AT&T Broadband offers home networking for AT&T Broadband internet users - New Products - Brief Article

ISP Business, Jan, 2002

AT&T Broadband Internet customers wanting to maximize their high-speed cable Internet connections can link multiple home PCs together with the company's easy-to-install wired and wireless home networking solutions, AT&T Broadband said. The home networking hardware solutions are being provided and supported by Linksys, a leader in networking, Internet sharing, and mobile computing.

According to a survey entitled Connecting the Home: Home Networking Market Forecast and Analysis, 1999-2004, about 22 million US households have a second computer. Home network users discover that when they link multiple home computers they get more use from their second PC. In a networked environment, multiple users can share a single Internet connection that provides each computer with high-speed service provided by AT&T Broadband Internet. With a home network, users also can share files instantly without having to carry disks between computers as well as share printers and other devices.

AT&T Broadband Internet users can link up to five computers via a wireless or wired solution. Users may want to install the 802.11b Wi-Fi certified wireless home network if they have computers in different rooms or want the flexibility to roam anywhere at home. The wireless solution is the easiest way to get a home network up and running. Wired solutions are best for users who have multiple computers and devices in one room or need Fast Ethernet speeds of 100 Mbps between computers. Self-installation typically takes about 30 minutes for the experienced computer user. Linksys provides free 24/7 technical support for customers who need assistance.

AT&T Broadband's home networking solution can save users money because the solution requires the user to have only one cable modem. Customers pay about $45.95 for AT&T Broadband Internet service and the lease of a cable modem. Customers can add up to four additional computers for $4.95 each. The additional fee gives each computer a unique IP address allowing simultaneous access to the Internet.

Customers can learn about and purchase the home-network solution online at http:// www.attbroadband.com/homenetworking. The cost of the solution can vary depending on the number of computers and the type of solution a customer chooses. A wireless home network solution linking two computers will cost less than $350. Currently, customers receive free shipping when they order online and typically receive their package within 48 hours.