Configuration Examples Useful Information on Internet Access
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8.6 Useful Information on Internet Access
8.6.1 Costs
The OpenCom 100 uses a router function to access the Internet, which means that
it automatically establishes an Internet connection when required and terminates
the connection after a certain period of time if no data are being transmitted.
Unfortunately, programmes other than those typically intended to access the
Internet (such as your browser or your e-mail software) may send out data packets
which cause an Internet connection to be established, even if these programmes
are not strictly Internet-associated applications. Examples of such programmes are
the Microsoft
TM
XP
TM
operating system, various multimedia programmes such as
Realplayer
TM
and anti-virus applications that may establish an Internet connection
for automatic updates (the so-called “phone home function”).
It is therefore highly advisable to limit ISP access by specifying the maximum
monthly connection time under Connection time per month in the Network:
WAN: [Provider] menu on the web console.
8.6.2 Using the Web
A Web browser not only enables you to use the OpenCom 100 Configurator from
every workstation computer but also to obtain a wealth of information from the
Internet. Simply enter the desired URL in the address field of the browser. Access
from a stand-alone PC via an online service differs from Internet access via the
OpenCom 100 in the following respects:
■ When you request a Web page, dialling in results automatically. There is no
display of dialogues with manual confirmation of dialling in or hanging up.
■ Requesting Web pages is not a connection-orientated service. When the Web
page has been loaded completely, the TCP/IP connection is cleared. If you do
not request further Web pages, the OpenCom 100 automatically releases the
connection to the Internet after a certain, specifiable duration.
■ It is possible to call up Web pages simultaneously from several workstations.
■ The OpenCom 100 can block access to certain Web pages by means of filter
lists.