Microcomputer Services

Get Connected with DSL

Introduction
DSL service uses a telephone line to transmit data up to 900 percent faster than a modem without monopolizing that telephone line for voice calls. DSL service is comprised of two components: the physical wire connection and the Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Here in the Willamette Valley the local telephone company, Qwest, is the largest provider of physical DSL connections, although other companies have entered the market recently. (See www.broadbandreports.com.) The ISP portion can be Qwest or any number of other local, regional or national ISPs. The University of Oregon cannot serve as an ISP for DSL service; you must select Qwest or another company.

For more information on DSL, please see the Computing News article, "DSL Offers Faster Internet Access to Off-Campus Users" (Fall, 2000).

For more information on selecting an ISP for DSL service, please see the Computing News article, "What to Look for When Selecting and Evaluating DSL Service Providers".

Installation
For a fee Qwest will set up and configure DSL. We recommend this option for non-technical users and those not interested in spending several hours of their time.

Users who choose to install DSL themselves are strongly encouraged to read the documentation before they begin and follow Qwest's installation instructions. We do not have the ability to help users with the DSL installation and configuration process.

Accessing the University of Oregon
DSL users will be able to access nearly every University of Oregon resource available on the internet with two major exceptions:

E-mail
When setting up your e-mail program to access your Uoregon.edu e-mail account, users need to use their ISPs SMTP (outgoing e-mail) server, rather than the University's SMTP server. Alternately, use a web-based e-mail program like email.uoregon.edu.

If you attempt to send an e-mail through Gladstone, Darkwing or Oregon, you will receive an error message.

Users can receive e-mail in the normal fashion.

Service Notice
(January 29, 2004)

MSN Broadband, an ISP available with Qwest DSL, has e-mail restrictions. MSN Broadband requires the use of a feature called SMTP authentication, if you plan to use an e-mail program like Outlook or Eudora. Not all e-mail programs support SMTP authentication. Eudora is the most notable of the group.

Library Web Sites
The University of Oregon Library provides electronic access to a number of databases and resources, some of which are contractually limited to University faculty, staff and students only. With DSL, your computer will be using a non-University Internet (IP) address, preventing you from accessing certain Library systems.

The Library has a solution for users who need access. To configure your computer for Library access, please read the Library's web page Off-Campus Access to Library Databases.

Other than the exceptions noted above, all other setting are either supplied by Qwest, your DSL's ISP, or our UO Network Settings page.

For more information on DSL and connecting to the University, please contact our Help Desk.