Off Campus Networking

The use of broadband home networking has become ubiquitous and for many an essential service. Effective summer of 2009 the Duke administration articulated a policy that no remote networking services may be paid for with Duke funds.

The prevalent options are Time Warner Cable and a variety of DSL providers. The most heavily marketed DSL provider in this area is Verizon South. Shop comparatively before picking a plan. Fee structures change periodically, as do upload and download throughput rates.

Cable or DSL service provides a single point of access to a residence. Typically one attaches a small, consumer grade router to the cable or DSL modem. It generally makes sense to purchase a router providing both wired and wireless service that will serve all of the computers and network printers in one's home.

If you are heavily reliant on a single laptop and travel extensively, a broadband wireless card may be appropriate. While expensive and generally limited to one laptop, these cards provide maximum geographic coverage and throughput.

IT staff members are available to consult on broadband options.