An alternative to leased data communication circuits and Premise Distribution System connectivity is the use of dial-up connections. The initial cost of establishing a dial-up connection is relatively small. The on-going operational costs are determined by the distance between the terminal location and the nearest entry point to the network, and by the amount of time spent each month with the terminal connected to the computer. If neither of these requirements is present, asynchronous protocols will work satisfactorily. This will significantly reduce the long distance charges for customers who are in those geographic areas.
Customers using synchronous protocols can connect to the network only at Topeka.
This Standard establishes the procedures by which customers can access the Kansas Data Network using either of the protocols. These protocol converters will work with a variety of asynchronous terminals. The DEC VT100 is supported at all sites throughout the State. The operational instruction set that will be provided to dial-up subscribers will address the use of a VT100 terminal protocol. Customers may choose to use other protocols but it will be their responsibility to develop their own operational instructions.