A Core Competence Product Evaluation
Out of the Box: Hardware, Software, Documentation and Accessories
The Sportster ISDN 128K is suitable for installation in a PC with one free 16-bit ISA or EISA slot, a 386 or faster CPU, and at least 4 (DOS) or 8 (Windows 95) MB of RAM. We installed this card in a 486/50 DX2 with 8 MB of RAM without difficulty. The card has an integrated NT-1 (network termination), providing a single RJ-45 jack for connection to your ISDN subscriber line U interface. The card also offers a single analog port that allows you to connect any analog device (such as your telephone) to the ISDN card through an RJ-11 jack. This analog port does not pass through a "ring tone", which prevents its use with an analog fax or modem unless you purchase an external ring generator (separately purchased from USR for about $95).
The product is currently supplied with Windows 3.11/DOS and Windows 95 drivers, a Sportster ISDN 128K Manager utility, and Windows 3.11/DOS Remote LAN Access software. Windows NT 3.51 and 4.0 drivers and configuration instructions are also available from USR’s web site, and a UNIX driver is available from a third party vendor (CDA-IAC, $195). We evaluated the unit under Windows 3.11 using the WinISDN interface and the OnNet 2.0 WinSOCK TCP/IP stack. This WinISDN configuration can also be used under Windows 95. USR has since released additional support for Windows 95 using Microsoft’s ISDN Accelerator Pack, native Microsoft TCP/IP stack, and Dial-Up Networking.
What else is in the box? An Installation Guide and a copy of Discover the World Wide Web with your Sportster are included in package. The Installation Guide provides an excellent description of ISDN and how to order service from your telephone company. Very clear instructions are also provided for physical installation, but the manual relies entirely on strength of the included Sportster ISDN 128K Manager utility for everything else, directing you to "follow the instructions on the install screens." One cable with RJ-45 terminations is included to connect the Sportster to your ISDN wall jack.
What else do you need? An ISDN wall jack, of course – you’ll need to purchase an ISDN Basic Rate Interface (BRI) from your local telephone company or other ISDN local access provider, and either have the inside ISDN wiring installed or do it yourself. And you’ll need someplace to call – the phone number of an ISDN access server and an appropriately-configured dial-in account. If you plan to use the ISDN to surf the web, you’ll need to purchase a single-host ISDN dial-in account from an Internet Access Provider. If you plan to use the card for remote access to your corporate network, you’ll need to chat with your friendly system administrator back at the office. You can’t get very far into the configuration process without these two pre-requisites, so take care of these steps before grabbing your screwdriver to install the card…
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