Connection Options
On this page:
Overview
Migrating from the Stanford Modem Pool to commercial dial-in or high-speed Internet should be a fairly easy process involving three main steps:
- Compare vendors' prices and packages and subscribe to the one best for you
- Download the necessary software and set it up, or have the required installation done
- Configure your email and VPN, if necessary
If you need any help along the way, please submit a HelpSU request and the Stanford IT Help Desk will be happy to answer your questions.
Compare Prices/Plans and Subscribe to Service
The following list of dial-up and high-speed Internet service providers is not exhaustive, and prices/plans are subject to change. IT Services provides the list for your convenience and, with the exception of iPass and Stanford DSL, inclusion on the list doesn't necessarily imply recommendation.
Stanford Account Options
These services must be paid via a Stanford PTA (Project-Task-Award) number. If you have that option available to you, consider these:
| Pricing | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford DSL | $35.00/month and up | Includes five Stanford IP addresses, hassle-free installation, any service issues handled by Stanford. For faculty and staff. Stanford DSL service must be requested and paid for by the subscriber's department, at the department's discretion. See "Remote SUNet Access over DSL" at http://www.stanford.edu/services/dsl for more information. |
| iPass | See iPass site for subscription information. | Dial-up plus remote access, widespread coverage. Stanford-contracted provider, available only to faculty and staff |
Dial-up
| Pricing | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| EarthLink | Due to the often changeable nature of pricing structures, please refer to each vendor's web site for current pricing. | Unlimited dial-up |
| NetZero | Two different packages, low-cost option, fast connections. | |
| Speakeasy | 150 hours/month, 56K standard | |
| Sonic | Accelerated dial-up | |
| RCN | Includes a Dial-Up Accelerator to browse web pages up to 5x faster |
High-Speed Internet
Note: Not all services are available in all areas. You'll need to provide basic information to the vendor to assess whether service is available in your area.
| Pricing | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Comcast | Due to the often changeable nature of pricing structures, please refer to each vendor's web site for current pricing. | Cable modem service. Best if you already have Comcast cable. |
| AT&T/Yahoo | Different packages. Low-cost option, sometimes cheaper than dial-up. | |
| EarthLink | Several packages, offering speed up to 4x faster than regular DSL. | |
| Speakeasy | Download speeds up to 6.0Mbps | |
| AOL | DSL or cable high speed. Easy self-installation and setup. | |
| RCN | Up to 1.5Mbps, 5Mbps, 10Mbps or 20Mbps download speeds |
Download the necessary software and set it up, or have the required installation done
All the vendors have their configuration instructions on the Web, and software that installs itself, so it should be easy for you to get set up quickly. Stanford doesn't support other dial-up or high-speed connections, so you will have to contact the vendor's support if you need help.
Configure your email and VPN (if necessary)
Email—For instructions on how to make your email program work with the new ISP, see "Configuring Your Email Program" at http://www.stanford.edu/services/email/config/.
VPN—If you want to access certain Stanford resources, whether by dial-up or by high-speed, you'll need VPN (virtual private network). For the Stanford community, VPN is free for download at http://www.stanford.edu/services/vpn/ and requires no configuration.
If you need help with email or VPN setup, you can submit a HelpSU ticket at http://helpsu.stanford.edu.
