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There are fixed monthly charges and per-minute usage fees for ISDN, just like
regular phone service. Typically, ISDN costs more than regular phone service,
but it is still affordable for many business and residential purposes. Because
one ISDN line can support several devices simultaneously—such as a
computer, voice phone, and fax machine—you may be able to replace existing
extra phone lines with one ISDN line.
Note: Because an ISDN line requires a power source at your location, a
phone attached to an ISDN line will not work during a power outage. For
emergency use, you should strongly consider keeping your regular analog
phone line, which receives power from the phone company.
Setting up an ISDN line
If you’re interested in setting up an ISDN line, first contact your local phone
company to see if ISDN service is available at your location. Your phone
company can also provide specific information about monthly charges and
usage fees. (Your phone company may also charge an installation fee, which
may be waived or refunded if you agree to keep the ISDN line for a specified
amount of time.)
In addition, you also need to purchase and configure an ISDN terminal
adapter, which connects to the external modem port on your Macintosh and
to the ISDN line. (ISDN terminal adapters are often called “ISDN modems”
because they are somewhat similar to modems.)
Some ISDN terminal adapter models may be difficult to configure with the
network configuration of your employer or Internet service provider (ISP).
Work closely with your computer network administrator or ISP to make sure
you purchase a compatible ISDN terminal adapter.
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Chapter 4