U of MN Extension - Direct Internet Connections

Why County Offices Need Direct Internet Connections logo: U of MN Extension

In the emerging "learning society," the University of Minnesota Extension Service as one of the principal outreach units of the University of Minnesota, must be equipped through the use of the latest technologies to directly support the lifelong learning needs of the citizens of the state. An Internet link to each county office is a key element in providing this service. A direct Internet connection makes possible:

immediate access to the latest research-based information to better serve the citizens of your county (including publications, fact sheets, statistics and demographics)
higher quality educational programming in your county
instantaneous communication with Extension colleagues and other subject matter experts throughout the state and the nation to get answers to questions and to help apply the research of the University of Minnesota in your community
immediate access to government information, grants, rules, regulations

Dial-up vs. Direct Connections: While dial-up connections through modems and telephone lines are good solutions for homes or small businesses, a direct Internet connection to the Extension office local area network is important to be able take full advantage of the resources that are available through the Internet.

A Comparison of Standard Dial-Up and Direct Internet Connections

Standard Dial-Up Connection Direct Connection

Slower and more inefficient connection Rapid, high quality, direct connection

Usually not accessible on all desktops, often requires asking support staff member to leave their computer Access on each desk, access is immediate

One person per outside line Many users can access resources at the same time-unlimited time

Connections are slower to establish and less reliable - frequent busy signals Connections are always available and highly reliable

No immediate sending and receiving of e-mail at desktop, extra time for one person to download and process email Desktop e-mail allows for immediate communication with anyone who has Internet access -- ability to receive and send e-mail from each desk

Lower quality service for clients, like going down the hall to use the phone, cannot talk with clients on the phone and retrieve information at the same time. Work with clientele while looking up answers at the same time. Able to answer more questions, make connections, educational function expanded.

How to Get a Direct Internet Connection

Extension Offices Located with Other County Government Departments: The first choice for these Extension offices is to seek a direct Internet connection through the county government networks. The State of Minnesota MNET Collaboration project and other Internet Service Provider offerings can provide Internet service to all county offices at a single location cost efficiently.

Extension "Stand-alone" Offices: For these offices, Extension has arranged for Internet service through the University of Minnesota. The University contributes:

Initial installation (up to $700 contribution)
Subsidized monthly connection (all line charges in excess of $212 per month)

What Extension county offices receive for $212 per month:

Direct connection to all Extension computers in the office through the local area network
Immediate access to electronic mail, University and other resources on the World Wide Web
More than one user at a time can access information
Subsidized price, cost-share with the University to bring quality service (U of M contributes the Internet connection and the data transport costs from the regional hub locations to the Minneapolis location at no additional charge)

For more information:

Bob Rubinyi
Information Technology Team
University of Minnesota Extension Service
rrubinyi@extension.umn.edu
612-624-2708

Author: Lisa Behnken
Extension Educator
Olmsted County

Information Technology Page

University of Minnesota Extension Home Page

URL: http:// www3.extension.umn.edu/units/cets/it/directnet.html This page was updated June 4, 1999 .
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Standard Dial-Up Connection	Direct Connection
Slower and more inefficient connection	Rapid, high quality, direct connection
Usually not accessible on all desktops, often requires asking support staff member to leave their computer	Access on each desk, access is immediate
One person per outside line	Many users can access resources at the same time-unlimited time
Connections are slower to establish and less reliable - frequent busy signals	Connections are always available and highly reliable
No immediate sending and receiving of e-mail at desktop, extra time for one person to download and process email	Desktop e-mail allows for immediate communication with anyone who has Internet access -- ability to receive and send e-mail from each desk
Lower quality service for clients, like going down the hall to use the phone, cannot talk with clients on the phone and retrieve information at the same time.	Work with clientele while looking up answers at the same time. Able to answer more questions, make connections, educational function expanded.