Types of T1 Connections...

Written by: DirectGlobal - Oct 13, 2008

Full T1: A Full T1 is a complete dedicated circuit of up to 1.544Mbps total speed. The full circuit can be either data or voice, but not both.

Fractional T1: A Fractional T1 is a private, dedicated leased line that goes directly from your office to your Internet Service Provider (ISP), providing a guaranteed transmission speed. Leased lines provide guaranteed bandwidth, since they are not shared with other users. Fractional T1 lines are cheaper than at full T1 (1.544Mbps). The most common fractional T1 speeds are 256 Kbps and 384 Kbps.

Point-to-Point T1: A Point to Point T1 is the best application for such business applications as hosting web and email servers as well as and conducting audio and video conferencing over the Internet. Because point-to-point offers the most guaranteed dedicated connection available, this service is also recommended for companies transferring private files or using corporate VPNs and WANs.

Frame Relay: Frame Relay (a packet-switched protocol), sends information in packets called frames through a shared Frame-Relay network. Instead of being allocated with a fixed amount of bandwidth, Frame-Relay services offer a CIR (committed information rate) at which data is transmitted. Also, Frame Relay is entirely digital, which reduces the chance of error and offers excellent transmission rates (typically 56 kbps to 1.544 mbps). Frame Relay's were also developed to connect to LANs and WANs.

Integrated T1: An integrated T1 is designed for businesses that need to run multiple services over the same line. This service usually consists of dedicated long distance voice services (local, regional...), and high-speed Internet access. This integration of local, long distance, and Internet allows increased efficiencies to end users and greater flexibility to carriers. Also known as a Channelized T1 because it contains 24 individual channels, each capable of carrying voice or data. The full set of channels has the same speed as a full T1, but the individual channels may be split into voice lines or data lines using a device called a Channel Service Unit/Data Service Unit.

Voice T1: A Voice T1 is a multi-channel digital transmission system that allows for digitized voice services at 1.544 Mbps. A Voice T1 comes straight from the broadband provider's backbone and will support up to 24 voice lines for inbound/outbound & 2-way local, regional, and overseas voice services. This makes a Voice T1 a very stable and reliable connection that can simultaneously provide access to networks, or switching centers. Voice T1 digital signals are easily monitored to ensure quality of transmission and will allow for adjustment to individual users voice service needs, such as multiple trunk groups, as well as for different call types.

For more information on T1s, T3s and OC-x circuits, please click here.