What is T1?
T1 is a high-speed digital telephone line that can accommodate up to 24 telephone lines or trunks. It transfers signals at 1.544 megabits per second in accordance with DS1. It may be used in place of separate local trunks and lines from the local telephone company. Optical fibers may be used for all or part of the circuit path. It also may have the capability to connect directly to your long distance service provider and bypass your local telephone company. T1s require a four-wire circuit between the user location and the service provider’s central office and other special equipment to work with telephone or data systems.
What are the different flavors of T1?
T1 service is available in several configuration/application variations, including:
A single channel of 1.544 mbps capacity. Such T1s are usually used for a dedicated connection between data devices in separate locations, for connection between a user and a data carrier, or between a user and an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
A channelized T1 is multiplexed into separate channels. The most common variety creates 24, 64-kbps channels that can be used for voice and data connection to local/long distance service providers and ISPs .
A fractional T1 is a digital line in which the capacity is only partially activated. It is usually available in increments from 128 kbps to 768 kbps and may be channelized as needed. Monthly charges are determined by the amount of bandwidth activated.
A burstable T1 refers to a usage-based pricing mechanism whereby additional bandwidth is provided as needed and there are set monthly charges for the most frequently used transmission rate. If you should exceed that rate at any time during the billing period, the monthly charges will be assessed at the cost of the higher bandwidth for that billing period. It affords lower fixed monthly and usage charges and is not available everywhere.
What is a fractional T1?
A fractional T1 is a digital line in which the capacity is only partially activated. It is usually available in increments from 128 kbps to 768 kbps and may be channelized as needed. It provides less than full DS1 capacity. Monthly charges are determined by the amount of bandwidth activated.
What is a burstable T1?
A burstable T1 refers to a usage-based pricing mechanism whereby additional bandwidth is provided as needed and there are set monthly charges for the most frequently used transmission rate. If you should exceed that rate at any time during the billing period, the monthly charges will be assessed at the cost of the higher bandwidth for that billing period. It is available in most locations and affords lower fixed monthly and usage charges.
Should I consider a T1?
T1’s major advantage is economic. If you need at least 10-15 voice-grade channels that connect to your local or long distance service provider, or if you have need for high-capacity data bandwidth (256 kbps to 1.544 mbps), a T1 may cost less than alternative means of access. However, keep in mind that initial costs for equipment and installation are quite high. But, T1s are most cost effective when utilization is heavy or near full capacity for extended times.
What are the various costs associated with T1?
Fixed monthly charges may consist of service, CO termination,
multiplexer functions and access coordination.
Installation charges can be quite high.
Port charges for access to service providers (rare)
Local loop charge based on the distance between you and the service
provider’s central office.
Usage charges may also apply (rare).
Equipment may include a “smart jack” network interface, a CSU/DSU,
and a channel bank or multiplexer or DS1 card in the equipment utilizing
the T1.
Associated charges would include local, long distance, data or Internet
service.
What is a bundle?
Bundles are multiple services offered in a package by the same service provider.
Common bundles offered with T1 facilities include the combination of local and long
distance services, Internet access and long distance services. Most service providers
offer a discounted cost-per-minute for long distance if you choose to use their T1
for voice and data.
What is T1?