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		User Policy and Technical Underpinnings


	This discussion group was one of the more lightly subscribed
groups, probably because the major concerns echoed in this discussion
have so much overlap with some of the other discussion groups at
the conference.  These include issues of
    * Scalability
    * Sustainability
    * Support

	The following technologies were discussed for application
to Metropolitan Area Network connectivity:
    * ISDN.  Basic Rate Interfaces are widely used.  With Centrex
service or with voice call setup, ISDN involves no time charges,
making it suitable for nailed up MAN links.  Primary Rate Interfaces,
which combine multiple BRIs, are attractive in principle but not
competitively priced.
    * Cable.  This is attractive technology whose deployment has
been stalled by the economic slowdown in the cable industry.  The
cause of this slowdown has to do with a failure to plan adequately
for data service and telephony and unexpected competition from
satellite providers.
    * DSL.  These technologies allow for high-speed access over
existing copper wire.  While technologically mature, this
service is not widely offered, probably because of its potential
to undercut competing ISDN service offerings.
    * Wireless.  This option is particularly attractive in the
absence of other realistic competitive options.

	Participants reported a fairly heterogeneous set of
server options.  While this indicates that many server options
are possible, it also underscores the problem of maintaining
an overly broad infrastructure.  Several approaches to this
problem were discussed, ranging from the central administration
of a common server platform to the involvement of student
assistants to carry out routine server and network maintenance.

Bob Carlitz

• Previous message: Bob Carlitz: "online survey on pre-conference activities"