Leisure section - 19.05.2000, Qupperneq 2

-----------YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED-----
MWR Internet Service Explained
In response to customer feedback on significant issues related to
internet service, specifically, connectivity — busy lines or disconnection
during peak hours — the following information is being provided to all
of our customers. Our intent is to provide some basic information on
our system and provide suggestions to minimize connectivity problems.
MWR Internet service has 240 dial-up lines available with an aver-
age customer base of 1200,
giving us a 5 to 1 user to
line ratio -- the indus-
try standard is
approximately
10/15 to 1, giving
MWR a user rate
far better than the
norm. In April 00
we doubled our
primary bandwidth
to 2 meg to assist
with faster down load
time and analysis of
users data indicates that
this portion of the system
runs at approximately 56% of
its overall capacity.
These rates do beg the questions:
Why is it so difficult to connect during cer-
tain times of the day? And, why do users get
"kicked off" after a connection? The predominate
answers are: Line overload and line capability.
LINE OVERLOAD
This happens when the majority of our users are all trying to access
or use the Internet at the same time. This is probably the most significant
problem we have. A picture is worth a thousand words, so if you will note
the attached graphs you will be able to see the heavy usage patterns of this
community and why lines stay busy from 1715 to approximately 2300.
Although not depicted on the attached graph comparative stats on overall
system usage show that in April 99, on average, every customer was on
line 57 hours a month. In April 00 this usage rate increased to an average
of 80 hours a month. Since we know that not every user is on line 80
hours a month, it does indicate that we do have some significant users.
There are a couple of strategies to minimize this problem, but nei-
ther is a guarantee given the usage patterns of our community. The first
would be to add more lines, decreasing the number of users per line.
Unfortunately, the cost for such an increase and the ability of the stations
infrastructure to support this is highly questionable at this time. At pres-
ent, we have all the available lines we can afford. Based on historical
trends, it is also estimated that if 50 lines are added we will not resolve the
basic problem for all users, only the 50 users that get to the system first.
The second, and best strategy, at this time requires the support of
all mwr.is customers. Being aware of, and considerate of friends and
neighbors who also use this system would go a long way towards equal-
ity in usage time and ability to connect. Ways to do this are: 1) Ensure
that your system is disconnected when you leave your computer or
quarters (we do have some users that stay on line for days at a time
tying up phone lines that others could be using). 2) Disconnect every
two or three hours, so others may have an opportunity to connect.
LINE CAPABILITY
The infrastructure of the base that serves housing and
BEQ/BOQs was designed for "POTS" (plane old telephone service)
only and was never designed to process electronic communications traf-
fic, especially at the volume it is now tasked with. The Bandwidth
capability and the "signal to noise ratio" of these "Telephone cables"
vary, and in some areas may contribute to the disconnect problem.
During peak user times the volume of traffic alone can be detrimental
to line quality and contributes to the overall integrity of the communi-
cations infrastructure. Feedback from customers that have used other
Icelandic ISPs found that this problem does persist. If you diink you
have a significant line quality problem, check with NCTS. But please
bear in mind, if your line functions properly for voice communications
NCTS may not be able to assist. Also consider that the "noise to signal
ratio" on a line that can disrupt electronic communication may not be
noticeable during voice communica-
tions. Upgrades to the infrastruc-
ture are being assessed, but are
not scheduled for project execu-
tion in the near future.
OTHER HELPFUL
SUGGESTIONS:
• MODEM QUALITY
We have found that the better
quality modem you have, the
more reliable the connection. It
is recommended that you have
the latest firmware for your
modem. 56K modems sup-
port V.90 56Kflex and other
speeds below that. They do
not support X2. 33.4K
modems support V.34 and
below.
■ NEWEST MODEM
FIRMWARE
Ensure you have the latest firmware
for the modems. Our 56K modems support
V90 56Kflex and the other speeds below that. They do
not support X2. Our 33.4K modems support V.34 and below.
• SWITCHING BETWEEN MODEM SPEEDS
If you are not getting successful connections on the 56k lines (1995),
then try 1996 with the 33.6k modems, even thought they connect at
lower speeds (28.8), dieir connections are more reliable than with the
56K modems. The lower speed connections are more tolerant when
there is noise or interference on the phone lines.
•CALL WAITING
Call waiting can disrupt your Internet connection. Other disturbances
on the line can also cause a disconnect. If you have call waiting, then
have it disabled during your computer interface time. To disable call
waiting use *71.
• OPTIONAL SERVICE
Iceland has other ISP service available for base residents. ISL.IS will
provide free service to non-Icelandic citizens however, there is an inter-
Iceland charge for phone service. The current rate is $.04 to connect
and $.01 per minute (these rates are approximate and may very). This
option may work well for the light user or for those that just wish to
access e-mail service. Since you only pay for actual user time on ISL.IS,
you may choose to have booth services at the same time, using the
ISL.IS service for quick retrieval of e-mail if the MWR.IS system is
busy. If you choose to have only the ISL.IS service, please remember to
have your MWR.IS service disconnected to avoid additional/double
billings. To establish this service call ISL.IS at 575-7575 or send e-mail
to elisabet.sveinsdottir@isbank.is, requesting to open an account.
Request must include name, address, date of birth, and phone number.
MWR is not affiliated with this company in anyway.
This information is provided to give you a better understanding of
some of the difficulties we, as your ISP provider, face on a daily basis.
It is our sole intent to provide die best service we can to this entire
community within the resources available. If you have specific ques-
tions or concerns regarding your personal system/equipment please do
not hesitate to contact our Internet Administrator at ext. 6411.
Thank you for your continued support and your help in minimizing the
overload MWR Management
Page 2
MWR’s Leisure Section
May 19, 2000