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n-1-4-040.65b
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Subject: n-1-4-040.65
European Commercial IP networks: Connecting IP networks in the UK
by Peter Dawe* <peter@unipalm.co.uk>
Prior to 1992, IP connectivity in the UK was almost non-existant, The
research and Acedemic community (JANET) in the UK were using 'Coloured
book' protocols. UKnet the only IP provider was charging 20,000 pounds
p.a. just to connect. However this has all changed.
During 1992, the acedemic community have accepted IP, offering the
JIPS service. Also a new venture - PIPEX has entered the commecial
market reducing the cost of connection and providing a high
availability service.
Since going live in April 1992, PIPEX has connected nearly 50
organisations to the world-wide IP network. Additional companies are
joining at the rate of 10 per month. Many are using the service for
their international data traffic, using PIPEX partners in Scandanavia
the US and elsewhere.
PIPEX is currently offering connection to the network via either
asynchronous dial-up over the PSTN or dedicated leased line access.
During 1993 PIPEX is planning to offer connection using ISDN and X.25
and possibly Frame Relay. It will also open additional backbone nodes
throughout the UK.
One of the important aspects of the Internet is the need for full
connectivity between providers. To this end PIPEX, JANET and UKnet are
all connected within the UK. With PIPEX contributing the cost of the
lines to JANET and UKnet.
The other important partnership in the EBONE initiative. In 1993,
JANET/JIPS and PIPEX will be able to connect to the whole of the
European community via this network.
For those with a limited budget, several companies have used the PIPEX
network to offer low cost access to the Internet. The IBM PC User
group and Demon Systems both offer dial-up access for the single
computer site, with email and news services also provided. Compulink
also know in the UK as CIX, are also offering limited Ineternet access
to their 7,000+ subscribers. Others low end providers are expected.
Through JIPS, PIPEX and other providers there are now nearly 10,000
sites in the UK able to access the Internet.
All this has happened in the last 12 months!
We are looking forward to 1993 when perhap connection to the Internet
will be a ubiquitous as the FAX!
* Peter Dawe, Joint Managing Director
Unipalm Limited, PIPEX, XTECH
Cambridge, England