	Department of Engineering

University of Cambridge > Engineering Department > Help > Network Support > Offsite Access

Accessing CUED and the Internet via modem

Introduction
How does it work?
Requirements
Choosing a service provider
Configuring your computer for magpie

Introduction

It is becoming increasingly easy to access the Internet via modem from your home computer, or from a portable computer while travelling. For example, you may want to have remote access to your CUED electronic mail, or you may want to be able to run web browsers such as Netscape. This page outlines what you will need, and the options available to suit your circumstances.

This page does not cover how to access CUED facilities such as the Teaching System from College, from other Internet sites, or from your home computer once you have set up your ISP. See the page on off-site access for links to resources on those areas.

How does it work?

The basic principle is that you establish a network connection between your own computer and another over a telephone line. You do this by having your computer dial a phone number belonging to an 'Internet service provider'. Once connected to the service provider's system, you can connect via there to other systems such as the CUED or any other Internet site. Many service providers will generally require a monthly or annual subscription in return for acting as your 'gateway to the Internet', though there is an increasing number of free services available.

Requirements

Almost any computer purchased within the last four years will be suitable for connecting to the Internet.

In addition to the computer itself, you will need a modem, which manages the connection and transmission of data over the telephone line. The maximum speed of the modem is important, especially if you want to transfer large files, or do a lot of Web browsing. The least that you should consider is a 28.8Kb/s modem, but if you can afford a 33.3Kb/s or 56Kb/s modem, you should buy one.

For most current computers, both PCs and Macs, your computer will already have the necessary software (though in some cases, you may need to install additional components from the disks that came with your computer).

Choosing a service provider

There are a number of different options available when choosing a provider. Your choice will depend on factors such as what you want to do, and where you will be accessing the Internet from:

If you require high-speed access, and you have, or can have installed, an ISDN line, you should consider the Department's dialin service. This will give you a guaranteed high-speed link with very quick connection times. More information on ISDN is available.
If you have only a normal phone line and modem, you can still use the Department's dialin service. You should choose this service if you will need to access machines or services that require you to be located within the Department network. If you do not require such services, you should consider the University's magpie dial-up service.
The other choices, and their relative merits, are outlined in a University Computing Service leaflet. These include commercial Internet Service Providers, and services provided via cable by NTL.

Configuring your computer for magpie

The University Computing Service produces a series of leaflets with step-by-step instructions on configuring your computer to use their magpie dialup service: