Don't Be Fooled

	Not all DSL offers are equal.  Whenever possible always use a Tier 1 Internet access product. A Tier 1 service provider has its own nationwide internet backbone facilities with interconnection (peering) with all other major Tier 1 internet service providers. King Communications will help you secure Tier 1 DSL service. Most ISPs offer Tier 3 or lower Internet access which does not compare. A Tier 2 ISP has its own regional internet backbone facilities with interconnection (peering) with Tier 1 internet service providers. A Tier 3 ISP has a metro-area network with its own peering arrangements to Tier 1 or Tier 2 ISPs. A Tier 4 ISP has its own local area network (LAN) and must interconnect with a Tier 1, 2, or 3 serice provider. The major disadvantage of lower level ISPs is the number of router hops to get out to a URL or server and the oversubscription of bandwidth. You may have 512kbps of bandwidth from a Tier 4 ISP but you will share a common gateway to the higher tier ISP and may not see anywhere near 512Kbps. With Tier 1 you get better throughput at the same access bandwidth. Tier 1 access is right on the Internet. Tier 2 access is at least 1 router hop away from the Internet. Conclusion: Tier 2, 3 and 4 are good but Tier 1 is BEST.