playing a game with more than 20 ppl on a server is pointless on 128k isdn (with the exception of cs).

if u palying quake3 (not q4) its good, thats pretty much it.

sorry to dissapoint, but u rather wait for wimax implementation in ur area, in about 3 years... or stick with gprs (3g,3.5g) or something.

[francois3G]

Well, I don't think there is a better option for me right now.

Firstly, i don't really play games like CS or BF2 online. I play flight sims with about 10 people max on the server and a little Americas Army (witch is lag free, ppl play with 56K)

Secondly, I'm not waiting for WiMAX, because by then, I'll be flying the real deal. And I doubt that they'll even consider a little ghost town like PA to get WiMAX.

Thirdly, GPRS is completely useless, as is 3G for gaming, witch I don't have coverage for in my area anyway.

So...
I'm quite glad to hear it's stable though.

Thanks!

[francois3G]

Hi again.

Could someone please tell me if it's possible to get an extension of the line sothat can also get a fixed ISDN line in my room.

I suppose that I'll also have to get a modem then or what?

The other option is also just to lay a LAN cable from the computer with ISDN to my PC. But that computer happens to be a laptop, so if the laptop isn't there, I wont be able to connect...

So that's why I want to know if one could get an extension.

I read on the application form for ISDN line, something about Digital extension lines or S-Bus lines. Also Analogue extension lines. What are those???

Thanks!

[mikef]

Yes you can have an extension but you will then need a seperate isdn modem on your computer

If Telkom install it they charge a fortune + a monthly rental

Link to info on how to do it youself
http://www.bt.com/homehighway/39747_extension_wiring.pdf

[useless]

i have ISDN 128kb and BF2 with the current 48 player limit is playable without any issues.

i went for infinitcall and only suffer disconnects during seriously bad thunderstorms in the JHB area.

as for the extension from the ISDN unit to your modem, you simply need a RJ45 network cable going into your ISDN modem. nothing else. i have my 10m cable running from the lounge to the garage without any issues. ;)

[tibby.dude]

I suppose that I'll also have to get a modem then or what?

I got two ISDN modems for free here if interested ... just collect them , one is an internal one (Zoltrix) and the other one is a Duxbury external one.

Let me recheck my hardware box in the garage if it is still there and I will email you.

tibby.dude@gmail.com

[Gladiator]

uselss : play bf2 with adsl, then come back to me and tell me 42player 128k isdn is smooth

[useless]

uselss : play bf2 with adsl, then come back to me and tell me 42player 128k isdn is smooth

why bother if its smooth with ISDN 128k anyhow? :confused:

whats your point? i chose ISDN coz i didnt want to be restricted by caps and shaped lines.

[francois3G]

Useless, buddy....What modem are you using?

I was planning on just getting the Telkom 'Tiny' modem.....but I'm guessing it doesn't have that RJ-45 port.

[useless]

@Francois3G - its a Duxbury 128kb USB Modem i got from BT Games for around R400 if i recall.

The telkom modem you have has to have a RJ45 port since thats how mine connects from the wall unit.

[Gladiator]

i have ISDN 128kb and BF2 with the current 48 player limit is playable without any issues.

its not playable, thats my point.

and u can download faaaaar more with 30gb local/2gb internation IS openweb

mixed with a dynamic capped telkom 3gb account at R259

mix that with 192k or 384k (R350) adsl = R778, and it still works out more economically with adsl if u use 192k.

isdn rental (R270?) + infinite call rental (R50?)+ isdn isp monthly (R100?) + R10 calls after tax (R200) = R620

not even looking at the fact that adsl is almost always on and has more bandwidth available

[useless]

well, i am happy for you Gladiator.

but for YOUR point any online game is playable on ISDN, the player limit got dropped to 48 coz the SGS servers COULDNT handle the load. Geez...

Besides, not everybody can get ADSL for locational reasons as well.

Do you think i like to :

- worry about cap limits
- midnight disconnects by IP reset?
- idle time disconnects?
- shaped lines to international gaming servers?
- configuring ports on routers everytime you want to host a game?
- waiting for a local source to get a hot demo coz you got no international MB's left?

mmm... what else can i say about ADSL besides the good points you mentioned? :rolleyes:

To summarize, it was my choice and it would be nice if you accepted it. ;)

[francois3G]

True..

Thanks to Telkom, not eveyone has ADSL available in their area. After doing some research, I found that ISDN is defnitely the best solution, or for gaming anyway. I'll leave it at that.

I've ordered my ISDN line about 4 times now. Getting so damn pissed off with the whole thing! :mad: Also, I think Telkom should try to employ people with a minimum IQ of 70 at least.

[francois3G]

Got my line installed today......TWO DAYS after making the order. I was pleasantly suprised, must say.

Now I just need to go and get the modem and service provider. :)

Question: What is the maximum distance for a LAN cable? (The RJ-45 type)

[mikef]

Got my line installed today......TWO DAYS after making the order. I was pleasantly suprised, must say.

Now I just need to go and get the modem and service provider. :)

Question: What is the maximum distance for a LAN cable? (The RJ-45 type)

It seem that Telkom's ISDN department gives better than average service. I remember coming home from holiday on a Sunday at 2pm and finding my ISDN line down due to a lightning strike - after reporting the fault the technician arrived at about 6pm the same evening to repair my line.

AFAIK about 100m

[francois3G]

Finally got everything up and working!

My verdict:

I'm pretty impressed. I have had ADSl before and going to ISDN was not such a bad thing as I anticipated. It works well to fine for gaming (or for the games I've played online sofar, fps and so on) and browsing feels like a dream....bear in mind that I have been using GPRS lately.I went with the CLOSER Option 3 and 150 hours internet add-On. Really works out well.

Thanks for all the answers and help you guys have given!

Regards,
Francois