Technological evolution of the telecommunications world are introducing to the Virtual Campus a whole range of new connection possibilities. The aim of the following sections is to throw light on the new concepts in order to help you to choose the configuration that will best suit your needs.

Connection from home to the Virtual Campus can be effected by means of the following networks: BTN, ISDN, ADSL and CABLE. Tests have also been conducted to search for new ways linked to mobile telephony such as the GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) system. Even though from a technological standpoint this is a valid option, it is not an effective one for the UOC's educational system, owing to the costs involved. In the near future, new ways will appear, which will be linked to satellite. The following possibilities are currently available.

This constitutes the new solution for fitting a high-speed data channel* onto the side of voice channel* in the conventional telephone line (BTNand ISDN). The data channel is permanent and is subject to the flat rate, while the voice channel has the BTN rate. The fact that the connection is permanent implies that it is not necessary actually to make the call to establish the connection, as the line is always active. What is implied by the flat rate is that the cost of the bill is fixed and independent of the use being made of the line. Connection is made by means of an ADSL modem* and a card that adapts to the network which uses Ethernet technology*.

In ADSL technology, the data channel is asymmetric, and consequently the maximum volume of information in the network-to-user direction is greater than that obtaining in the user-to-network direction.

The fact that voice and data channels are different makes it possible to receive or make calls while your PC is connected. This prevents your phone from being engaged while you are browsing through the Internet.

Table showing ADSL speed of transmission with Telefónica:

ADSL constitutes an attractive option for all those wanting to enjoy a very good access speed which will allow them to work at the Virtual Campus as comfortably as possible for longer than one hour a day on average. If the line is to be used for less than an hour a day, the ISDN connection will be the more economical.

A BTN Network with ADSL
	Advantages High speed. The phone is not engaged when you are working in the Virtual Campus. You can keep the same phone number. A flat rate is applicable and there are other possibilities. The communication channel is always on. With the ADSL router, there's no need for Telefónica to come to install the line. With the autoinstallation modem you do not need a filter separator.
	Disadvantages Not available throughout the territory of the Spanish state. The profitability of the flat rate depends on the number of hours of connection. It might imply having to have it installed at home.